As we step into 2026, Instructional Technologies reflects on Zoom’s update to Zoom Workplace.
This enhancement harmonizes design across desktop, mobile, and web platforms, empowering you to navigate meetings and chats with greater efficiency and clarity.
Preparation Advice
We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to ensure their Zoom app is updated to version 6.7.0 or higher to fully access these enhancements. Once transitioned to the new interface, reverting to the old layout is not possible.
Personalization Note
Upon updating to version 6.7.0, personalization reset to the new default layout. Re-pin your favorite tools, as previous layouts cannot be migrated or restored.
Historical Context
- December 15, 2025: This marked the beginning of the rollout for the Zoom Workplace desktop and mobile apps (version 6.7.0 or higher).
- January 10, 2026: The Zoom Web Portal update debuts, featuring a new launchpad and streamlined settings.
Key Features of Zoom Workplace
- Refreshed Navigation: The desktop app features a streamlined left sidebar, offering swift access to your frequently used tabs.
- A “New” Start: The app header’s new “+” menu centralizes event scheduling, messaging, and document creation for seamless one-click access.
- Simplified Toolbars: The in-meeting toolbar highlights essential features, reducing clutter. Customize your experience by pinning frequent tools or dragging items from the “More” menu.
- Consolidated Settings: Discover all meeting settings—virtual backgrounds, captions, audio preferences—in one unified hub.
- Host Tools: For session leaders, host controls are elegantly organized into a single, categorized panel on the screen’s right side.
Enhanced Team Chat Collaboration
- Renamed “Chats”: Consistency reigns as “DMs” became “Chats” across devices.
- Bolded Meeting Chats: Stay informed with bolded meeting chats, ensuring you never miss a peer or instructor’s link or comment.
- More Tabs, Less Clutter: A two-row tab layout allows pinning and reordering of over five tabs at a time.
For more information about Zoom, check out their announcement here.
Need assistance navigating the new look? Please reach out to our team via a Help Desk request or by booking an appointment with one of our experts.