How to set up the Cisco Desk, from unboxing to a working test. It works two ways: as an appliance that runs Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms or another platform on the device itself, or in USB mode connected to a laptop or room PC, so it works with any meeting app.
Before you start: check the box
- Cisco Desk
- Desk stand
- Network cable, 3 m
- USB-C cable, 1.8 m
- Power supply
What you need
- Ports on the Desk: Video inputs: USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode, up to 1080p60), HDMI 2.0 (up to 1080p60).
- For appliance mode: a wired Ethernet drop, a wall mount or stand rated for its weight, and a Webex account and license for the room.
- For USB mode: a laptop or room PC with a free USB port that matches the included cable. Plug directly into the computer rather than through a hub where possible.
- Power: 70 W max.
Desk at a glance
- Display: 24" 1080p VA LED, 300 cd/m²
- Camera: 8 MP, up to 30 fps, privacy shutter
- Microphones: 4-mic array with AI noise removal
Step by step
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Pick the wall or stand position. Put the camera at roughly seated eye level, keep the farthest seat within the microphones' pickup range, and avoid a window behind the board. See Desk mounting and placement.
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Connect power and cables. Connect the power cord. Then connect the cables your setup needs (Video inputs: USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode, up to 1080p60), HDMI 2.0 (up to 1080p60)). Use the cables in the box first; long runs may need the manufacturer's extender.
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Set up appliance mode. Follow the on-screen setup to choose the platform (Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms or other) and sign in with the room's account.
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Set up USB mode. Connect the Desk to the computer by USB. In Teams, Zoom or Meet, open the device settings and select the Desk as the camera, microphone and speaker.
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Update the firmware. Update to the latest firmware before you go live. See Updating the firmware below.
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Run a test call. Join a test meeting, check framing from every seat, speak from the far end of the table, and have the remote side confirm they hear you clearly with no echo.
Updating the firmware
Update to the latest firmware before you go live, using the manufacturer's app or the device's settings.
- Don't unplug power or USB while an update runs.
- Close Teams, Zoom and other apps that use the device before updating it from a computer.
- Update one room first, test a call, then roll out to the rest.
Manual and documentation
Cisco's product page for the Desk: documentation and downloads. Check it for exact port diagrams and admin settings for your firmware version.
If something doesn't work
Start with Desk troubleshooting. Want it done for you? We plan rooms and ship them ready to install. Get a quote.
More Desk guides
- Desk buyer's guide: specs and price
- Desk: troubleshooting
- Desk: mounting and placement
- Desk: Teams, Zoom and Google Meet
- Desk: what room size it covers
- Desk: price and total room cost
- Desk: full specs
- Desk: alternatives compared
- All Cisco collaboration boards compared
Related guides
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