Virtual background disabled in account settings, however participants still can use it? | Community
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Newcomer
EllyC
Newcomer
August 17, 2021
Solved

Virtual background disabled in account settings, however participants still can use it?

  • August 17, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 18 views

Hi,

I have disabled the virtual background and video filters under settings, however when we start a meeting, all participants are still able to use virtual background except the host? Are there further settings that I missed out? Anyone has the same experience?

Appreciate your feedback.

      Best answer by Bort

      Hi @EllyC 

      Disabling Virtual Background on the Account level (and locking that setting) will only affect users who are on your account and are signed-in to that account when joining a meeting you host. Are you requiring your attendees to be authenticated when joining? If not, they could simply be joining outside of their account and thus still able to access that setting in the client. 

      3 replies

      Mint
      Newcomer
      Mint
      Newcomer
      August 17, 2021

      Me too.

      Bort
      Employee
      BortAnswer
      Employee
      August 17, 2021

      Hi @EllyC 

      Disabling Virtual Background on the Account level (and locking that setting) will only affect users who are on your account and are signed-in to that account when joining a meeting you host. Are you requiring your attendees to be authenticated when joining? If not, they could simply be joining outside of their account and thus still able to access that setting in the client. 

        S
        Newcomer
        skiznit
        Newcomer
        October 24, 2021

        Zoom: This needs to be fixed. As there are many many reasons why people might join not using their registered account, not to mention guests, there needs to be a way to completely disable using virtual backgrounds as an overall meeting setting. Backgrounds can range from mildly distracting to totally distracting to vulgar or inappropriate. Of course we can stop their video, but that drastic step wouldn't be necessary if it were disabled in the first place.  This is especially relevant when there is a guest presenter/speaker who has it enabled who thinks it is 'helpful'.

        Zoom: please give the host the ability to completely disable the virtual backgrounds for account AND non-account participants.

          MGSR
          Community Manager
          MGSR
          Community Manager
          November 10, 2025

          Hi Bort,

          I am unable to choose 'None" in virtual backgrounds. I have upgraded Zoom, upgraded my MacBook Pro and uninstalled Zoom and reinstalled Zoom. I have restarted my computer. All to no avail. When I choose no background all I see is a sky blue background. Can any one suggest another solution?


          Welcome to the Zoom Community, @BobG01! If you're using macOS, it's possible that the background was uploaded directly to your computer instead of through Zoom. Once the meeting starts, a green video icon will appear in the top-right corner of your Mac's menu bar. Click the icon and uncheck 'Background' to remove the virtual background.

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

          B
          Newcomer
          BobG01
          Newcomer
          November 12, 2025

          Thank you. That worked.

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