> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://library.zoom.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://library.zoom.com/advanced-enterprise-services/device-management/managing-zoom-clients-and-devices-explainer.md).

# Managing Zoom Clients

Using settings, third-party management solutions, and Zoom Device Management to control Zoom software clients and associated devices.

## Overview

Zoom Device Management (ZDM) for Clients is a cloud-based platform that enables IT administrators to centrally manage Zoom Workplace desktop and mobile app deployments across an organization. It provides a unified interface for configuring, updating, and monitoring Zoom Workplace app installations on managed devices, reducing the need for manual configuration or third-party tools.

ZDM for Clients supports **Windows**, **macOS**, **Linux**, **iOS**, and **Android** Zoom Workplace apps and is available for **Zoom Workplace Business**, **Business Plus**, **Enterprise**, and **Enterprise Plus** accounts.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

ZDM is not automatically enabled on accounts. If you want to enable this service, [Contact Zoom Support](https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/contact?id=contact_us) to have the **ZDM for Clients** feature enabled.
{% endhint %}

In addition to local device settings, Zoom offers a tiered setting structure in the Zoom web portal. The tiered settings structure utilizes a top-down hierarchy that enables your account administrators to change and lock certain settings for all users in your account while still granting individual users and groups the flexibility to customize any unlocked settings. For details about the tiered settings structure, see the New Groups and Settings Management Explainer.

For instructions to set up Zoom Device Manager, see the [ZDM for Zoom desktop and mobile app](https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb\&sysparm_article=KB0063842) support article.

## Key Features

ZDM organizes its management functions around the device, not the user. Policies are assigned to enrolled devices and applied to anyone who signs in. This makes ZDM the right tool when consistent, endpoint-level control matters more than per-user flexibility. Settings applied through ZDM take the highest priority in Zoom's settings hierarchy and can't be overridden by end users, regardless of their account or group permissions.

The capabilities below cover the four primary areas of ZDM administration: centralized management, policy enforcement, update management, and device grouping.

### Centralized Management

ZDM Centralized Management provides a unified and efficient way to manage devices running Zoom Workplace apps across an organization from a single web portal. It empowers administrators to control, monitor, and apply enterprise-level security to devices running Zoom Workplace apps remotely, for more consistent user experiences, faster updates, and reduced administrative overhead.

Key features include:

* Manage Zoom Workplace app configurations and updates from the Zoom web portal
* Apply and lock policies across device groups
* Monitor enrollment status and policy synchronization
* Does not require additional tools or desktop teams to push settings

### Policy Enforcement

ZDM Policy Enforcement gives administrators the ability to define, apply, and maintain security and operational policies automatically. This helps keep devices with the Zoom Workplace application compliant, secure, and consistent with enterprise standards.

Use Policy Enforcement to:

* Configure meeting, chat, recording, and security settings
* Lock or unlock settings to control user modification
  * **Locked:** When settings are locked, users are unable to change the value within the Zoom Workplace app.
  * **Set, but unlocked:** This option defines a default, but allows users to change the value within the Zoom Workplace app.
* Override account-level settings for specific device groups

### Update Management

ZDM Update Management gives administrators precise control over how and when Zoom Workplace apps are updated across their organization, enabling stability, security, and enterprise-level compliance without disrupting users. It balances reliability, enterprise compliance, and user experience while minimizing operational effort.

Update Management allows you to:

* Schedule or defer app updates
* Enable or disable automatic updates
* Stage updates for testing before broad deployment

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

For additional information, see the Automatic Update Explainer.
{% endhint %}

### Device Grouping

ZDM Device Grouping enables scalable, organized, and secure management of large device fleets through logical grouping and automated policy application. This helps improve consistency, security, and operational efficiency across the organization by allowing the administrator to control application versions across devices. You no longer need to involve the desktop/OS team to push app updates, allowing for easily updating in phases.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important**

Device Grouping refers to ZDM Groups, not physical devices.
{% endhint %}

Device Grouping allows you to:

* Organize devices by department, location, or function
* Apply different policies to each group
* Move devices between groups as needed

### Sample Group Structures

Organizations can create device groups to manage different deployment rings or user segments. The table below includes a few common groups:

| Group Name | Purpose                                        | Sample Policies                                      |
| ---------- | ---------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| IT/Test    | Early testing of new app versions and policies | Enable auto-update, unlock advanced logging          |
| Beta       | Pilot group for staged rollout                 | Defer updates by one week                            |
| Production | Standard user base                             | Lock stable version, restrict manual updates         |
| Executives | High-priority users                            | Enable premium features, restrict disruptive updates |


---

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