Meeting audio only works when zoom audio setting window is open

[DanieMcDe]

Without changing anything, one day this started happening. I am connected to computer audio as usual. And the laptop's speaker is chosen but I can't hear anything. I open the audio settings to test the speaker and before even clicking on it suddenly I can hear the speaker. I test the speaker (same laptop speaker) and can hear the chime. Great. Close the window and can no longer hear the speaker. So now I have the window open the entire meeting to be able to hear while I try to figure this out. Help!

[mattewwade06]

That’s definitely unusual behavior it sounds like Zoom may not be maintaining the correct audio routing unless the settings window is open, which could indicate a software glitch or driver conflict. I’d suggest first updating or reinstalling your audio drivers, and also try resetting Zoom's audio settings under Settings > Audio > Advanced > Restore Defaults. If that doesn’t help, reinstalling Zoom or testing with a different audio output device (like headphones) might narrow down the issue. Definitely worth reporting to Zoom support if it persists

[DanieMcDe]

Thank you for responding. I was using a Bluetooth speaker for sound for a little while then that stopped working too. New IT guys pushed a bunch of update commands on my computer (beyond zoom/normal updates you get notified about) and it works now.

[CRein]

This is happening to me too - did you ever figure it out? It's driving me crazy.

[DanieMcDe]

Company IT couldn't figure it out either 😩

[DanieMcDe]

New IT guys pushed a bunch of update commands on my computer (beyond zoom/normal updates you get notified about) and it works now.

[xs2bharat]

for me unplugging and plugging dongle worked as this was happening with wireless headphones for me.

[DanieMcDe]

Appreciate the response. I don't have any headphones/devices connected just the laptop by itself is doing this. 

[FishGal]

This is happening to me too, except it is happening with a wireless headset. I'm at work and my firm Tech Help feels this is user error. Hoping something pops up here that can help.

[DanieMcDe]

New IT guy (#3) pushed a bunch of update commands on my computer (beyond zoom/normal updates you get notified about) and it works now.

[NetSuite]

I’ve been experiencing the same issue for weeks. I uninstalled and reinstalled Zoom, but the problem persists. It only occurs during webinars and with my bluetooth headset; my regular meetings work perfectly fine. The setting must remain on the audio subtab; if I switch to another one, the audio disappears again. So strange! Your post definitely deserves more likes!

[MGSR]

Hello @NetSuite,

Welcome to the Zoom Community! We're glad to have you here.

If your meeting audio only works when the Zoom audio settings window is open, this could indicate an issue with your audio device selection or a conflict with your system’s audio drivers. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check Audio Device Selection:

• In Zoom, click the arrow next to the microphone icon and make sure the correct microphone and speaker are selected.
• Test both your microphone and speaker in the Zoom audio settings.

2. Update Audio Drivers:

• Make sure your computer’s audio drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause audio issues.

3. Restart Zoom and Your Computer:

• Close Zoom completely and restart your computer to clear any temporary glitches.

4. Disable Exclusive Mode (Windows):

• Go to Control Panel > Sound > Playback tab.
• Select your speaker, click Properties, then the Advanced tab.
• Uncheck “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.”

5. Check for Conflicting Applications:

• Make sure no other applications are using your microphone or speakers at the same time as Zoom.

6. Reinstall Zoom:

• Uninstall Zoom, restart your computer, and reinstall the latest version from the official Zoom website.

Let us know if it helps or if you need further assistance.