Screen goes black in middle of meeting

[Alami1906]

Can anyone explain why my screen goes black at random times during some Zoom meetings? The sound stays on for a few minutes & I think the others in the meeting can still see me, but then it goes completely dead and I'm logged out of my computer. I have to re-log into my computer to get back into the meeting.

This happens quite randomly - sometimes after only about 10 minutes into the meeting; sometimes 30-40 minutes, sometimes never. I've checked all my computer settings, and it's set not to go to sleep for one hour, so I'm pretty sure it's not the computer settings. I can't find any settings in Zoom that could be causing this.

[Rupert]

Hi @Alami1906 

Does this happen with a typical amount of participants - or before or after someone screen-shares in the meeting?

Is your Zoom software fully up to date?

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362233-Upgrade-update-to-the-latest-version

[Alami1906]

Thanks @Rupert 

It happens with a normal number of participants - it's a live Pilates class with around 5-6 people. It happens every single week, but nobody else in the class has this issue! The screen goes black & I can still hear the class going on, so I jab the screen a few times (I'm using a Surface Pro), then it logs me out completely. I will check the software update link! Thanks.

[ZoomAddict]

I have this problem also and I do not know how to fix it . 

[GAW]

I have a similar issue...During a meeting, if I get a phone call, my computer screen changes from host with a gallery view of my invitees to a non-zoom screen. I can hear everyone, and they can still see and hear me -- BUT I can't see them, nor can I return to the meeting screen. This is a BIG problem. What is happening?

[Quisqueya]

I´m having the same problema but i´m not getting any help from zoom

[RaysMarketingpk]

It's possible that the issue you're experiencing during Zoom meetings could be related to a few different factors:

1. Network connectivity issues: If your internet connection is unstable or weak, it could cause Zoom to disconnect or crash intermittently. You could try moving closer to your WiFi router or connecting your computer to your router via an Ethernet cable to see if this improves your connectivity.

2. Computer hardware issues: If your computer is running low on memory or has other hardware issues, it could cause Zoom to crash or freeze up during meetings. You could try closing other programs or applications that you're not using during the Zoom call to free up resources on your computer.

3. Zoom software issues: It's possible that there could be an issue with the Zoom software on your computer. You could try uninstalling and reinstalling the Zoom client to see if this resolves the problem.

4. Power settings: It's worth checking your computer's power settings to ensure that it's not set to hibernate or sleep during Zoom meetings. If it is, you could try adjusting the settings to prevent your computer from going to sleep or hibernating during meetings.

If none of these solutions work, you could also try reaching out to Zoom support for further assistance or troubleshooting.

[Udi]

I am having the similar problem, but usually it happens immediately after logging in...I've tried every step listed including upgrading the client, downgrading to a previously known stable version but nothing seems to solve it. The internet connectivity is stable for many other applications including video streaming so I do not think it is an issue with internet connectivity.  It is quite frustrating and I seem to be the only one experienceing this issue. When logging via my smartphone there is no issue and it is sharing the same wifi connection as my laptop (a lenovo X1 ver. 6). How can we fix this? 

[Training25]

Hi, 
I am happy to read I am not the only one experiencing black screens. This happened to me for the very first time over the last three days. I tried everything. I updated zoom workplace app to the latest version. I ran a hardware scan on my pc, which is a new one since a couple of months. I tried shutting down other apps.
It typically happened after 5 to 10 minutes when starting my zoom training. Then after that it would happen randomly during the day.

I had to shut down my pc a couple of times and restart or close the zoom app and reconnect again.
The participants could hear and see my and from my side all my screens went black  one by one. A couple of times the screen would come back again and finally I had to restart. 
Can you please share a solution for this? Thanks.

[EAR]

I have the same problem you described.  Started in early August.  Did everything you say you did.  I now have to do zoom meetings on my ipad.  My computer consultant checked everything on my new Lenovo computer and could not find any reason why the screen suddenly goes black.  Did anyone every get back to you with a solution?

[kred1971]

Same thing is happening to my entire team, randomly. What is the solution to this issue??? Very challenging to provide excellent client service with tech issues happening during zoom meetings on a continuous basis.

[KB_101]

This is happening across a variety of computers and regardless of Mac or Windows so definitely a Zoom issue that they need to address. It's happened on brand new computers that are fully up to date and on older models that are not up to date, Zoom has been uninstalled and re-installed using the version located at http://zoom.us/download and it makes no difference. 

ZOOM SUPPORT, when can we expect a fix before we forced to look for other meeting software?

[liz2007]

Just this morning I have at least 8 users having this issue & some are during very important mtgs.  Need a resolution asap

[Asquared]

This is happening to me as well.  I’ve reinstalled zoom, done a hard reset, had the computer checked for stability at a Lenovo service center (still under warranty) now they want to charge me to wipe the hard drive and reinstall — is this really the next step

[EAR]

I too am having the same problem.  I know it is not a network issue since i can successfully do zoom meetings on my ipad. I have uninstalled and reinstalled zoom on my laptop; have checked all my settings.  Has anyone on this thread heard anything from zoom?

[kred1971]

Not a peep from @Rupert or anyone at Zoom! 😡

[EAR]

Thanks for the quick reply.  Do you still have the problem?

[kred1971]

Yes, unfortunately. 

[CarlaA]

Hello community members! 

To help the community identify what’s happening, please include these details when you reply:

• Device type and model (e.g., Lenovo X1, Surface Pro, MacBook Air, iPad)

• Operating system (Windows version, macOS version, etc.)

• Zoom app version (you can check under Zoom > Settings > Help > About Zoom)

• Whether you’re using the desktop client, mobile app, or browser

• Any patterns you notice (e.g., only after 10 minutes, when screen sharing starts, etc.)

This information makes it much easier for others to see common patterns and suggest solutions. Thank you in advance!

[kred1971]

Multiple users and different Lenovo laptops. Here is information about one:

• Device type and model: Lenovo ThinkPad X1
• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
• Zoom app version: 6.5.12 (just updating today to 6.6.1 , didn't auto update)
• I always use the desktop client
• Patterns: happens usually 5-15 minutes into the call. Sometimes it happens for 1 minute, other times for the rest of the call (10+ minutes)

[kred1971]

Another example:

• Device type and model: Lenovo ThinkPad X1
• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
• Zoom app version: 6.5.12 (mine did not auto update either)
• I also only use the desktop app
• patterns: usually in the morning when I first get started, after I've been working in adobe for a while, or on a zoom call when I have adobe open.

[MGSR]

Hello @kred1971! It's possible that some tasks or applications running before opening Zoom are using up system resources. I recommend restarting your device before launching Zoom to ensure optimal performance. After restarting, check if the issue still occurs.

[kred1971]

No different applications that were running before this issue started. This is recent, over the past 3-4 weeks. We haven't changed how we work at all @MGSR .

[MGSR]

Can you kindly try the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article? Please let us know if it works for you or if you need further assistance.

[EAR]

Device Type and Model:  Lenovo ThinkPad XI Carbon Gen 12

Operating System: Windows 11 Pro

Zoom App:  6.5.11  (it is set to automatically update but not sure it has been updating; I uninstalled and re-installed)

Desk Top Client

Usually happens about 10 minutes into the call. A few times it has recovered after a minute but most times it stays dark for the whole call and I have to revert to my ipad. 

[Training25]

• Device type and model : Lenovo X1 Thinkpad 2-in-1 Gen 9

• Operating system: Windows 11 Pro (24H2) 

• Zoom app version: 6.5.10

• Used a lot the browser app (never been a problem before) and also desktop app

• Patterns: typically starting 10 minutes into the meeting, often when screen sharing starts and esp large pptx file sharing, also typically when visiting break-out rooms then my video goes black and doesn't return normal without rebooting pc

• The problem of black screens started in August 2025, I suspect after some driver updates pushed by Lenovo Vantage.

• Actions that I took this week: 

  • I changed settings in Zoom under Advanced video to Direct 3D19

  • With help of the support desk of Lenovo I rolled back the Intel Graphics driver from 32.0.101.6913 (latest version of 4 Aug25) to the previous version 32.0.101.6733 (version from 2 Apr25). Before August I had no issues with my graphics card, nor with Zoom.

  • Result today:  No black screens during Zoom all day. I challenged my laptop by opening a pptx during my Zoom session. I kept lots of different apps open during the day.  I also managed to visit different Zoom break-out rooms without any black screens. I am not 100 percent sure that the issue is resolved with this action. I will need to run a few more courses on Zoom in coming weeks to be confident that this might be the solution. I will keep you posted.
    
    Thanks.
    
     

[Training25]

• Device type and model : Lenovo X1 Thinkpad 2-in-1 Gen 9

• Operating system: Windows 11 Pro (24H2) 

• Zoom app version: 6.5.10

• Used a lot the browser app (never been a problem before) and also desktop app

• Patterns: typically starting 10 minutes into the meeting, often when screen sharing starts and esp large pptx file sharing, also typically when visiting break-out rooms then my video goes black and doesn't return normal without rebooting pc

• The problem of black screens started in August 2025, I suspect after some driver updates pushed by Lenovo Vantage.

• Actions that I took this week: 

  • I changed settings in Zoom under Advanced video to Direct 3D19

  • With help of the support desk of Lenovo I rolled back the Intel Graphics driver from 32.0.101.6913 (latest version of 4 Aug25) to the previous version 32.0.101.6733 (version from 2 Apr25). Before August I had no issues with my graphics card, nor with Zoom.

  • Result today:  No black screens during Zoom all day. I challenged my laptop by opening a pptx during my Zoom session. I kept lots of different apps open during the day.  I also managed to visit different Zoom break-out rooms without any black screens. I am not 100 percent sure that the issue is resolved with this action. I will need to run a few more courses on Zoom in coming weeks to be confident that this might be the solution. I will keep you posted.
    
    Thanks.

[RRS_1]

• Device type and model Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 12

• Operating system Windows 11 Pro 

• Zoom app version 6.5.12

• The issuer took place using desktop client

• Patterns: Also usually 5-15 min into the call

[liz2007]

We have this happening on multiple Lenovo machines, X1 Carbons, 2-in-1's, T16s, P1's, P16's. They are all running W11, desktop clients.  Version: 6.5.11 (13227) No specific pattern.  Some do it earlier in the meetings than others.

[MGSR]

Hello @liz2007! Kindly try updating to the latest version of Zoom and restart your device before opening Zoom. After restarting, check if the issue still occurs.

[Manuelace]

I also had a massive issue with Zoom this afternoon. About 35 minutes into a call, the screen suddenly turned black. I could still hear the people in the meeting, but had no control over anything. I couldn't turn the volume down, and plugging headphones into the laptop did nothing. The only way to resolve was by turning the laptop off by holding the power button.

[MGSR]

Hi @Manuelace, 

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

We're sorry for the inconvenience you experienced. Kindly update your Zoom app to the latest version and let us know if the issue persists. 

Kindly update to the latest version and let us know if it helps or if you need further assistance.

[Manuelace]

Hi Mark, 

Thanks, Zoom is up to date at 6.6.1 

[JoshuaM]

Hi

I am also having the same issue on two HP Spectre laptops that randomly whilst in a Zoom meeting the screen goes black but you can hear the meeting but not see anything.

I hope Zoom gives us some direction to resolve soon as this effecting our Directors.

[MGSR]

Hello @JoshuaM! Welcome to the Zoom Community! We're glad to have you here. Kindly try updating your Zoom app and laptop's drivers to the latest version and restart Zoom. Let us know if it helps or if you need further assistance.