How to Fix a Webcam That's Not Working

We'll show you how to fix a malfunctioning webcam using most internal and external webcams for PCs running Windows. If you have an Apple computer, learn what to do when your Mac camera is not working.

Causes of a Webcam Not Working

A non-working webcam may be due to malfunctioning hardware, missing or outdated drivers, issues with your privacy settings, or problems with your antivirus software.

Windows usually installs device drivers automatically when it detects new hardware. Still, if you recently upgraded to Windows 10, you may need to update your hardware drivers manually. Some Windows Store apps only support newer webcam models, so your older device could be incompatible. Most desktop programs, however, still support older cameras.

Windows 10 offers a feature that disables the internal webcam. Keeping your webcam turned off when not using it is a great idea to protect your privacy. However, it can cause problems if you accidentally toggle this feature.

How to Fix a Webcam Not Working

Follow these steps, in the order presented, to troubleshoot your webcam and get it working again.

1. Check your antivirus settings. Antivirus software can occasionally interfere with webcams. Investigate the software settings to see if your antivirus prevents your camera from launching.

2. Plug the webcam into a different computer. If you're using an external camera, plug it into another device to make sure it works. If you have problems with it on several computers, the problem is with the webcam.

3. Check the device connection. Jiggling the cable or unplugging and plugging it back in can sometimes fix the problem.

4. Check the USB port. Connection problems can occur on the computer's end. Plug something else into the USB port to rule out a faulty or mismapped port.

5. Make sure the correct device is enabled. If you have a built-in camera and an external webcam plugged in, applications can get confused about which one to use. Check the application's settings and find the option to select your preferred device.

6. Consult the manufacturer. For external webcams, check the user manual or the manufacturer's website for further guidance. Many manufacturers offer troubleshooting applications that scan device-specific settings.

7. Update the webcam drivers. If the webcam driver is outdated, it may not work correctly.

   You must be logged in as your device's administrator to change driver settings.

8. Change your webcam system settings. There may be a system setting that interferes with the function of the webcam.