How to Record a Zoom Meeting on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Recording a Zoom meeting is often necessary for a variety of purposes such as keeping a record, revisiting discussions, sharing with those who couldn't attend, or for training and educational purposes. Thankfully, Zoom makes it possible to record meetings easily, although the process varies depending on whether you're using Windows, Mac, or Linux. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through how to record a Zoom meeting on all three operating systems.

Why record a Zoom meeting?

• Documentation: Keeping a record of meetings can be important for future reference and documentation.
• Review: This allows participants to reconsider important discussions and points at their own pace.
• Sharing: Recorded meetings can be shared with people who couldn’t attend the session live.
• Training: Recorded sessions can serve as valuable training material.

Requirements for recording a Zoom meeting

Before we dive into the instructions, note that you need to meet a few requirements to record a Zoom meeting:

• You must be the host of the meeting or have permission from the host to record.
• You must have a Zoom account. Some features, such as cloud recording, may require a paid subscription.
• A working computer or laptop with Zoom installed.
• Adequate system resources and storage to handle potentially large video files.

Recording on Windows and Mac

Using the Built-in Zoom Recording

1. Join or start a meeting: Open the Zoom app and either join an existing meeting or start a new meeting.
2. Find the record button: In the meeting controls at the bottom of the screen, look for the "Record" button and click it. You'll have the option to record to your computer or to the cloud. The latter option may require a paid Zoom plan.
3. Authorize recording: If you are not the host, you must be authorized to record by the host. The host can grant permission by going to the “Manage Participants” section, clicking on the participant’s name, and selecting “Allow Record.”
4. Pause or stop recording: While recording, you can choose to pause or stop recording. To do this, click the “Pause/Stop Recording” button in the controls.
5. Locate the recording: After the meeting ends or you stop the recording, Zoom will convert the recording into a usable file format. This process may take some time depending on the length of the recording. After conversion, the recordings are saved on your device, usually in the "Documents" folder under "Zoom."

Using Third-Party Screen Recording Software

If you prefer to use third-party software to record Zoom meetings, there are plenty of options available. Software like OBS Studio, Camtasia, or Movavi Screen Recorder can capture your screen and provide additional editing features. Here's a general guide to how you can use third-party software:

1. Install screen recording software: Download and install your chosen screen recording software from its official website.
2. Set up the recording: Open the software and set the recording parameters to include computer audio and video.
3. Start recording: Before joining or starting a Zoom meeting, initiate a recording session by pressing record on your screen recording software.
4. Stop recording: When the meeting is over or you've finished the part you wanted to record, stop the recording in your software.
5. Save Recording: Save the output file in your preferred format and location on your computer.

Recording on Linux

Although Zoom doesn’t officially support the recording feature on Linux, you can still record meetings using other methods or alternative ways.

Using Screen Recording Software on Linux

Just like Windows and Mac, using third-party screen recording software is a viable way to record Zoom meetings on Linux. Some popular tools on Linux include SimpleScreenRecorder, OBS Studio, and Kazam. Here's a basic overview:

1. Install the software: Use your Linux distribution's package manager to install your chosen screen recording software. For example, OBS Studio can often be installed using a command like sudo apt install obs-studio on Debian-based systems.
2. Configure audio and video: Configure the software to capture both sound and video. This may require additional setup such as using the PulseAudio volume control to capture audio correctly.
3. Start recording: Before joining or starting a Zoom meeting, launch the screen recording software and begin recording.
4. End and save: When your meeting is complete or you no longer need to capture the session, end the recording through the software. The files will be saved in the directory specified in the software's settings.

Ethical and legal considerations

Before recording any Zoom meeting, it is important to consider the ethical and legal implications:

• Make sure you have obtained proper consent from all participants to record the meeting.
• Be aware of local laws regarding recording conversations, as regulations vary from place to place.
• Use recordings responsibly, especially when they contain sensitive or confidential information.

Conclusion

Recording a Zoom meeting is a practical way to maintain an accurate record of proceedings for future reference. Whether using Zoom's built-in functionality on Windows and Mac, or using third-party software on Linux, each method provides straightforward steps to capture your meeting. Prioritize ethical practices and follow relevant legal standards by always asking for permission when recording conversations.

With these detailed steps, you can now easily record your Zoom meetings on different operating systems, leading to a more organized and efficient workflow.

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