Information Technology

Attention all Zoom users: Zoom now requires quarterly updates

Zoom vendor to initiate forced update on Nov. 5; all users encouraged to upgrade to the latest version of the Zoom desktop client or mobile app now

All Penn Staters are encouraged to update to the latest version of the Zoom desktop client or mobile app to maintain the optimal video-conferencing experience.  Credit: Antonioguillem - stock.adobe.com. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — To prevent a disruption to users' Zoom experience, Penn State IT is recommending that all faculty, staff and students periodically check to make sure they are using the latest version of Zoom. Users should update to the latest Zoom version at their earliest convenience before the next forced update on Nov. 5. 

Some departments and units may require a local IT administrator to assist users in upgrading to the latest version of the Zoom desktop client or mobile app. 

The Zoom vendor is implementing a quarterly forced update process, and all Zoom users will need to download and install the latest Zoom version to avoid any disruptions. Starting Nov. 5, Zoom users will be required to update to at least version 5.8.6. Users who have not updated Zoom as of this date will not be able to join a Zoom meeting until they upgrade. The workaround would be to use the Zoom web version. However, it is strongly recommended that the latest version of the Zoom desktop client or mobile app be used for optimal security.   

There also are a number of upcoming features available in Zoom; however, in order to take full advantage of these features, users need to download and install Zoom version 5.10.3 or higher on all devices — including desktop computers, laptops and mobile devices.   

Please refer to this knowledge base article for more information:   

 For the latest Zoom updates, news, resources, support and training information, visit zoom.psu.edu.     

For questions, contact the IT Service Desk by calling 814-865-HELP or sending an email to zoom@psu.edu.      

Last Updated October 7, 2022