1
While in a meeting, hover over the bottom of your Zoom screen to reveal the bottom menu
2
Click on Mute (microphone icon) on the left
To set your microphone to mute by default
3
Click on the up arrow next to "Unmute"
4
Click "Audio settings"
5
Alternatively, click on the gear icon (Settings) under your profile picture in the main Zoom panel
6
Click "Audio"
7
Scroll down and check "Mute my microphone when joining" and "Press and hold SPACE key to temporarily unmute myself" at the bottom
8
This will ensure your microphone is automatically muted upon joining a new meeting.\
You can unmute yourself by pressing and holding the space bar, and your microphone will be muted again once you release it.