Webcam Detected as NDIS Compatible Device: 3 Ways to Fix it

Check the installed webcam drivers

Windows 11 » Repair

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by Kazim Ali Alvi 

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Key notes

  • When the webcam is detected as an NDIS compatible device, connect to another port, install a compatible driver, or perform a system restore.
  • Keep reading to find out the step-by-step solutions discovered by Windows Report experts!
fix Webcam detected as NDIS compatible device in Windows

The webcam is often detected as a Remote NDIS Compatible Device and is listed under the same entry in the Device Manager. The issue is seen on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

The problem arises when Windows perceives the webcam as a network device instead. This usually happens after an OS or driver update is installed.

What can I do if the webcam is detected as an NDIS compatible device?

Before we start with the slightly complex fixes, try these:

  • Restart the computer.
  • If it’s an external webcam, reconnect it to the PC. Also, switch between the available USB ports and make sure you are not using a hub.
  • Check for any pending Windows updates and install them.

1. Browse your computer for the webcam driver

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager from the list of options.
  2. Right-click the webcam detected as an NDIS compatible device, and select Update driver.driver
  3. Choose Browse my computer for drivers.browse
  4. Click on Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
  5. With the Show compatible hardware checkbox ticked, select another driver from the list, and click on Next.new driver to fix Webcam detected as NDIS compatible device
  6. After the driver installation is complete, restart the computer.
Often, your computer system might not be able to update the generic drivers for your hardware and peripherals correctly. There are vital differences between a generic driver and a manufacturer’s driver. Finding the correct driver versions for every hardware component can become tiresome.That’s why a dependable updater can help you find and update your drivers automatically. We strongly suggest the Outbyte Driver Updater, and here’s how to do it:
  1. Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
  2. Launch the software and wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
  3. Now, it will show you a list of all outdated drivers to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
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  4. Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the latest versions.
  5. Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
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2. Install the webcam driver from the manufacturer’s website

  1. Open the device manufacturer’s driver download page, and select your computer’s model.
  2. Look through the available drivers and find one for the webcam.
  3. Click the Download button next to the latest webcam driver.download
  4. Run the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  5. Finally, reboot the computer for the changes to apply.

Even when the webcam is not showing in the Device Manager, you follow a similar approach and update the webcam drivers. For external webcams, you will have to go to the webcam manufacturer’s website instead.

Remember, since Windows can’t usually find an update, it’s best that you manually install the latest drivers. But be cautious and only install the compatible driver!

3. Perform a system restore

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Create a restore point in the text field, and click the relevant result.
  2. Click on System Restore.system restore to fix Webcam detected as NDIS compatible device
  3. Select the Choose a different restore point option, and click Next.
  4. Pick another restore point from the list, one created before the issue first appeared, and click Next.restore point
  5. Verify the details and click on Finish.
  6. Wait for the system restore to complete. It may take up to an hour.

If you have created a restore point, use System Restore to revert the changes when the webcam is detected as a Remote NDIS Compatible Device.

Remember, there aren’t many troubleshooting measures available, and if all else fails, reset Windows to factory defaults. Before you do that, transfer the important files to an external storage drive.

And if it turns out to be a hardware problem, you can always switch to the best webcam for Windows.

For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.

More about the topics: Device Manager, fix webcam, Windows 11

Kazim Ali Alvi

Kazim Ali Alvi Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He's specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem. Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He's also one of our experts in Networking & Security.