Does Zoom Work on Linux?
Introduction
Zoom is a widely used video conferencing platform for meetings, webinars, and virtual events. This article covers Zoom’s compatibility with Linux, including the official desktop client and browser-based access.
Key Takeaways
- Zoom provides an official Linux client with DEB, RPM, and generic installer packages.
- Core features work including video calls, screen sharing, and chat.
- Wayland support is partial — screen sharing may require X11 or XWayland.
- Virtual backgrounds may have limited availability depending on hardware.
- Browser access through Chrome provides an alternative to the desktop client.
Compatibility Overview
Zoom offers an official desktop client for Linux that supports the platform’s core conferencing features. The application provides video and audio calls, screen sharing, breakout rooms, and chat functionality. While the Linux client receives updates, some features may arrive later than on Windows or macOS.
The Zoom web client also allows users to join meetings through Chrome and Chromium-based browsers without installing software.
Supported Platforms and Requirements
- Distributions: Ubuntu 16.04+, Debian 9+, Fedora 21+, CentOS 7+, Arch Linux (AUR)
- Packages: DEB, RPM, TAR.XZ, Snap, Flatpak
- Display Server: X11 (full support), Wayland (partial support)
- Browser: Chrome, Chromium (web client)
- Audio/Video: PulseAudio or PipeWire; webcam with V4L2 support
Known Limitations or Common Issues
- Screen sharing under Wayland may not capture individual windows without XWayland.
- Virtual backgrounds may not be available without a supported GPU or specific driver versions.
- The Linux client may lag behind Windows and macOS for new feature releases.
- End-to-end encryption support may vary between Linux client versions.
- Auto-updates are not consistently reliable across all installation methods.
Alternatives or Workarounds
- Join via Chrome if the desktop client has screen sharing or compatibility issues.
- Use X11 instead of Wayland for more reliable screen sharing support.
- PipeWire can help resolve audio device detection issues on newer distributions.
- Jitsi Meet or Google Meet are browser-based alternatives that work well on Linux.
Conclusion
Zoom is compatible with Linux through its official desktop client and browser-based access. Most conferencing features work reliably, though screen sharing on Wayland and virtual background support may require additional configuration. Compatibility can vary by distribution, display server, and hardware configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zoom have a Linux app?
Yes. Zoom provides an official Linux client available as DEB, RPM, and generic installers for various distributions including Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS.
Does Zoom screen sharing work on Linux?
Screen sharing works on Linux under X11. Wayland users may need to use XWayland or configure additional permissions for screen capture to function properly.
Can Zoom be used in a browser on Linux?
Yes. Zoom meetings can be joined through Chrome and Chromium-based browsers on Linux. Firefox support for Zoom's web client has historically been more limited.
Does Zoom support virtual backgrounds on Linux?
Virtual background support on Linux is available but may be limited compared to Windows and macOS. Hardware requirements and driver support can affect availability.
Does Zoom work on Ubuntu?
Yes. Zoom provides a DEB package for Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions. It can also be installed via Snap or Flatpak.
Does Zoom auto-update on Linux?
The Zoom Linux client does not always auto-update. Users may need to download and install updates manually or rely on package manager integrations.
Is Zoom compatible with Wayland on Linux?
Zoom can run under Wayland, but some features like screen sharing may require XWayland. Zoom has been gradually improving native Wayland support.