Overview

This article provides recommended best practices for using Microsoft Teams and Zoom within a Softdrive virtual desktop session.

Following these recommendations can help improve microphone, speaker, and webcam reliability and prevent common issues caused by device conflicts, application settings, or peripherals being connected after the Softdrive session has already started.

Applies To

• Softdrive virtual desktop users
• Microsoft Teams
• Zoom
• Built-in and USB microphones, speakers, headsets, and webcams
• Bluetooth audio devices

Before Starting Your Softdrive Session

For the best experience, connect and verify your audio and video devices before connecting to Softdrive.

1. Connect your headset, microphone, speakers, and webcam to your local computer.
2. Confirm the microphone and speakers are working normally on your local computer.
3. If you will be using a webcam, confirm that the camera works in the Windows Camera application or another local camera application.
4. Close any local application that may already be using the microphone or camera.
5. Connect to your Softdrive virtual desktop.

Microphone Best Practices

Select the Correct Microphone

Teams and Zoom should automatically select a microphone, but the automatically selected device may not always be the one you want to use.

Before joining an important meeting, open the application's audio settings and verify that the correct microphone is selected.

Microsoft Teams:
 Settings > Devices > Microphone

Zoom:
 Settings > Audio > Microphone

Avoid Changing Microphones During a Meeting

If possible, avoid repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting USB or Bluetooth microphones while Teams or Zoom is running. Applications may continue attempting to use the previous device.

If you connect a new microphone after starting Softdrive and the device is not available, close Teams or Zoom and reconnect to your Softdrive session.

Avoid Using the Same Microphone in Multiple Applications

Close applications that are not actively being used for the meeting. Running Teams, Zoom, browser-based meeting software, recording software, or another communication application simultaneously can create conflicts when accessing microphone devices.

Speaker and Headset Best Practices

Verify the Correct Output Device

If you cannot hear other meeting participants, first verify that Teams or Zoom is using the correct speaker or headset.

Microsoft Teams:
 Settings > Devices > Speaker

Zoom:
 Settings > Audio > Speaker

Use a Headset When Possible

A headset is recommended for meetings because it reduces echo and prevents the microphone from picking up sound coming from your speakers.

Bluetooth Devices

Bluetooth headsets should be paired and connected to the local computer before connecting to Softdrive.

If a Bluetooth headset disconnects or switches between devices, Teams or Zoom may automatically change the selected microphone or speaker. Verify your audio device settings again after reconnecting the headset.

Camera and Webcam Best Practices

Verify the Camera Locally First

Before troubleshooting a camera problem inside Softdrive, confirm that the camera works normally on your local computer outside of Softdrive.

For Windows computers, the built-in Camera application can be used as a quick test.

Do Not Use the Camera in Multiple Applications

Many webcams and applications do not allow multiple applications to use the camera simultaneously.

Before using the camera inside Softdrive, close applications on your local computer that may already be accessing it, including:

• Microsoft Teams
• Zoom
• Windows Camera
• Web browsers using camera permissions
• Recording or conferencing applications

Select the Correct Camera

Inside Softdrive, verify that Teams or Zoom is using the appropriate redirected or Softdrive webcam device.

Microsoft Teams:
 Settings > Devices > Camera

Zoom:
 Settings > Video > Camera

Before Joining an Important Meeting

We recommend performing a quick device check before important calls or presentations.

1. Confirm your headset, microphone, and camera are connected to your local computer.
2. Close unused local communication applications.
3. Connect to Softdrive.
4. Open Teams or Zoom.
5. Open the application's device settings.
6. Verify the correct microphone, speaker, and camera are selected.
7. Use the application's audio or video test feature when available.

If a Device Stops Working

If your microphone, speakers, or webcam were working previously and suddenly stop working, try the following:

1. Verify that the physical device is still connected and working on your local computer.
2. Close other applications that could be using the device.
3. Verify the correct microphone, speaker, or camera is selected in Teams or Zoom.
4. Close and reopen Teams or Zoom.
5. Disconnect from Softdrive and reconnect to your virtual desktop.

Expected Result

When properly configured, Teams and Zoom should detect the microphone, speakers, headset, and webcam redirected from your local computer and allow normal audio and video communication within the Softdrive virtual desktop.

Troubleshooting

If the issue continues after following the recommendations above, collect the following information before contacting your IT administrator or the Softdrive Support team:

• Whether the affected device works normally outside of Softdrive
• Whether the issue occurs in Teams, Zoom, or both applications
• Whether the issue affects the microphone, speakers, camera, or multiple devices
• The name and model of the affected headset, microphone, or webcam
• Whether disconnecting and reconnecting the Softdrive session resolves the issue

If the webcam cannot be detected or does not appear inside Softdrive, refer to the related Softdrive camera troubleshooting articles or contact the Softdrive Support team for assistance.