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
regedit
in 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
HFLIP
from 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 theVFLIP
entry 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
EnableFrameServerMode
as 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.
Thankyou very much kyle. Its working ..
Can u please help me to know which one is latest driver for my creative live cam vista im vf0260.
my cam is not working……….driver updated……software workinf…….displayed…” Aproblem caused to stop working your cam…”
Hey Kyle,
First of all, God bless you for having to put up with all these people. You’re a saint. Anyways, I’ve written to you a couple of times in the past about an extremely blurry webcam image but I never followed up with anything and just let it go, but the problems still there. I have a built-in HP Pavilion Webcam and no matter which program I’m trying to use it with, it’s always just really blurry. I checked settings with programs, nothing wrong. I checked the Device Manager and even installed the Driver Finder program and as for the camera, both said everything was fine and up-to-date. I have no idea what to do, any help would be amazing. Thanks in advance!
-Sean
@dezie – I hope you took a look at out article on sound recording problems in Vista, as that covers a lot of settings on the microphone.
Are you using the internal microphone or an external one?
In any case, make sure the default recording device is set properly. You can also test the microphone in Vista (using the Configure button) or using a audio setup wizard from Skype, MSN messenger or Yahoo messenger.
At least makes sure you can hear yourself locally so you know the microphone is working.
To make it easier for you under microphone settings (SOUND TAB)its on DEFAULT DEVICE
on the general tab, the controller information is MICROSOFT HIGH DEFINITION AUDIO DEVICE in the jack info is ATAPI INTERNAL ATAPI JACK
I have an acer aspire 7736z.Device manager is ok. Crystal eye web cam works ok but I cannot be heard. All settings under volume and sound controls with microphone booster and speakers look fine.I have checked all settings and cannot see what is wrong.I can view and hear others. They can only view me but cannot hear me.
Any suggestions?
@Roland V. Blais – Check the network settings on both ends, ICQ uses UDP ports in the 5190-5200 range for video streaming I believe. So the firewalls on both ends need to allow that traffic (at least for ICQ).
I just bought a webcam, my friend has one also. When I go on ICQ,I can pick up his webcam but he can’t see me yet I can se myself on my monitor.
Thanks for your help
@Cesar Agramon – See if you webcam has a focus ring to refocus.
@Anjum – If the right driver is installed (latest is Aug ’07), the webcam will show up properly in the Device Manager (under imaging devices and without an error). Once that is the case, the ‘turning on’ is normally achieved by using software that supports webcams. Most webcams will automatically turn on when you activate the webcam feature of a chat program for example. Are you using the Creative Live Cam Center?
@Tessa – What program are you using to take videos?
Have you looked at our article about taking videos with a webcam?
@matt39571 – Did you try reinstalling the drivers for the webcam? Also try reinstalling DirectX, as it might be the DirectX software that is causing the problem rather than the webcam itself, especially with such video symptoms.
my webcam was working at one point now it isnt pickin up on any programs the webcam is showing for msn and other programs but when in use it only white screens nothing else no image will show
My web cam will not take videos anymore:( it takes pictures just fine but I can’t post or make videos anymore!!! Help needed!
I am using creative live cam vista im vf0260. It is detected by the system but not displaying/working(GREEN LIGHT IS NOT ON)I need your help to resolve this.
the camara looks blurry? what do I do
@seetharam – This could indeed be related to a USB problem rather than the webcam itself. Do you have any errors on the USB devices under the System devices in the Device Manager?
Also, in case you have not tried it, remove all other USB devices from the computer and see if that helps, if there is some conflict with another device, that could cause problems as well.
Reinstalling or updating the chipset drivers would help if it is a generic USB problem.
hi, i have an inbuit crystal eye webcam. my laptop is not recognising the camera. I am not really sure whether it is a software or a hardware problem. My camera works as soon as I install the driver and after a few days it fails to do so. It again works when I reinstall the software and then does not. It also sometime works with picassa.I even tried downloading the software online.i get a message saying your web cam is attached to a non high speed usb port.kindly help as there is no way i can disconnect and connect the web cam
@Tiffany – Weird problem indeed. Did you try reinstalling the drivers for the webcam already? And what is you Windows version?
So I have a G60-630US…
My webcam would work fine on YOUCAM, but once I use it with a chatting program such as AIM,MSN,SKYPE. It would work for a second then go white, then my webcam would come back on. The picture would appear really dark.
I have a MDG laptop with a built in webcam, but it says it doesn’t register the webcam. can someone help me?
@nat – Most likely this is something on the receiving end. Have you tried it with multiple chat partners to confirm they all have it?
Could be the chat program you are using, or DirectX on the other computer.
@Victoria – Usually works, but sometimes not? Try to pinpoint the scenario in which it does not work. Could be you have some USB device plugged at that time, or running a specific program.
@cathaoir – Normally the blurry image is a focus problem, but there is no focus ring on a built-in Crystal Eye webcam. Try reinstalling the webcam driver, as an update might have affected related files.
Did you check the webcam image with different programs? Try SpliCam or ManyCam, and maybe Skype or something.
I have an acer crystal eye webcam also. But my picture is blurry,tho it used to be really clear. I have my settings at default,whats wrong ?
my webcams built in, and it usually works but when i click on it, it tells me theres no device found? how do i fix that?
my webcam view shows me on my computer as a clear image, but on someone else’s computer it’s a blurred view to them?
@Lee – Thanks for sharing, but the Speed S8850i webcam uses a Sonix webcam actually. I know for sure that there are drivers available for that in the DriverFinder programs. Some of the others might also have it.
@Becca – You should be able to see your own, independent of a firewall. Check the Device Manager if you can and see if the webcam device is present or has errors. In any case you’ll need an admin account to install the webcam driver or address the firewall issue.
@emily – Most likely the driver for the Crystal Eye webcam is not installed. Download it from the Acer website or use the installation CD to (re)install the drivers.
I have an acer crystal eye webcam built in to my laptop. it isnt shown in the devices section but is shown in programs list. but when clicked on it shows ‘camera not found’
what do i do?
I’m not the administrator on my computer but there seems to be a firewall, I can’t see other webcams or mine