In today’s remote-centric work culture, Zoom has become a popular tool for communication and collaboration. However, the ease of Zoom installation means that in many organizations, a variation of versions exist across devices, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and inconsistent user experiences.

This blog will explore a solution to unify Zoom installations and ensure that every device in your organization is running the latest, most secure version of Zoom.

The Nature of Zoom Installations

Zoom offers two types of installations for Windows devices: a User Install that places the application in the user’s AppData folder, and a Machine Install that places it in the Program Files directory. The User Install method is commonly used but can lead to multiple versions of Zoom throughout the organization’s devices, as it allows users to install the application independently without needing Admin permissions. This can pose significant risks, including outdated versions that leave devices vulnerable to security breaches.

Ensuring Consistency and Security

To address this challenge, we conducted a test using Pckgr. Our goal was to replace individual User Installs of Zoom with a standardized Machine Install, ensuring that every device was running the latest version of the software.

We began by installing an older version of Zoom via the User Install method on a test device.

We then deployed the Zoom Machine Install application via Pckgr to Intune.

A toast notification appeared from Intune Management advising that Zoom was installing.

After the installation completed the results were checked: the Machine Install seamlessly updated Zoom to the latest version, transferring the application from the user’s AppData folder to the Program Files directory. This not only streamlined the installation process but also centralized application management, making it easier for IT administrators to maintain.

Best Practices for Zoom Management

Based on our findings, we recommend the following best practices for managing Zoom installations in a Windows environment:

• Standardize on Machine Installs: Use the Machine Install method for Zoom to ensure consistency across devices. This approach simplifies management and reduces the risk of security vulnerabilities associated with outdated versions.
• Leverage Intune: Utilize Intune to manage and deploy Zoom updates. This ensures that all devices in your organization are always running the latest version of Zoom.
• Automate with Pckgr (Shameless plug of our product) Leverage Pckgr’s capabilities to deploy updates as soon as they are available. This proactive approach ensures maximum security and functionality.

Wrapping it up

By adopting a Machine Install approach and utilizing Intune for deployment and updates, organizations can ensure that their communication tools are not only up-to-date but also secure and managed across all devices.

Have you encountered challenges in managing Zoom or other communication tools within your organization? Share your experiences in the comments below or contact us at Pckgr for more insights on managing software deployments effectively.