Troubleshooting Webcam Issues

Troubleshooting webcam issues has become a popular topic on the Internet over the past year. Millions of workers and students worldwide need to use their cameras daily and, understandably, having this peripheral malfunction may be a major nuisance. If you are experiencing webcam trouble, then you should give the troubleshooting tips below a try – they might help you solve the problem in just a few steps:

Apply the Windows Registry Fix

Some Windows updates may break the services responsible for connecting your webcam to the operating system. Thankfully, resourceful users found a quick solution, which involves a minor change to the Windows Registry:

1. Press the Windows Button + R to open the 'Run' prompt.
2. Type 'regedit' and click 'OK.'
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows Media Foundation > Platform.
4. Right-click 'Platform' and select 'New' -> 'DWORD (32-bit) Value.'
5. Enter the name 'EnableFrameServerMode.'
6. Right-click the newly created entry, and then press 'Modify' – set the value to '0.'
7. Do the same steps but this by going to the folder HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > WOW6432Node > Microsoft > Windows Media Foundation > Platform.
8. Restart Windows.

If this fix does not work, you should repeat the steps above and delete the entry 'EnableFrameServerMode' that you previously created.

See if Apps Have Access to your Camera

Sometimes users might think that their webcam is not working when, in reality, they have simply prevented the software from accessing it. To verify that this is not the issue: 

1. Open 'Start Menu' and head to 'Settings.'
2. Select 'Privacy' and click on 'Camera.'
3. Pick 'Allow apps to access your camera.' 
4. Make sure that the app you want to use has its permissions enabled.

Update Windows

Windows updates often fix bugs and compatibility issues that users might experience. The best way to eliminate this as the cause of the problem is to go to Settings -> Windows Update and check for any pending update packages.

Update Webcam Drivers

1. You can go to your webcam manufacturer's website to download the latest driver for your device. Alternatively, you can use an automatic driver maintenance tool to handle the task for you.