How to fix webcam connection issues on Windows 10/11

One of the salient features people look for in a computer or laptop besides price, functionality, and performance, is accessories such as webcams.

This is a little but important part of your computer, because its functionality helps you especially with video calls on apps such as Skype, Facebook Live, and others.

In recent times, users across the world have raised concerns when their webcams didn’t work mainly upon upgrading to Windows 10.

However, the cause may not always be due to the upgrade, but due to antivirus software blocking webcam, or your webcam driver is outdated.

If you’re having webcam issues on Windows 10, here’s how you can fix it.

Camera won’t connect on Windows 10 [FIX]

• Disable antivirus access or permissions
• Roll back the webcam driver
• Uninstall your webcam driver and scan for any changes on your hardware
• Revert to previous Windows version
• Update your webcam driver manually
• Reinstall the webcam
• Use Microsoft System Restore
• Contact the manufacturer

Solution 1: Disable antivirus access or permissions

If the issue is from an antivirus software blocking your webcam, do the following:

• Open your antivirus application
• Go to Settings
• Choose settings related to blocking access or permissions
• Disable those settings

Solution 2: Roll back driver

If your webcam driver is outdated, do the following:

• Right click Start
• Select Device Manager
• Go to Imaging devices and click the arrow to expand the list
• Right click on your webcam
• Choose Properties
• Locate Driver tab then select Driver details button

Find a file name with stream.sys. If you have this on your computer, then your webcam needs to be replaced as this shows it was designed prior to Windows 7. If not, then roll it back by going to Roll Back Driver using these steps:

• Select Device Manager
• Go to Imaging devices and click the arrow to expand the list
• Right click on your webcam
• Choose Properties
• Locate Driver tab then select Roll Back driver
• Click Yes

Once roll back is finished, reboot your computer and try to open webcam again.

If this doesn’t work, go to the next solution.

• READ ALSO: 9 best webcam software for Windows users

Solution 3: Uninstall your webcam driver and scan for any changes on your hardware

Follow these steps to uninstall the driver:

• Select Device Manager
• Go to Imaging devices and click the arrow to expand the list
• Right click on your webcam
• Choose Properties
• Select Driver tab
• Click Uninstall
• Click Delete the driver software for this device
• Click Ok

Once you have uninstalled, go to Device Manager then under Action menu, click Scan for hardware changes. This will scan and reinstall updated drivers.

Reboot your computer then try launching Webcam again. Try the next solution if this doesn’t work for you.

Solution 4: Revert to previous Windows version

This is one of the fastest ways to resolve the issue but you have to do it within the 10 days window after upgrading to Windows 10. This means that if you had an earlier version of Windows prior to the upgrade, then you performed the upgrade, you can only revert to your previous version within that period. Otherwise you’ll have to make do with the new version.

Here’s how to roll back to your previous Windows version to continue enjoying your webcam:

• Go to Settings
• Click Updates and Security
• Click Recovery
• Select the Go back to an earlier build tab
• Click Get started
• Click Next when asked why you have chosen to revert your software

Once you do the above, follow the instructions to return to the previous version for your device.

Solution 5: Update your webcam driver manually

Follow these steps to manually update your driver:

• Download the latest Windows 10 driver for your computer’s integrated camera. If your computer’s manufacturer hasn’t released a Windows 10 driver, download earlier versions for Windows 7 and 8 – they’re compatible with Windows 10.
• Double click on the file to install the driver

READ ALSO: How to set webcam as Windows Desktop background

Solution 6: Reinstall the webcam

In order to reinstall the driver, especially for HP users, do the following:

• Right click Start button
• Select Device Manager
• Go to Imaging devices and click the arrow to expand the list
• Right click on your webcam
• Choose Properties
• Select Update Driver Software
• Reboot your computer

Launch the camera again to check if this resolves the issue.

Solution 7: Use Microsoft System Restore

If none of the above issues has worked, use Microsoft System Restore to revert to when your it worked properly. If this recurs, then your webcam has either been unplugged, or the computer itself needs to be serviced.

Solution 8: Contact the Manufacturer

As a final resort, you can contact your device’s or computer’s manufacturer to find out more about how to resolve the issue.

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