Zoom Keep Crashing – How To Fix

When you’re in the middle of a business or personal Zoom call, the last thing you want is for the app to crash, lag, or freeze. When this happens, it can be frustrating and spoil the experience. Many users report Zoom struggling to handle specific tasks, particularly screen sharing or joining meetings.

If you’re experiencing the same, read on to find ways to rectify the problem using various apps. We have provided different fixes to try for multiple devices. If the fixes listed for your particular device haven’t worked, please check out some of the fixes for other devices.

Zoom Keeps Crashing When Sharing Screen

Some Zoom users have reported experiencing performance issues whenever a screen is shared during a meeting. Disabling the “Enable hardware acceleration for receiving video” option 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 from the left sidebar, choose “Video.”
   
3. Scroll down, then select “Advanced.”
   
4. Ensure that the “Use hardware acceleration for receiving video” check box is unchecked.
   

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

Zoom Keeps Crashing When Joining Meeting

Many users experience crashing or freezing whenever they attempt to start or join a meeting. Here are two common fixes found to fix the problem.

Change Your Video Rendering Setting

Follow these steps to tweak your video rendering settings:

1. Open Zoom and click the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner.
   
2. Choose the “Video” tab, then select “Advanced.”
   
3. Beneath “Video Rendering Method,” select “Direct3D11” from the pull-down menu.
   
4. Restart Zoom to allow the changes to take effect.

If adjusting your video settings doesn’t fix the issue, try the following:

Roll Back Camera Driver

Using the previous camera driver fixed the crashing problem for some Zoom users. Follow these steps to see whether 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 your camera, then choose “Properties.”
   
5. Access the “Driver” tab, then select “Roll Back Driver.”
   
6. Select a reason for rolling back then “Yes.”
   
7. After the rollback is complete, reboot your PC for the changes to take effect, then see whether the problem still occurs.

Zoom Keeps Crashing Mac

If you experience performance issues during startup, joining a meeting, turning on the camera/audio, or screen sharing, try these fixes:

Update to the Latest macOS and Zoom Software

Here’s how to check 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 there’s an update available, follow the onscreen prompts to install it.

Zoom

1. Access the Zoom.
2. In the menu bar, click “zoom.us.”
   
3. Select “Check for Updates…”
   

Any available updates will be applied automatically.

Disable Hardware Acceleration

Or you can try disabling the “Enable hardware acceleration for receiving video” option. Doing this has fixed 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 from the left sidebar, choose “Video.”
   
3. Scroll down, then select “Advanced.”
   
4. Ensure that the “Use hardware acceleration for receiving video” check box is unchecked.
   

Zoom Keeps Crashing on Windows PC

The following techniques can help fix your PC’s crashing and freezing issues when using Zoom.

Change Your Video Rendering Setting

Follow these steps to change the setting:

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

Roll Back Camera Driver

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

1. Press the “Windows” key + “R” 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 your camera, then choose “Properties.”
   
5. Go to the “Driver” tab, then select “Roll Back Driver.”
   
6. Choose a reason for rolling back then “Yes.”
   
7. Once the rollback is complete, restart your PC for the changes to take effect, then check whether the problem is fixed.

Update Your Device Drivers

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

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

The automatic way is much easier but requires help from a third-party app, “Driver Easy.” Here’s how to update your driver automatically using the app:

1. Download and install the Driver Easy app.
   
2. Launch “Driver Easy,” then click the “Scan Now” button. Your computer will be scanned for problem drivers.
   
3. Click “Update All” to download and install the correct versions for outdated or missing drivers. You’ll be prompted to upgrade to the Pro Version to do this. You can still update for free. However, some parts will need to be done manually.
   
4. Once the drivers are up-to-date, restart your PC and then retest Zoom.

Zoom Keeps Crashing on Chromebook

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

Remove the Zoom for Web App

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

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

1. Open a new browser window and “Extensions” to remove the Zoom browser extension.
   
2. Navigate to the Zoom website and sign 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 a “New Window.”
   

Zoom will continue prompting you to download the Zoom browser extension, but just ignore the alerts and keep using your account via the browser.

Zoom Keeps Crashing on iPad

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

1. Swipe up from the bottom to access the App Switcher.
   
2. Look for the Zoom app by swiping left or right.
   
3. Now swipe upwards on the app to close it, and do the same for the other apps.

Zoom Keeps Crashing Windows 7

One of the causes for lagging problems during Zoom meetings using Windows 7 could indicate a problem with the internet connection, and Zoom requires a solid and stable connection to work well.

To ensure that your internet connection is the strongest it can be, stick with using a wired Ethernet connection if possible. Otherwise, try moving your PC or router closer and use the 5GHz connection for a faster and less congested connection.

Zoom Meetings Performance Issues Resolved

Many Zoom users complain of crashing and freezing when it comes to anything to do with meetings. The Zoom app is a video conferencing app so, experiencing problems during sessions renders it almost useless.

Luckily, there are plenty of tried and tested ways to troubleshoot and fix these problems. The most common include tweaking the video rendering setting, ensuring your device is updated with the latest drivers, and using a strong and stable internet connection. For the best connection, get close to the router as possible, connect to the highest frequency, or connect your device to your router via ethernet cable.

What do you think about Zoom overall? Do you use any other video conferencing apps? If so, how do they compare? Share your opinions in the comments section below.