How To Fix Webcam Problems
With broadband internet widely available, many PC users are actively using their webcams for video chatting and online meetings. Not only does the increased bandwidth facilitate the use of video over the internet, but improved webcams and better video compression also help a lot. But if your hardware is not working as it should be, a webcam is not much fun. So dealing with webcam problems can be a necessary evil. Webcam problems often simply mean there is no image to be seen, but in other cases, you might actually get an error message or will not be able to select the webcam as the video source in your programs.
In Windows Live Messenger, for example, you might get webcam error 0x8a70013, indicating a problem with the webcam device.
Steps to solve the webcam problems
Check the webcam connection
One of the very first steps is of course to check your webcam connection. Most webcams use the USB port to connect to the PC, so check if your USB cable is properly plugged in. For built-in webcams, these steps of course do not apply. Many new laptops have a built-in webcam. Also, try connecting your webcam directly to your PC instead of through a USB hub (if you are using one).
Enable the webcam
But don’t forget to check if you need to manually activate your webcam. In most cases, the webcam will be automatically activated by software that can use the webcam, but for some computer brands, it is necessary to press a certain key combination to activate the webcam (it will be a Function key, either with Alt or Ctrl or the Fn key, but check the laptop manual for details).
Some known key combinations:
<Fn> + <F9> (Alienware laptop webcams)
<Fn> + <F6> (Packard Bell laptops, MSI laptops, Lenovo laptops)
<Fn> + <F10> (Neo laptops, some Asus laptops)
Check the webcam in the Device Manager
The next thing to do is to check your Windows Device Manager and see if all hardware is recognized and installed properly. Use the Scan for hardware changes in the Action menu to make sure Windows lists all available hardware devices.
It might be that the hardware is recognized as a camera, but the right drivers are not installed. The yellow exclamation mark will indicate a problem.
If the device is not recognized in Windows, it will be listed under Other Devices.
In either case, you can try to update the drivers. Right-click the device, and in the popup menu select Update Driver Software (in Windows 11 – Update driver). Then follow the instructions on screen, but make sure you allow Windows to search the web for updated drivers.
In case no driver for the webcam can be found, you can try a third-party driver-finding program that scans your PC for installed hardware and allows you to install missing drivers.
Reinstall the webcam software
If this fails, the next step would be to uninstall the software that came with your webcam. Use the Add or Remove Programs feature in the Control Panel. If that does not work you can use a third party uninstaller.
After uninstalling the software, restart your PC and then reinstall the webcam software. In most cases, this will solve the problems. Depending on the software, you might need to unplug your webcam during the software installation. For many HP systems, you need to install the CyberLink YouCam software, which can be downloaded from the HP site (for Windows 7 and Windows 8). This program allows you to check the webcam feed to see if it is working.
Check the software settings
If the drivers and webcam software are correctly installed, and you still cannot see any video, there can be a problem with the program settings. Most chat and meeting software have a configuration option to select the video source for the webcam feature. If you have multiple devices that qualify for video, you might need to select your webcam device as the source for the webcam feature in that program.
Some webcams and programs require additional software, although that should be installed with the webcam if things are right. But is does not harm to check if your Java, Flash (discontinued in 2019) and Quicktime software (version 7.6) are installed and up to date. But certainly check your DirectX software, since all video applications, including webcams, use DirectX for video processing. Try downloading the latest DirectX version and install it (Windows XP: DirectX 9.0c – Windows Vista: DirectX 10 (version 11 for Vista with SP2) – Windows 7: DirectX 11 – Windows 8, 8.1: DirectX 11.2 is only available through the Windows Update function – Windows 10: DirectX 11.3 and 12 are included with Windows and updates are only available through Windows update).
Manual focus correction
Lastly, if your webcam’s image is not sharp, check to see if it has a focus ring. A blurry image can sometimes simply mean the webcam is not in focus. Adjusting the focus through the ring can solve that problem.
Adjust video capture quality
Other picture quality problems with webcams can be addressed by changing the video capture properties for the webcam. Most programs that can use a webcam will have the option to access the properties of the video source, which will bring up the video capture properties window.
Do keep in mind that not all settings will be enabled depending on the webcam and the webcam driver installed on your computer. In the example, you can see that some settings are disabled. The example shows the video capture properties for an Acer Crystal Eye webcam.
In Windows 11 the Camera properties look different. Access them by opening Settings from the Start menu, then select Bluetooth & devices in the left-hand pane, click Cameras in the right-hand pane, and then click your camera.
Camera Privacy Settings Causing Webcam Problems
Starting with Windows 8.1 (and Windows 10) there is a privacy setting in Windows that allows (or blocks) access to the camera. If access to the camera is blocked to Apps, your webcam will not work in certain applications.
Here are the steps to ensure that the camera is not blocked in Windows 10:
- From the Start menu, select Settings.
- In the Settings window, click on Privacy.
- Make sure that the setting for Let my apps use my camera is turned On.
Fix Flipped Camera Issues
Having the image from the camera shown as mirrored or upside down has been a long-time problem on some Windows-compatible webcams. In most cases, the right device driver for the camera will fix the issue.
If the camera image is not showing correctly, or changes to an incorrect image when using it to capture video, try the options below to fix it.
Registry tweak to flip camera
Although this solution is not applicable to all webcams, it is good to check if it is applicable in your case.
- Open the Registry Editor using the Windows + R keys and then type
regeditin the Run box. Press Enter or click the OK button. - In the Registry Editor, select the top-level entry (Computer), and then use the File menu Export option to make a backup of the registry.
- Next, locate the following registry entry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\
{6BDD1FC6-810F-11D0-BEC7-08002BE2092F}\0000\VIDEOPROCAMP - With the key selected, change entry in the right-hand panel called
HFLIPfrom 0 to 1 (or from 1 to zero, depending on the current value). If the entry does not exist, you can create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value with that name.
Note: Use theVFLIPentry for a vertical flip.
If you cannot find the key, this option probably will not work for your webcam.
Use software settings to flip the camera
If you cannot get the webcam image corrected in Windows itself, using the driver, settings, or registry tweak, you can often use program settings to correct the webcam image.
Do keep in mind that many video chat programs show you the mirrored image of the webcam while people on the other end see the correct image of you. So consider if it is really something that needs to be addressed!
In Zoom you can toggle video mirroring to change the image.
- Click the up arrow in the Video button on the Zoom meeting window.
- Select the Video Settings option in the popup menu.
- In the Video settings pane, unmark the option Mirror my video.
- Close the Video settings pane.
- Close and restart Zoom (close it completely from the Taskbar icon).
If you prefer working with web-based interfaces for online meeting and chat programs like Zoom, Google Meet, and others, installing a browser plugin or extension is the better way to go. For Chrome, there is VideoMirror, which is free and supports camera mirroring. There are others, but make sure to check that the mirror function is available in the free version before you install it.
If you are using your webcam for instant messaging / video chatting with one of the popular chat programs, have a look at ManyCam, which allows you to record your webcam but also allows screen recording, which allows you to record any video stream! Third-party programs like ManyCam act as a virtual webcam and even work to mirror the camera image in Discord, which is not otherwise possible.
Windows 10 Camera Problems
In one of the initial Windows 10 updates, a camera problem was introduced that needed a specific fix. The update causes the camera to stop working in most apps trying to use it. The update pertained to the Windows Frame Server Mode for processing webcam images. Microsoft disabled support for webcams using MJPEG and H264 compression. The way to address this is to disable the Frame Server Mode to allow it to work.
- Open the Registry Editor in Windows.
- Make a backup of the registry using the File -> Export option.
- Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Media Foundation\Platform - Right-click in the left-hand pane and select New in the popup menu.
- Select DWORD (32-bit) Value and enter the
EnableFrameServerModeas the name. - The value should be zero (0) by default, if not, change it to zero (0) by double-clicking the new key.
- If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you need to repeat these steps for the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows Media Foundation\Platform - Close the Registry Editor and check if the camera issue is fixed.
A restart of Windows should not be required, but if the fix does not work, restart Windows to make sure the changes take effect.
Realtek Webcam Problems
If your Windows system is using a webcam that is using Realtek components, a specific problem can occur. The Windows service host will report errors that report the camera frame service terminated unexpectedly. The error is caused by a Realtek driver file (RsProvider.dll). The file resides in the path: C:\Program Files\Realtek\RsProviders\RsProvider.dll (unless your system drive is not the C-drive).
You can either delete or rename the RsProviders folder or try a registry option to disable it. Lenovo provides a patch for its affected systems to disable it. The patch removes the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Analog\Providers\RsProvider
Before you change the registry, make a backup! If you decide to delete the RsProvider folder, also make a backup first (the better option is to try and rename it first).
Windows 11 Camera Troubleshooter
Microsoft has included a troubleshooter feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that can help fix common problems. So, if you experience a camera-related problem in one of these Windows versions, run the Camera Troubleshooter first.
- Open the Settings from the Start menu.
- Select Bluetooth & devices in the left-hand pane.
- Click Cameras in the right-hand pane.
- Select your Camera (USB2.0 HD UVC WebCam in the example).
- Click the Troubleshoot button.
Errors that can be solved this way include the 0xA00F4244 error showing NoCamerasAreAttached. The Camera window will show the message “We can’t find your camera“.
A second frequent error in Windows 10 and Windows 11 relating to the webcam is error 0xA00F429F WindowsShowFailed. The message, in this case, is “Can’t start your camera“.
In most cases, this is an App access issue (permissions), but just run the troubleshooter to see if it can be fixed by Windows automatically.
@Carly – Ccleaner is another option to clean the registry, that’s still free I think.
Okay I did that, it came up with problems or whatever, but I have to pay to get the problems resolved, which isn’t happening.
@terri – That lookst like pictures are being take with the webcam. Are you certain none of your software is taking pictures while you were on the chat?
Bteer make sure you system is protected so the webcam is not accessed by anyone else. Make sure the firewall is turned on, update your anti-virus software and anti spyware software regularly and do a full system scan.
@Priya – Are you certain that the XP reinstall was the same version? Make sure you update XP completely, including the service packs as well. Also try different webcam software to use it and see if it is maybe one specific program.
@Yash – It looks like your driver is not the right one. Are you using the driver from an installation CD or did you download a driver for the frontech somewhere?
and one more thing, I am using Windows 7.
Hi, i have frontech E-cam (gem) jil 2225..When I installed it first time, it was working properly but then I formated my laptop and now I am facing problem in installing the drivers. When I install the driver,it installs properly but when I connect the cam device the automatic installation of the device driver by windows shows that the driver may not be installed correctly. The Frontech E-cam does not work. I have tried the reinstallation many times but its not working..Please I need help.
I have a HP tablet pc with XP and i use an external webcam. I have recently got my pc formatted. After that i installed my webcam but it is not working properly. The system detects the webcam but when i open it, the screen is blank. Before the format my webcam use to work just fine. The cam driver and java is up to date. I have tried re-installing cam driver. Please help !
@melissa – Did you try rebooting and reinstalling the webcam software?
@Carly – Which cleaner did you use? We recommend Registry Mechanic as it has support for all Windows versions, including the 64-bit architecture.
hello, i have an eee-pc laptop with built-in cam. last night i was on yahoo messenger and had the webcam on chatting with a friend. i noticed every now and then a camera shutter sound and my friend said the screen would go black then come right back. i’ve never noticed it before last night. could this be something serious, or a simple problem with the settings?
Already did that a jillion times
cleaner says i have a 64, and it only runs on a 32
today i installed my logitech webcam onto my pc. it was working fine, unti li unplugged it + tried it again? now the window says, a webcam is not foudn or working properly?
@Carly – Not sure what to suggest anymore, it really appears to me that there is a problem with the webcam driver and software installation. You have tried uninstalling, and reinstalling? Maybe even run a registry cleaner in between to completely remove all configuration data.
@Rachel – Did you already try uninstalling MSN, rebooting and reinstalling MSN?
@jah – That sound more like a network/internet connection problem than a webcam problem. Check your firewall settings and make sure that is not blocking the program you use for the call.
Have a Logitech 250 web cam & software. Upon first use talking with daughter in Florida it glitched and locked several times like it lost the connection making us call back each time. Do you have a solution? We both have DSL.
hello
i have a dell computer its a inspiron and has and in build webcam im using windows 7 . i sometimes go on webcam with my friends on msn and even when i dont there is a little icon saying that i have one.the other day i was on msn and my friend videocallex me and it didnt show i had a webcam and there was a link to buy one. i got out of it and check it was there in device manager and i trouble shooted it it said no problem found i went on to the camera icon on my tool bar at the top and it let me take photos on it but it wont work on msn do u know what is wrong with it i have no idea and neither do my friends please help i need it.!!!!!
Tried that also, the old versoin of Skype doesn’t work with my Windows 7. I tried it and my computer kept telling me I needed to upgrade my software because it didn’t function correctly without it.
@Thomas – Weird, this can only be related to the low light capabilities of the camera. There are some settings you can try on the webcam programs, but have you tried a directional spotlight rather than general bright light?
@Carly – Do you have the same version of Skype on both systems? Maybe try installing an older version of Skype, I have seen more problems like that reported with Skype updates.
@Amanda – You can uninstall from the Control Panel. Add/Remove Software.
DirectX is a graphics library from Microsoft. It is integrated with the recent Windows version, but if there is a problem with it, you can download and install it again. Just type “vista directx download” in a search engine.
@Laura – Problems like that are often electronic issues, so it is possible one of the webcams is broken. Test with someone else if you can to pinpoint which of the two it is. Are you using cabled or wireless internet, because the connection could also be a cause.
@Justin – Did it ever work properly, or from the start? If you tried the ring and the settings, it is more likely that the device is broken. You have enough light while using the webcam? Does the distance of the object to the webcam matter at all?
@Fiona – Not quite sure, because such problems are indeed often caused by device conflicts. But if you checked that there is no other webcam, and no TV card, then that can obviously not be the problem. Is it possible to install and test the webcam on a different computer?
I have installed SplitCam as suggested and a similar error code appears with using this program. Device Manager tells me my hardware is working fine (though it is evidently not). I have also tried it on Windows Live Messenger, where nothing more than a blank white box appears in place of where the image should be. I have no idea what else to try! Do you think there’s something already on the computer stopping it from working or..?
Fiona
i have a Hercules Deluxe Optical Glass webcam and i cannot get it to focus. I have messed with the settings and turned the focus ring every which way possible but it will not focus.
Ummm, ok, so when my friend and I are talking on our webcams, sometimes all of a sudden this static comes on really loud. I cant hear my friend anymore at all! But SHE can hear ME. It’s so annoying :( Help please? I have Vista, and a Logitech webcam. She has a Logitech webcam as well… I think it might be hers, Im not sure.
Hi Kyle.
No I haven’t tried uninstalling and reinstalling, how would I do that through the device manager? Also what is the DirectX software? I have windows vista.
I checked and I don’t have an internal webcam. I have also tried re-downlading skype numerous times. Oh, and I also have the same problem as Fiona.
Hello, my problem is a strange one. I have only bought this laptop about a week ago. It is an Advent Roma 2000. When in daylight, the cam works perfectly but at night even with the brightest light on, it is so dark that my girlfriend can’t see me. I find this quite strange. Could somebody possibly shed some light(pardon the pun) on this and help me rectify the problem?
@Fiona – That error normally indicates an incomplete installation error. Did you try other webcam software (not AmCap)? Try SplitCam, or a chat program and select the webcam as the video input source, and see if that works. It might be simply a corrupt AmCAP installation.
Also check if the webcam is listed in the Device Manager under Imaging devices, so you know the driver itself is properly installed.
Hi I just purcahsed an ALBA 1.3 MP Mic and Zoom Webcam. I inserted the disk and installed the software; when complete I inserted the webcam into the USB port and installed the hardware also.
However, when opening the AMCAP application which was installed with the software, it comes up with a pop-up saying error code 800706f8. I have tried the “Update Driver Software” option from the Device Manager window, but this did nothing. I have also tried uninstalling, restarting the computer, and installing it again. It still comes up with the same error message. I’m using Windows XP which it says it;s compatible with.
Do you have any ideas what the problem could be? And please try and explain as simply as possible
Thanks, Fiona
@Carly – You can just quickly check it in the Device Manager. Check under Imaging Devices. If there are multiple webcams there, you know there is an internal one as well.
You have tried re-downloading and re-installing Skype?
Im almost positive it doesn’t have an internal one – It said it didn’t on the box. But it suspiciously looks like it, cause theres a little circle at the top, however I think if I did have one I would’ve found it by now.
I downloaded Splitcam a few days ago (suggested by someone else) nothing happened