Administration and Deployments
This section provides an overview of administrating and deploying the Zoom Workplace VDI app.
Managing the Zoom Workplace VDI App Installation, Updates, and Connectivity
The following sections outline how to install and configure the Zoom Workplace VDI app and Plug-In, with detailed guidance on managing automatic updates and resolving connectivity issues.
Installing the Zoom Workplace VDI app and Plug-In
The Zoom Workplace VDI app (aka Host Installer) is an .MSI file type that can be deployed through standard software and device management tools, like Microsoft Intune or Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). The Plug-In installers are available as a .msi for Windows, .pkg for Mac, and .deb, .rpm, or a zipped package for Linux platforms, and can be similarly deployed through device management software. However, it is essential to note that the Zoom Workplace VDI app and Plug-In are two separate programs with their own respective physical install locations.
Heads Up
Always install or update the Zoom Workplace VDI app first and the VDI Plug-In second. The VDI Plug-In typically cannot exceed the version of the VDI app and remain functional. Refer to Zoom’s support center for more information on the Plug-In compatibility table.
The Zoom Workplace VDI app (aka Host Installer) is installed on the virtual desktop as an application. It is recommended that the app always be installed and/or upgraded first to maintain compatibility.
The VDI Plug-In should never be installed on a VDI desktop and should only be installed on a device used to access the VDI, such as a thin client or local PC.
Additional Installation Considerations
Your Virtual Desktop Agent (VDA), e.g. Citrix Workspace or Omnissa Horizons client, must be installed before installing the Zoom Media Plug-In on the thin client or remote workstation. Failure to comply will result in Plug-In installation failure.
For Citrix, only Citrix Workspace from the Citrix website is supported for Zoom VDI. The Citrix Workspace app for Windows from the Microsoft Store is not supported and is incompatible with the Zoom Workplace VDI app.
If the Plug-In exceeds the release version of the Zoom Workplace VDI app, the two endpoints will be unable to connect and the VDI app will operate in Fallback Mode. It is strongly recommended to always update the VDI app first and Plug-In second.
Updating the Zoom Workplace VDI App
By default, the Zoom Workplace VDI app (aka Host Installer) does not enable automatic updates. To update the app, most customers must typically download and deploy the updated version to their user’s virtual desktops through their preferred software distribution method (SCCM, Intune, etc.). However, there are some circumstances that can assist with simplifying the update process, described below.
Enabling users to individually update their desktop’s Zoom Workplace VDI app, and/or enabling automatic updates
By default, the system prevents users from manually checking for or initiating updates to the Zoom Workplace VDI app on their virtual desktops; however, organizations can enable specific registry settings to allow users with admin-level access to update their Zoom Workplace VDI app at their discretion. Enabling this functionality also enrolls the device into Zoom’s automatic channel updates. If desired, this can be disabled using the MSI switch control AU2_EnableAutoUpdate, as detailed in Zoom’s enterprise auto update policies documentation.
To enable user-prompted updates, perform the following steps:
Open the device’s registry and navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Zoom VDI\PerInstall
Locate the string entry for enableupdate.
Within the Value Description, change the value to true.
After a user exits and restarts their Zoom Workplace VDI app, they will now see the option to Check for Updates.
After this setting is enabled, users will see a Check for Updates setting within the Zoom Workplace menu dropdown. Additionally, reviewing the General tab of the app’s Settings menu will reveal whether or not the app is enrolled in automatic updates.
Updating through Zoom Device Management
Zoom Device Management (ZDM) is a centralized tool that enables administrators to manage Zoom Workplace desktop and mobile applications across various devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. By enrolling devices into ZDM, administrators can group them as needed and apply specific app policies through the Zoom web portal.
For VDI, administrators can enroll virtual desktops into ZDM and deploy app updates through the web portal on a manual or automated basis, simplifying the upgrade process.
Refer to Zoom’s support center for more information on using Zoom Device Management.
Updating the Zoom Workplace VDI Plug-In
There are multiple options for updating and managing the Zoom Workplace VDI Plug-In, including automatic updates, silent updates, disabling updates, and more. These are discussed in the following sections.
Automatic Updates: Enabled by default
The Zoom Workplace VDI app includes a built-in Plug-In Management system that automatically updates the VDI Plug-In whenever it detects a newer Workplace app on the virtual desktop, helping ensure users always have a compatible Plug-In for their environment. This feature is enabled by default for all versions greater than 6.5.10 so long as the plugin management version is 6.2.12 or higher. However, admins can disable this feature by performing the following steps.
Open the device’s registry and navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Zoom\Zoom Meetings\VDI
Create a DWORD entry and name it EnableVDIPluginAutoUpgrade with a value of 0 or false to enable. Note: A value of 1 or false will have no noticeable effect because it is enabled by default.
Controlling the VDI Plug-In Version
Administrators can force the Zoom Workplace VDI app to only accept a specific version of the VDI Plug-In. This helps to ensure all devices connecting to the virtual desktop are aligned with the required plugin version, minimizing compatibility issues and disruptions.
To enable this feature, perform the following steps:
Open the device’s registry and navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Zoom\Zoom Meetings\VDI
Create a DWORD entry and name it AutoUpdatePluginVersion.
Within the Value Description, input the specified version number. For example, if set to 6.1.10, users connecting with older or newer plugin versions will be prompted to adjust their plugin to 6.1.10 before proceeding.
For further assistance with this process, readers can refer to Zoom’s support center for detailed guidance on managing the VDI plugin version.
Warning
The Zoom Workplace VDI app and designated Plug-In version must be compatible with each other.
Allow Users to Update the Plug-In Later
By default, the Zoom VDI Plug-In does not allow users to delay or defer an update when detected. When prompted, selecting the OK button will disconnect the user from their virtual desktop and install the VDI Plug-In update. Because of this behavior, administrators may not want to force users to update their Plug-In before joining a meeting. To support user flexibility, administrators can allow a user to update their Plug-In at a later time at their discretion.
To enable this feature, perform the following steps:
Open the device’s registry and navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Zoom\Zoom Meetings\VDI
Create a DWORD entry and name it UpdatePluginLater.
Within the Value Description, input value best-suited for your environment:
0: Default: The “Later” option is disabled. Clicking OK disconnects the user from the virtual desktop and updates the VDI Plug-In.
1: Includes the Later option, which closes the dialog. The next time the user connects, the prompt will appear again if the VDI plugin management software detects that an update is still needed.
2: Includes the Later option, which waits until the user disconnects from their virtual desktop(s) before automatically performing the update.
For further assistance with this process, readers can refer to Zoom’s support center for additional information on VDI registry keys and detailed guidance on enabling the virtual desktop for Zoom VDI Plugin Management.
Force Silent Plug-In Updates Without a User Prompt
If the system detects an out-of-date Plug-In, administrators may choose to bypass the update prompt and install the updated version automatically. This ensures the update is applied without requiring user intervention.
To enable this feature, perform the following steps:
Open the device’s registry and navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Zoom\Zoom Meetings\VDI
Create a DWORD entry and name it ForceSilentVDIPluginUpdate.
Within the Value Description, input value best-suited for your environment:
0: Default: Users are prompted to install a missing or out-of-date VDI Plugin.
1: Enabled: Users are not prompted and new plugins are automatically downloaded and installed after the user disconnects from their desktop.
For further assistance with this process, readers can refer to Zoom’s support center for additional information on VDI registry keys and detailed guidance on configuring silent updates.
Disable VDI Plug-In Updates (Opt-Out)
A business may need to allow users to opt out of software updates, particularly in cases where users are on personally owned devices (BYOD), compatibility issues arise, or regulatory requirements dictate such flexibility. To accommodate these situations, administrators can provide users with the option to opt out of automatic updates.
To enable this feature, perform the following steps:
Open the device’s registry and navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Zoom\Zoom Meetings\VDI
Create a DWORD entry and name it EnableVDIPluginAutoUpdateOptOut.
Within the Value Description, input value best-suited for your environment:
0: Default: An option to stop prompting for VDI Plugins is not displayed.
1: Enabled: an Opt Out button is added to the VDI Plugin Update prompt dialog. Clicking the Opt Out button provides more context and requires confirmation to stop plugin update notifications.
For further assistance with this process, readers can refer to Zoom’s support center for additional information on VDI registry keys.
Additional Plug-In Options
Beyond the Plug-In options outlined above, the Zoom VDI Plug-In includes additional parameters for more detailed management. Readers are encouraged to refer to Zoom’s support center for additional information on all available VDI registry keys and review the table section Install and Update.
How to verify the Zoom Workplace VDI app and Plug-In are connected
The Zoom Workplace VDI app and Windows Plug-In each contain ways of identifying if they are connected to each other, as well as the type of connection established.
From the Zoom Workplace VDI app
Users can confirm connectivity by opening the Settings screen within the Zoom Desktop Application, selecting Statistics, and navigating to the VDI tab. The image below demonstrates the diagnostic information available between the Zoom Workplace VDI app and Plug-In’s connection in addition to the VDI server’s and the Plug-In machine's performance.
Thin Client OS Version displays the operating system of the remote device or thin client (e.g., Mac 15.2.0).
VDI Plugin Version displays the operating system and version number of the Plug-In used on the remote machine.
VDI Plugin Status displays the connection status between the VDI app and Plug-In.
VDI Connection Error displays any errors, if detected.
VDI Connect Mode confirms the connection the Plug-In has with the VDI app (e.g., Direct, UDP, Channel).
VDI Share Mode confirms how screen sharing data is being offloaded between the VDI app and Plug-In (e.g., UDP, Channel).
VDI Plugin Proxy displays the proxy address and port used by the Plug-In (if applicable)
VDI Ping Server Mode shows if the server connection is optimal for the VDI app or Plug-In
Log Level confirms the extent of logs captured by the Log Collection Tool. Visit our VDI app registry settings article for more information on the various levels of logs.
From the Plug-In
Users can view the Plug-In’s connection status by inspecting the system tray icon on Windows machines (not available for Mac or Linux). If neither the Zoom Workplace VDI app nor Plug-In are showing a “Connected” status, the Zoom Workplace VDI app will operate in Fallback Mode without any media optimization.
Plug-In Connection Issues
If the Zoom VDI Plug-In is not connected, the default behavior of the VDI app is to operate in Fallback Mode. This mode of operation is not optimized, and will force all media rendering to the VDI server, which can result in severely degraded server performance.
If it is determined that the Plug-In is not connected, the most common causes include:
The Plug-In is not properly installed on the local machine/thin client.
If you have recently reinstalled the Citrix Receiver/Workspace or Horizon client, please be sure the Plug-In is reinstalled as well.
Only Citrix Workspace from Citrix is supported for Zoom VDI. The Citrix Workspace app for Windows from the Microsoft store is not supported.
Your Plug-In version exceeds the version number of the host installer.
Your Plug-In version is less than the minimum required, as enforced by a policy.
The virtual channels required to connect to the VDI Plug-in cannot be opened and an administrator needs to configure access. Citrix VDA 2109 and later disabled the Virtual Allow Channel by default.
Supported VDIs & Minimum Software Requirements
Refer to Zoom's Support Center for the latest information on supported VDI and software requirements.
Administration, Installation, and Connectivity FAQ
Can I use MSI switches with the Zoom Workplace VDI app?
The VDI Host Installer is an MSI file type which is capable of utilizing the same switches as the standard Zoom Workplace MSI program and can be deployed through normal software and device management tools, like Intune or SCCM. For a complete list of the MSI switches available, refer to our Mass Installation & Configuration for Windows guide.
Can I configure Group Policy with the Zoom Workplace VDI app?
The Zoom Workplace VDI app is responsive to standard GPO settings via the same registry location as the standard (i.e., non-VDI) app (HKCU\Software\Policies\Zoom\etc). Any pre-configured GPO settings for the standard Zoom Workplace desktop app will work with the Zoom Workplace VDI app.
Are there additional configuration settings available?
The Zoom Workplace VDI app behavior can be refined for select situations via registry keys, such as how the app will perform in Fallback Mode or feature enablement and disablement. Additional settings can be configured to create alert messages, restrict data flow, enforce optimizations, and more. For a full account of the registry keys and features we have available, refer to our VDI app registry settings article.
What is the best way to install or update the Zoom Workplace VDI app?
With frequent feature improvements to the Zoom Workplace VDI app and Plug-In, it is recommended that users always update the Zoom Workplace VDI app first. Failure to update the Zoom Workplace VDI app before the Plug-In will result in a disconnection between the app and Plug-In, forcing the VDI app into Fallback Mode.
Heads Up
Always update the Zoom Workplace VDI app before the Plug-In.
Is the VDI Plug-In backwards compatible?
Newer versions of the VDI Plug-In are not typically backwards compatible with older versions of the Zoom Workplace VDI app. Generally speaking, the Plug-In must always be equal to or lower than the Zoom Workplace VDI app’s internal version number. For more information about how to confirm compatibility between host and plug-in refer to VDI version compatibility check between the VDI Host and Plugin.
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