Where Are Zoom Backgrounds Stored?

Virtual Zoom backgrounds save the day when you have a Zoom meeting, but your room is messy, or the background is not presentable.

Zoom has allowed users to add background images or videos in a Zoom meeting to create a presentable environment.

While using virtual backgrounds is easy and simple, you may get curious about where Zoom stores these backgrounds.

We will understand what Zoom backgrounds are and present the steps to follow when you want to add a virtual background for your Zoom. Still, we will discuss the storage location for the Zoom backgrounds on your Mac and Windows.

What are Zoom Backgrounds (& How to Use Them)

Zoom is beneficial when it comes to videoconferencing. Furthermore, it is the most popular application for remote meetings, especially during the pandemic era.

When using Zoom, your background will be visible to others; unless you have a presentable background, it’s essential to add a background.

Zoom has default backgrounds that users can set when in a Zoom session. Still, it allows users to upload their custom virtual backgrounds, images, or videos and use them for meetings.

That way, even if you have a messy room, you will hide it from others in the Zoom meeting.

Here’s how to add a background on your Windows or Mac.

1. Open your Zoom application on your desktop for Windows or the “zoom.us” for Mac.
2. Login to your Zoom account.
3. Click on the Settings icon at the top of the window.
4. On the settings page, click the option for “Preferences”.
5. Click on the “Background & Filters” option on the left.
6. Scroll down and select any of the available backgrounds.
   Alternatively, click on the plus icon on the right, then select the video or image you want to use as your virtual background.
7. Once uploaded, you can select the custom background and set it as your background for Zoom.

So, whenever you open Zoom to join or create a meeting, you can use the background you’ve set to customize your Zoom background and obtain a presentable meeting environment.

Where are Zoom Backgrounds Stored?

When setting a Zoom background, you notice that Zoom has default backgrounds you can choose from and offers the option for adding custom backgrounds. So, where does it store these backgrounds?

Zoom has local storage on your Mac and Windows, storing its files. The location contains the default backgrounds and a separate folder for the custom backgrounds, which you add by uploading them.

You can find the default Zoom backgrounds using the path for Windows C:\Users\USER_NAME\AppData\Roaming\Zoom\data\VirtualBkgnd_Default/.

For the custom backgrounds, they are separated and stored in the C:\Users\USER_NAME\AppData\Roaming\Zoom\data\VirtualBkgnd_Custom.

For Mac, the default backgrounds are stored in the /Users/USER_NAME/Library/Application Support/zoom.us/data/VirtualBkgnd_Default/ location, while the custom backgrounds are in the /Users/USER_NAME/Library/Application Support/zoom.us/data/VirtualBkgnd_Custom location.

Note that tampering with these files can mess with your Zoom, especially for the default backgrounds. Therefore, refrain from making changes in the specified folder.

Conclusion

Zoom offers multiple features to allow users to customize how they want their videoconferencing experience to be.

You can use Zoom’s default backgrounds or upload your custom background.

We’ve discussed Zoom backgrounds, how to add them to your account, and where the backgrounds you use are stored on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions