Zoom Keeps Crashing – How To Fix

When you're in the middle of a work or personal Zoom call, the last thing you want is for the app to hang, lag, or crash. When this happens it can be frustrating and spoil the experience. Many users report that Zoom struggles to handle specific tasks, especially screen sharing or joining meetings.

If you are facing the same problem, read on to find ways to fix the problem using various apps. We have provided different fixes to try for multiple devices. If the fixes listed for your particular device did not work, please see some of the fixes for other devices.

Zoom keeps crashing when sharing screen

Some Zoom users have reported performance issues every time a screen is shared in a meeting. Disabling the option "Enable hardware acceleration for video reception" is one of the main fixes. Here's how to disable the setting:

1. In Zoom, select “zoom.us” from the menu bar.
   
2. Select "Preferences", then in the left sidebar, choose "Video".
   
3. Scroll down, then select "Advanced."
   
4. Make sure the "Use hardware acceleration to receive video" box is unchecked.
   

Now try again to see if the issue has been resolved.

Zoom keeps crashing when joining a meeting

Many users crash or freeze when trying to start or join a meeting. Here are two common fixes found to resolve the issue.

Change your video rendering setting

Follow these steps to change your video rendering settings:

1. Open Zoom and click the "Settings" icon in the upper right corner.
   
2. Choose the "Video" tab, then select "Advanced."
   
3. Under "Video Rendering Method", select "Direct3D11" from the drop-down menu.
   
4. Restart Zoom to allow the changes to take effect.

If adjusting your video settings does not resolve the issue, try the following:

Roll back camera driver

Using the previous camera driver solved the crashing issue for some Zoom users. Follow these steps to see if the same works for you:

1. Press the "Windows" key and "R" together to open the "Run" command.
   
2. Enter “devmgmt.msc” in the text field, then “OK”.
   
3. Double-click "Cameras" or "Imaging Devices" to access the list.
   
4. Right-click on your camera, then choose "Properties".
   
5. Go to the "Driver" tab, then select "Restore Driver".
   
6. Select a reason to back out, then "Yes".
   
7. Once the restore is complete, restart your PC for the changes to take effect and then see if the problem still persists.

Zoom keeps crashing Mac

If you experience performance issues when starting up, joining a meeting, enabling camera/sound, or screen sharing, try these fixes:

Update to the latest macOS and Zoom software

Here's how to check for or update macOS and Zoom updates:

MacOS

1. Click on the Apple menu icon at the top left of your screen.
   
2. Choose "System Preferences", then "Software Update".
   
3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

Zoom

1. Go to zoom.
2. In the menu bar, click on “zoom.us”.
   
3. Select "Check for updates..."
   

All available updates will be applied automatically.

Disable hardware acceleration

Or you can try disabling the "Enable hardware acceleration to receive video" option. This solved the problem for many users: Here's how to disable the setting:

1. In Zoom, select “zoom.us” from the menu bar.
   
2. Select "Preferences", then in the left sidebar, choose "Video".
   
3. Scroll down, then select "Advanced."
   
4. Make sure the "Use hardware acceleration to receive video" box is unchecked.
   

Zoom keeps crashing on Windows PC

The following techniques can help fix your PC crashing and freezing while using Zoom.

Change your video rendering setting

Follow these steps to change the setting:

1. Launch Zoom, then in the upper right corner, choose “Settings”.
   
2. Click on the “Video” tab, then select “Advanced”.
   
3. Under "Video Rendering Method", select "Direct3D11" from the drop-down menu.
   
4. Restart Zoom to save changes.

Roll back camera driver

Many users found that reverting to the previous camera driver solved the problem. Follow these steps to roll back your camera driver:

1. Press "Windows" + "R" key together to open a "Run".
   
2. Enter “devmgmt.msc” in the field, then “OK”.
   
3. Double-click "Cameras" or "Imaging Devices" to access the list.
   
4. Right-click on your camera, then choose "Properties".
   
5. Go to the "Driver" tab, then select "Restore Driver".
   
6. Choose a reason to back out, then "Yes".
   
7. Once the restore is complete, restart your PC for the changes to take effect and then check if the issue is resolved.

Update your device drivers

Maybe rolling back your camera driver didn't fix the problem. If so, the cause could be faulty or outdated device drivers. To fix crashing issues and avoid any other potential issues, always make sure your device driver is updated to the latest version.

You can update the driver manually or automatically. Manual updates involve finding the correct driver through the manufacturer's website. A little patience and computer skills are needed here.

The automatic method is much simpler but requires the help of a third-party application, "Driver Easy". Here's how to update your driver automatically using the app:

1. Download and install the Application Driver Easy.
   
2. Launch “Driver Easy”, then click the “Scan Now” button. Your computer will be scanned for problematic drivers.
   
3. Click "Update All" to download and install the correct versions of outdated or missing drivers. You will be prompted to upgrade to Pro to do this. You can always update for free. However, some parts will have to be done manually.
   
4. Once the drivers are updated, restart your PC and then retest Zoom.

Zoom keeps crashing on Chromebook

Try this common fix for Zoom performance issues through your Chromebook.

Remove the Zoom app for web

Stability issues often occur when using Zoom through the browser extension; therefore, users access the Zoom website for a more reliable experience. When you install Zoom on your Chromebook, you need to get the Android and web app. However, you do not need to have these apps installed.

Here's how to access the Zoom website without interference from other Zoom apps:

1. Open a new browser window and "Extensions" to remove the Zoom browser extension.
   
2. Navigate to the Zoom website and log in to your account.
   
3. Choose "More Tools" from the browser menu, then select "Create Shortcut". Name it "Zoom", then set it to open as "New Window".
   

Zoom will continue to prompt you to download the Zoom browser extension, but simply ignore the alerts and continue to use your account through the browser.

Zoom keeps crashing on iPad

Sometimes an app running in the background while updating iOS can cause the Zoom app to malfunction. If Zoom keeps crashing and freezing, try force quitting the app and any other apps running in the background. Follow these steps to do so using your iPad:

1. Swipe up to access the app switcher.
   
2. Find the Zoom app by swiping left or right.
   
3. Now swipe up on the app to close it, and do the same for the other apps.

Zoom keeps crashing Windows 7

One of the causes of lagging issues in Zoom meetings using Windows 7 could indicate a problem with the internet connection, and Zoom requires a strong and stable connection to work well.

To ensure that your Internet connection is as strong as possible, use a wired Ethernet connection if possible. Alternatively, try moving your PC or router closer and use the 5 GHz connection for a faster, less crowded connection.

Zoom Meetings performance issues fixed

Many Zoom users complain about crashing and freezing when it comes to anything related to meetings. The Zoom app is a video conferencing app, so running into issues during sessions renders it almost useless.

Fortunately, there are many proven methods to troubleshoot and resolve these issues. Common ones include changing video rendering settings, updating your device to the latest drivers, and using a strong and stable internet connection. For the best connection, get as close to the router as possible, connect to the highest frequency, or connect your device to your router via an Ethernet cable.

What do you think of Zoom in general? Do you use other video conferencing applications? If so, how do they compare? Share your opinions in the comments section below.