Windows 8.1 has specific privacy settings. Navigate to and ensure that "Let apps use my microphone/camera" is toggled to On . High CPU Usage
However, Zoom continues to release updates for Windows 8.1 64-bit, but this will not last forever. As of late 2024, Zoom requires Windows 8.1 with the aforementioned Platform Update. Future Zoom versions may drop support entirely.
Windows 8.1’s Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) can be used to close unnecessary apps. Disable startup programs like OneDrive or Skype to free up CPU.