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.
Hey guys, this is my problem: I have an HP Mini 110-1190LA (Windows 7 Starter Edition) and my integrated webcam (HP webcam 50) worked properly until maybe a month ago.
The image is blurry, so I went to the software, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 3, but there is no way it will let me modify the focus option, since the camera has no focus ring. I restored the default options and it was the same.
I tried unistalling the device and restarting the computer, but when I go and check the device manager again, the webcam is installed and “working”.
Then I tried updating the driver, but it seems to be up-to-date.
I also checked my Java, Flash and DirectX and they’re all OK.
While I was writing this, there appeared a software update, but it still doesn’t work…
Please, help me! :'(
@Kyle – A friend suggested trying out my webcam in windows movie maker, and even that didn’t work, nor did Camstudio, so from as far as i can tell, it’s not working with anything ;;;
My computer’s version is Windows XP, which supports the webcam I’m trying to use…and I’ve updated DirectX and Flash, but it still isn’t working.
I have a bulit in webcam and mic on my laptop (I have nothing plugged into my usb ports) and when I use it on yahoo messenger it works fine with no problems.
When i turn the same cam on using skype, it turns on fine and I can seee myself and the other caller can see me. My problem is, the cam refreshes itself, basically turns black, then turns back on, usually darker, like less light is getting through. this repeats over and over and over during the calls. I never have this problem using any other program, only skype.
@Leon – Weird problem you are facing. Considering what you started with, maybe it is a power management issue. All devices, including USB devices like a webcam can have power control, so they can be switched off when the laptop goes into power saving mode. You can check the USB Root Hub devices in the Device Manager and see if any of them has the option for power management enabled. In that case try disabling them.
@Sarah – Have you tried using different programs with your webcam? Try SplitCam or Manycam as they work with a lot of different webcams. It also could be a DirectX issue, but what is your Windows version?
Hey Kyle,
I’ve recently been trying webcams on my computer- skype verified, a recently bought Zipp VGA CMOS webcam, and even the eyetoy camera.
I know from past experience that the skype cam and the eyetoy cam work on my brother’s computer, but none work on mine. In any program which supports webcams, all I get is either a grey box or a forever loading sign. Even AmCap and the software I got with my latest webcam can’t seem to run them!
I really need help, it’s frustrating me to no end. With my most recent camera (the Zipp VGA CMOS ) there was an installation CD included, I’ve tried uninstalling and reinstalling it multiple times to no avail. What on earth is going on?? Please help!
Kyle — We’ve tried installing updates from HP’s website, but the webcam still won’t work. She went to try restoring drivers from the bootup menu (pressing F11), but for some reason it won’t show up when she presses it. Any other suggestions we could try?
Well when i put the cam on,,, the light that turns on when it is on, turns on, and it says that is working correctly but i cant see myself, either my gf….and sometimes just work idk the reason
@Leon – The moment you click Uninstall in the popup menu of the webcam device, you should see a messagebox to confirm, which includes a checkbox that says “Delete the driver software for this device”. If it is not there, that means the system is using a Windows driver and not an external driver.
In that case, you might still need to look at installing the right drivers from HP for the webcam.
@Lucy Nolla – You can use any chat program (YM, Skype, MSN), but it is better to try Splitcam, or Debut Video Capture first.
@Kyle – i don’t think i have. what programs would u recommend?
Kyle,
She has tried to uninstall the driver from Device Manager, but there is no option to also remove the files…where is this option? When we uninstall it nothing else shows up other than the ‘uninstall’ button.
@Leon – Seems to be a driver issue indeed. Have you/she tried to uninstall the webcam (or unknown) device in the Device Manager and then select the option to also remove the driver files? That is the best way to get rid of any old or incorrect device related files.
Then try reinstalling the drivers.
If you are using Vista drivers (I don’t think HP has drivers for Windows 7, right?), make sure you run the driver installed in Vista compatibility mode.
Anyway, that would be my first advice.
I have the same problem as Leon said. If anyone can help I will really be happy :)
Whoops, forgot to add this part:
Also when her comp loads up it says ‘unknown device driver not successfully installed’ and when she uninstalls it from DM and checks for updates, in the DM it successfully installs ‘unknown device’.
Or when she uninstalls it and then plugs in her wifi card, it says ‘USB device not recognized’ (referring to the cam, not the wifi).
Hi Kyle.
My girlfriend seems to be having an issue with her integrated webcam software not showing up in device manager. She has an HP Pavilion tx1000 running on Windows 7 (recently upgraded). The webcam was under device manager and worked fine the other day up until she shut off the computer to go do something, then once she rebooted, the webcam wasn’t working. It’s not there still and shows it as “Unknown device.” She’s tried troubleshooting it/uninstalling the unknown device and reinstalling the driver, but it always says “Code 43? with “Drivers not installed correctly.”
This has been going on for a few months now…she already tried taking it to this computer shop, but they didn’t even fix it. She has also tried a System Restore, and booting up the computer without anything plugged in (thinking maybe it was a USB problem), but that didn’t help either. I mean, the webcam DOES work…but only when it wants to, which is unexpectedly. Any ideas on what could be wrong or what she can do to maybe get it to work all the time? Thanks.
Leon
@pichayanut – You’ll need to provide more detail than that.
@Jamesha – Blurry webcam images are often the problems of focus or light conditions. If it is an external webcam, it might have a focus ring that you can turn to get it sharper. And for the light just try to maximize the light on the webcam subject and see if that helps.
my webcam works but its blurry. you can only see motion and faint colors? i tried restarting my computer and reconnecting the device in differents usb but it doesnt work its still blurry
my computer wabcam no work
@jordan – In most cases upside down webcam images are the result of driver problems. Try reinstalling the webcam driver first to see if that fixes it.
@yuzez – If you can see yourself, then the webcam is working fine, and the problem is related to the network. Either your firewall or security software is blocking the webcam video stream or it is being blocked on the side of your chat partner. If this happens with different chat partners it will be on your end.
Try a different chat program, or add your chat program as an exception to your firewall.
when i am having video chat,i can see other but either me or other cant see me.what to do?
p.s. initially my web cam was working properly.
my webcam is built into my computer and whenever i use my webcam i show up upside down on the screen how can i fix this?
@cameron – Try disconnecting all other USB devices and see if that makes a difference. And did it ever work okay in the past?
@Kerry Rae – Check your firewall settings. In most cases this means the webcam video stream is blocked. Define your chat application as an exception in the firewall or open the ports (which ones depend on the chat application, we have ports listed in earlier comments).
@Angelica – First check the Device Manager to see if the webcam is listed under Imaging devices. If not, then you’ll need to install the webcam driver. If there is an error, you should also try reinstalling the driver for it.
If that is all okay and you have the same problem, try SplitCam or ManyCam.
my webcam is a built in one that isnt working idk how i should fix it. it just shows a black screen or sais camera not found. what do i do?
when i use my webcam for a video chat, i can see myself but the other person cant see me…
how do i fix this?
my webcam is no more functional
my built in web cam on my laptop keeps shutting on and off and ive set everything back to default and still doesnt work