On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Zoom will implement a new meeting join flow. The new join flow consolidates the number of windows you see when joining a meeting.

The new meeting join flow:

When joining a meeting, you will now see a Waiting Room window and, if enabled, a Video Preview window.

The new Waiting Room window

Combines the functionality of the previous “Waiting Room” and “Waiting for host” windows (see below).

Displays the meeting status:
- “Waiting for host to start the meeting” – The host has not yet joined the meeting.
- “Host has joined. We’ve let them know you’re here.” –The host has joined the meeting, but they have enabled a waiting room to control when participants join the meeting. The host will admit you to the meeting.
Test your speaker and microphone
Turn on/off camera and microphone

Video Preview Window (optional)

When joining a meeting as an attendee, you can also elect to see a Video Preview window. This window allows you to preview how your video will appear to other attendees. You also have the option to update video settings such as your virtual background or video filters. Enable the Zoom video preview window in your video settings.

The previous meeting join flow:

Previous Waiting Room window

Displays if host has enabled a Waiting Room

Previous Waiting for Host window

Displays if the host has not yet started the meeting.

Video Preview Window

Zoom Client 5.12.0 and later versions support this new meeting join flow.

Zoom Update: New Way to Join Meetings