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.
@Sean – In itself the use of the HDMI cable for connecting the TV should not be a problem, but did you maybe also install some software for that?
@Sweden – Considering your feedback, I suggest you check your DirectX version and installation. Try downloading the runtime installer for your DirectX version and install it (again).
@Bre – Only thing I can suggest is to try an intermediate webcam sharing program, like SplitCam or ManyCam. If they work with your webcam, you can then select the that program as the video input source in Skype instead of the physical webcam device.
@XxPriya 4 BrandonxX – Just reinstall the webcam drivers and software, that should fix it.
i was using my webcam on msn and then i was trying to safley remove hardware and i dont know how but it deleted my program for my web cam and now it keeps saying eror on webcam and on msn it doesnt show my webcam :S help plz
I bought a webcam off of Ebay from China. When using Skype it gives me the message that the video isn’t streaming in the correct format. The software that came with the webcam gives me no options to change the format.
Hello! Thanks for the prompt reply!
I have tested with diffrent programs, and with different people.
I even added myself on msn with my other mail and start a webcam conversation and it is still a blurred result?
It´s only okey when its not streaming?
Thank you!
Hey Kyle you seem very helpful, hopefully you can help me out. I have an HP Pavillion dv5 with a built-in webcam. I have used the webcam often with no problems, however out of nowhere, the video for the webcam became unreasonably blurry. No one I know knows how to fix this. I changed around the display settings and even checked to update the driver but it is up to date. I do connect my laptop to my TV with an HDMI cable, maybe that could be it? I’ve been using the HDMI for a while now and I haven’t had any problems until now. Please help me out with this problem, it’s killing me!
Thanks in advance,
-Sean
@Sweden – Have you already tried different chat partners to see if this happens for all of them? First thing is to identify if it is really your system having the problems or maybe the other party.
And also check another program, like Skype, to see if it is the webcam or the chat program having the problems.
Hello! I had been very grateful for answers!
Please feel free to explain in detail because I am not so good on the PC
But when I webcam with someone, for example, on msn, I see my image clear and very good, The one I webcam with sees my image very blurred, and unclear.
I use avast antivirus / windows 7 – HP 6830s .. Do you think there might be something blocking the flow?
Thanks for the reply and this site!
@Tara – Up side down webcam images in general are the result of incorrect drivers. Try reinstalling the original webcam driver for your laptop.
@Gerry – Have you tried reinstalling the Live Messenger software? That would reset the program configuration, including any possible network security requirement that might have been affected by the Windows updates.
@Alex – Try to find out what changed, so you can revert it or correct things based on that. You can obviously try to reinstall the webcam drivers and the webcam software you use, but if you know what changed, that would be better.
@Ken – Unfortunately I do not have any suggestions on that kind of mechanical problem. It is probably easiest to get an external USB webcam and use that instead.
@Sridhar – Did you check if it is a USB 2.0 port or a USB 1.1 port? With some webcams that can make a difference.
@shahbee – That indicates a software compatibility problem. Could be the driver or the software you are using. Are you sure the webcam driver and Windows version are compatible? What is your Windows version and what software are you using?
@msf – That is hard to say. It is very possible that something is broken of course, considering the fall. Best thing to do is to take it to a repair center.
i have a built in webcam in my laptop and my laptop fell and then my webcam stopped working and i dont know what happened. can you help me out?
i brought Alba 1.3MP Mic and Zoom Webcam and whenver i try downloading it it it stops working then i have to press end now anyways u can help me with
Just now I bought a webcam (Techcom-SSD649).I pluged in my USB.The image in the preview is moving like slow motion.I don’t now how to adjust it.please help me.
I have a webcam with USB interface- it’s model number is 365A2120, and I aquired it from Woolworths several years ago. Drivers are fully operational and the webcam broadcasts a MPEG stream over many applications succesfully, however, since the lens has come off, the webcam fails to pick anything up other than blurry colours. The foccussing mechanism fails to fix this problem, and I cannot make anything out in the webcam’s preview. Any solutions for this problem? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Cheers.
hi there,
on my hp laptop i have a built in webcam that used to work perfectly. I mainly used my webcam for msn and skype. One day, as i tried to use it on msn it stop and said there is no availabe captured device where my webcam picture should be shown.
please help me any advice would be appreciated
thankyou
Hi
I have a LG X110 laptop with built in web cam running XP Home. It has been working perfect with MS Live Messenger until the latest MS Security updates for XP, released on Feb. 09 – 2010
Now it’s not possible to activate the web cam during conversation. The “Show my webcam” is grey. The strange thing is that if I select “Adjust cam” it shows up perfect. I have tried to deactivate/activate the cam in Messenger “Adjust cam” with no result. Have also tried with different Live User. Any ideas on this?? Thank you.
I have a built in webcam in my Asus laptop and it used to be fine, now everytime I use it on my Yahoo! Messenger it appears upside down. I tried checking preferences and the camera settings there, but I can’t find anything to mirror the image back. Now, I would have tried to see if I could do it on the computer’s settings itself, but I don’t know how to access my webcam outside of a messenger. Help would be appreciated.
~Tara
@Havard – Just go into the Device Manager and disable the internal webcam under the Imaging Devices category. That should prevent conflicts and allow you to use the external cam without problems.
@chris – If it works on MSN on your end, there will be anetwork problem preventing others from viewing it. Check the ports in the firewall or define MSN as an exception to let all traffic through. Also check if your friends are using the same version of msn messenger. That can also help.
@liela – Same as chris, probably a network problem. Define msn as an exception in your Windows firewall. You can also try a different program to confirm (Skype is good).
@Stubby – Thanks for the details. Seems to me that IE8 has some issue with handling the SSL connection. Maybe related to the type of certificate used.
Update on getting my webcam to work on Meebo with IE. Upgrade to the latest Flash (10.0.45.2) and Java 32-bit version 6.18. Restart Meebo, and when you click on thewebcam icon, answer “no” to wanting only content delivered securely thru HTTPS. Bottom line – works fine now on IE with the above changes. Worked fine already on Firefox without doing any of the above. Good luck!
I too was unable to get my brand new Toshiba Satellite webcam to work in Meebo; it worked fine on the desktop taking pictures and video. This is a brand new laptop, it had the latest USB webcam driver already, so I didn’t want to mess around with re-installing it. I fixed it by simply configuring Meebo to open Firefox (3.6) instead of my default IE (8.0.7600.16385) browser. No other changes were necessary.
will i moved to another country and i bought a new computer but i used the same web cam when i removed it and put it on my new computer i changed the country and every thing but when i came on msn i could only see the person i am talking to but they cant see or hear me and i cant hear them ether so please help me
hi ive just bought a webcam ive downloaded the cd for it, but im getting no responce when i plugg it in it says power surge2 many things plugged in to usb ports but ive tired it on its own and still no luck, i can see the webcam pic on my msn but other pple cant see it and when i click on it it wont let me click show webcam,, any ideas???? thnx
Hey Kyle..
My girlfriend just bought a new campaq mini pc with a buildtin cam.. I live on the other side of the world from here, so we use skype a lot.. With her new pc, the video is bad and i can’t hardly hair her voice. We tried to adjust the volume button and the microphone, however it still sucks..
She has an external cam that we used before, where the film is much better and the voice is better.. What do we have to do to connect this cam to her computer without the builtin cam to effect the sound (which it did when we tried) and to actually get a picture from the external cam??
[–we have no profile in the webcam then they have no camera wrote in the device manager:)]
Thanks a lot Kyle. My firewall wasn’t the problem, but I guess the ports were. When I told my fiance about Network Ports, his eyes opened up! He’s figured the rest out all by himself :P (He’s a software engineer!)
Thank a lot for helping :)
@SHAHZAD – Have you tried reinstalling the webcam drivers?
@Milton – Only your own image, or the webcam image from the other party? And how about a local webcam application, can you preview your own webcam at all?
@Lauren – That is more likely to be a network setting. Check that your firewall is not blocking Skype. Also see if it works with a different video chat program to make sure (Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, or something).
@Andie – Same thing, check the Windows firewall to make sure that Skype is defined as an exception (allowing it) and check that the required network ports are not blocked (details in one of my earlier comments).
@Stephanie – Try uninstalling AmCap and the webcam drivers and then reinstall them. Does it also happen in other webcam programs, or only in AmCap?
Hi
i have a hp pavillion dv6000 and i just download amcap when i open it. at first it was okay then i open it later and it was all green and purple..now if i open it its all black.. and constantly taking purple and green picture ! what can i do to repair that