Campus News

Update Your Zoom to Version 5.5 or Newer Before Nov. 1

photo of a student looking at laptop while in a hammock on campus
Mark Cornelison | UK Photo.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2021) — The University of Kentucky Information Technology Services (ITS) would like to inform students, faculty and staff that beginning Nov. 1, Zoom is requiring all clients be updated to version 5.5+ in order to join any meeting. See below for questions you may have regarding this new policy. 

How do I know what version of Zoom I have? 

If you would like to check your version of Zoom, follow the steps at Viewing the Zoom version number. Please note that if you use Zoom on multiple devices (e.g., mobile, tablet), you will need to check all of them. 

Why do I need to update? 

Beginning Nov. 1, Zoom is requiring that all clients be updated to version 5.5+ in order to join any meeting. This required update follows Zoom's new nine-month release window, requiring all clients be no more than nine months behind the current version at any given time. This policy ensures clients have the latest Zoom features, as well as any privacy and cybersecurity enhancements. 

How do I update Zoom? 

If you are an administrator of your machine, please follow the steps at How To Update Your Zoom Client to install the latest version. If you are not an administrator of your machine, please contact your IT representative. Please note that if you use Zoom on multiple devices (e.g., mobile, tablet), you will need to update on all of them. 

What happens if I don't update by Nov. 1? 

Any clients that have version 5.5 or older will be forced to update when trying to join meetings after Nov. 1. 

ITS asks that all students, faculty and staff ensure they are using Zoom version 5.5 or newer before Nov. 1 to prevent any possible service disruptions. 

For 24/7 university technical assistance, please contact ITS Customer Services at 859-218-HELP (4357) or visit the Technology Help Center at https://techhelpcenter.uky.edu. For assistance with non-urgent matters, email 218help@uky.edu.    

For 24/7 UK HealthCare technical assistance, contact UK HealthCare IT Service Desk at 859-323-8586. 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.