Zoom Changes
Zoom regularly provides new versions of Zoom that offer new features and bug fixes. Follow their Release Notes to stay up-to-date, and make sure to use the latest version of Zoom to take advantage of all available features. View instructions for how to update your Zoom Client, particularly how to use the self-service update option if you have a managed machine that requires admin credentials. Contact tech support if you need help with updating.
Berkeley-specific Changes
Changes to UC Berkeley-branded virtual backgrounds, effective February 7, 2026
As part of the 2024 UC Berkeley brand refresh, older virtual backgrounds containing the previous Berkeley logo are being phased out. The virtual backgrounds with the old Berkeley logo will be removed by February 7, 2026. Find more information on virtual backgrounds.
Changes to Kaltura integration, effective January 6, 2026
Zoom Cloud Recordings are now only copied to Kaltura if the Zoom user has enabled the Zoom to Kaltura integration. To learn more about the integration, see the Zoom to Kaltura Frequently Asked Questions page
Feature Enhancements, including changes to meeting security settings, effective July 25, 2022
Starting July 25, 2022, several enhancements will be made to the UC Berkeley Zoom Service. We hope these new features will improve your overall Zoom experience:
- Security changes - UC Berkeley Zoom accounts will now be able to disable the authentication requirements for meetings as long as a waiting room or passcode is enabled. These settings can be changed in your account settings.
- Polling libraries - You can now save polls and quizzes to a library so you can reuse them in future meetings.
- Whiteboards - Whiteboards will now be enabled for all accounts. Use whiteboards for brainstorming, note-taking, demonstrating complex concepts, group work, task organization, and more.
Note: Whiteboard activity is inaccessible to people who use screen readers. If you use this feature, be prepared to read aloud all the contributions so that everyone can see and /or hear them. - Zoom Apps - Zoom Apps will be enabled for all accounts. Zoom Apps currently include a timer, virtual backgrounds, and an in-meeting Zoom Room controller.
Single Sign-On (SSO) with CalNet IDs required to sign in to Berkeley Zoom accounts, effective January 11, 2022
- If you have used an email address and password to login to your Berkeley Zoom account, you will need to start using SSO with your CalNet ID and passphrase.
- To sign in from the Zoom client, use the SSO link rather than the email and password fields (which will no longer work). See How to Sign in to Zoom
- To sign in from a web browser, visit https://berkeley.zoom.us/signin and enter your credentials on the CalNet authentication screen
Authenticated Exception allows guests to bypass authentication effective April 1, 2021
- When you are scheduling a meeting, if you have the need for your guests to bypass the authentication requirement, you can add participants onto a list of "Authenticated Exceptions" where these participants will receive unique meeting invite links directly in their email that will allow them to bypass authentication. This is a good option for meeting hosts who know their guests may have difficulty with the sign in process.
Live Transcription Closed Captions settings updated on February 18, 2021
- We will update the default settings for Save Captions so that meeting hosts who would like to allow their participants to download closed captions transcripts from their meetings will need to update this setting to "Allow participants to save fully closed captions or transcripts".
Important Zoom Cloud Recording changes launched January 6, 2021
- Cloud recording turned off by default - to continue using Zoom Cloud Recordings you will need to re-enable this setting in your Zoom Recording settings. For step-by-step instructions, see: How do I enable Zoom Cloud recordings?
- Zoom to Kaltura integration launched
- 30 day retention period will resume for Zoom Cloud recordings in coordination with the Zoom to Kaltura integration
- Important information regarding the Zoom to Kaltura integration can be found here: https://dls.berkeley.edu/frequently-asked-questions-about-zoom-kaltura-integration
Older changes
To view list of older changes made in Zoom, see: Older UC Berkeley Zoom Changes