Webcam or camera not working? It might be due to outdated drivers. Check out the blog for more information.
Webcam or camera on windows are important for a Windows user to communicate with fellow people using any of the communication tools like Skype, Meet etc. There are times when this camera suddenly stops working and this is not a new thing. It happens a lot with the constant Windows users. There are several reasons why Webcam drivers are required to be updated, here are listed a few of them:
- Missing drivers after recent update.
- Antivirus blocking the camera.
- Privacy settings won’t allow camera access.
- App-specific problem, may be.
If you do not know what is restricting webcam to work, it is advised to firstly update the webcam driver on Windows 10 using either of the ways listed in the article further or using a smart and reliable driver updater software.
Having Issues With Device Camera or Webcam- Fixes To Know
1. Check For Updates
Generally, we check Windows updates under settings and sit back. But when you see error while using a webcam or your device camera, it is advised to follow the steps below:
Head to Start menu and select Settings or alternatively, press Windows + I.
- Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates > View optional updates.
- If you see this option, select it to see if there are any updates available for your camera. If yes, allow Windows to install the update. When done, restart your computer.
2. Restart Your PC
Another important consideration is to restart your computer. It is a simple trick but often works as a wonder. Just head to Start > Power > Restart. Probably, you will have your camera working back again.
3. Test Your Camera Using Camera App
Sometimes your device camera doesn’t work with a particular camera app. Hence, it is advised to check your camera on a camera app. For this, head to Start > Camera > select Yes to access camera. If it works, there is no issue.
4. Update Webcam Drivers Using Device Manager
If you are having an external webcam attached to your system, try connecting it with another USB. If you have a built-in camera, try the following steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box and type in devmgmt.msc and click OK.
- Navigate to cameras, Imaging devices or Sound, video and game controllers.
- Now, choose Search automatically for the driver. Wait for the process to complete.
- If you can’t find a camera, go to the Action tab and select Scan for hardware changes.
- Wait for the process to scan and reinstall updated drivers. Restart your device.
- Now try opening the camera app now. See if it works.
Alternatively, use Advanced Driver Updater to update webcam drivers along with other outdated or corrupt drivers. This marvelous driver updater scans and identifies corrupt drivers on Windows 10. Here’s how to use this:
- Download and install Advanced Driver Updater using the link below.
- Launch the app andregister it using the KEY you got on email when you purchased the product.
- Click on Start Scan Now to begin scanning your system for corrupt and outdated drivers.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
- Once done, either choose to Update All or use the Update Driver button beside every driver.
- That’s all! You’re done.
Additional Measures To Fix Camera or Webcam Not Working On Windows 10
- Check for incompatible camera driver: Head to Start Menu > Device Manager > Cameras, Imaging devices or Sound, video and game controllers > Properties > Driver tab > Driver Details > look for file name with stream.sys.
*If you find this, you have to replace it with the new camera that is suitable for Windows 10.
- Roll Back Camera Drivers: Head to Start Menu > Device Manager > Cameras, Imaging devices or Sound, video and game controllers > Properties > Driver tab > Select Roll Back Driver > Choose Yes. Wait for the process to finish and then restart your device and try opening the camera app again.
Did not find an option to Roll Back a driver? Head to the next fix.
- Uninstall Camera Driver: Head to Start Menu > Device Manager > Cameras, Imaging devices or Sound, video and game controllers > Properties > Driver tab > Uninstall Device. Select the checkbox that appears next and click OK. Then from the Action Menu, choose Scan for hardware changes. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC to automatically reinstall camera drivers. Try using a camera now, it will work.
Wrapping Up
So, these were some of the best methods to update webcam drivers and fix any issues that come along. Try these all and let us know which one of these have helped you the most. We recommend using Advanced Driver Updater for all your driver-related needs. It is simple and user-friendly that even a novice user can scan and update corrupt drivers on the go.
For any queries or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us.
