"system resources low" when on Zoom

Question

I bought a new Surface Book 2 (13" i7) a couple months ago.  It has been great.  But recently started giving me performance issues.

When I am in a zoom meeting I have started consistently getting a "system resources are low, try closing applications for better performance" message and the zoom audio breaks up (sounds "robotic" with skipped syllables).  I used to have a ton of things open when running zoom, but now I close everything first before starting the meeting, but I still get this problem every time.  

I am running on an ethernet cable with fiber-optic internet, so I know it is not my connection.  Yesterday, I started using my 5 or 6 year old Surface Pro 3 to the side of my Surface Book 2 with both open to the same zoom meeting.  I was hosting the meeting on my Surface Book, so I kept it open, but had to use the only Surface Pro to hear and speak.  The old Surface Pro was only running on wifi and managed to have a browser window open at the same time with no problem.  But on my Surface Book 2, I tried to open a browser window to check my calendar and it took forever to respond.

It seems to be a problem with my Surface and not Zoom because I am the only person on the call having the problem.  Everyone knows I have a brand new Surface and they are starting to get a bad opinion of it because of the problems.  I'm hopeful the Microsoft Community can help, but I am ready to use my warranty if needed for more professional help.

Answer 1

Hi RevdLaurie,

Thank you for reaching out Microsoft Community. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you.

To initially troubleshoot this issue, I'd like you to run the system file checker to see if this issue is due to  corrupted system files. To run the system file checker, kindly type Command Promp****t on the search box next to the Windows icon and run it as administrator. Once done, type and enter sfc /scannow. Let it load, detect and repair those corrupted files. If it didn't detect any corrupted files, please restart your Surface device and please run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit. 

After running SDT, you can uninstall/reinstall the Zoom app. Then, open Device Manager. Expand Audio Input and Output, right-click on each driver and select "uninstall device". Once done, re-download the drivers from this link>>https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=56261. Choose the first msi file and download it completely.

If this helps, feel free to mark this post as an answer. Otherwise, don't hesitate to respond to this thread if you need further assistance.

Kind Regards,

Crest_Z

Answer 2

so far I have run the system file checker.  I've pasted the results below.  following the scan I restarted the surface and am now getting ready to do the SDT.  I just wanted to update my progress.  I have a zoom call set for this afternoon.  if it is back to "normal" I will be sure and mark your reply as the Answer.

Answer 3

so i got all the way through the uninstall/install Zoom steps when I needed to join the Zoom call for today.  I encountered no problems.  So I will declare this issue resolved.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!  This problem has been a curse for the last week and I'm glad to have it gone.

Do you think I should still go ahead and follow the steps you gave for uninstalling/reinstalling the device drivers?  Or save that step for if the problem comes back?

Answer 4

Hi RevdLaurie,

Thank you for your response.

You can save it for now and just re-do all the suggested steps when the problem persists and don't hesitate to raise concerns here in MS Community, we are always here to help.

Kind Regards,

Crest_Z

Answer 5

So Zoom has been working fine since doing the steps recommended.  UNTIL the massive windows update ran yesterday (Saturday 6/27) and it's now back to jumping and skipping, though not giving me the "system resources low" message.

I assume I need to go through the same steps again?