How to Fix: Windows 10 Webcam Not Working
How to Fix: Windows 10 Webcam Not Working
Infopackets Reader Alan S. writes:
" Dear Dennis,
Paul Thurrott over at Thurrott.com (previous author of WinSupersite) has suggested that the latest Windows 10 Anniversary update has broken 'millions' of webcams. I have read his article and tried the registry fix, all to no avail - my webcam simply will not work. I have also reviewed other websites for similar registry fixes, but nothing works. Do you have any suggestions? "
My response:
From what I read on the Paul Thurrott's website, the registry fix he describes is a workaround - though it's not clear if is specifically for Skype users. In other words, if your webcam isn't working properly with Skype, then the registry fix may help. Beyond that, you will have to wait until Microsoft issues a proper fix for whatever is causing the problem.
Because Windows 10 Anniversary is a major update, and due to the way it installs (which is similar to a complete Windows reinstall) - I suggested to Alan that he 'delete' his webcam using Device Manager, then have Windows re-detect the device. This is an old Device Manager trick that dates back to Windows 95 days.
How to Fix: Windows 10 Webcam Not Working
The steps are as follows:
- Click Start, then type in "device manager"; wait for "Device Manager" to appear in the list, then click it.
- Scroll down the list until you see the heading "Imaging Devices", then expand the list.
- Now, left click to select the webcam and press DEL on the keyboard to "delete" it from Device Manager. A new window will appear asking to confirm your actions - please make sure that you un-checkmark he option that says "Delete the driver software for this device".
- Next, go to the Action menu at the very top of Device Manager and select
"Scan for hardware changes". This will effectively reinstate the device by
reinstalling the driver in Windows.
- Now, go and test your webcam. If it works fine, then you are all set.
If the webcam still doesn't work, you can also try and update the driver through Device Manager or through the manufacturer's website.
To do so:
- Locate your webcam device in Device Manager, as detailed in the previous steps.
- Once the device is located, double click it to bring up the Properties window, then click on the "Driver" tab.
- Next, click the "update driver" button, then on the proceeding window, select "Search automatically for updated driver software". Windows will then go online to try and find an update for your webcam.
If that yields nothing: note the make and model of your webcam, then go visit the manufacturer's website to see if there is a driver update. If none is available, try checking again in a few more days time. If still nothing available, then you have no other choice but to wait until Microsoft releases a fix.
I hope that helps.
Paul wrote back a short while later:
" Thanks, Dennis, [your Device Manager trick] worked like a charm. I can't believe that I spent the entire day trying various fixes. I should have emailed you first. "
You're welcome.
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About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.
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Comments
This fix does not last.
Hi Dennis,
I sent you this question originally. I found that removing the webcam from Device Manager and re-detecting it works only until the next reboot, then it must be done again. I also discovered that the Windows 10 Camera App works every time and is not affected by rebooting. In fact, I like this app better than the Logitech software and will be using it from now on, and no rebooting required. Thanks again for pointing me on the right direction.
Alan S.
Fix also applies to most devices (not just webcams)
I should point out the steps I've written are a generalized fix for any device, not just webcams. If you've upgraded Windows 10 - whether it's from a Windows 7 to 10 or 8 to 10, or from Windows 10 10240 / 10586 to 14393 (Anniversary Edition) - this fix can be applied to any device that doesn't work; simply replace the word "webcam" with whichever device has malfunctioned.
As for the fix not 'sticking' with your logitech webcam soft - you will most likely have to wait for a patch.
The Cause and Solutions
According to Logitech, the problem rests with "a change Microsoft made in the Windows 10 Anniversary Edition where support of compressed MJPG and H.264 streams for webcams was dropped."
Logitech reports today that numerous sources say that Microsoft will have a fix by mid-September.
Meanwhile a workaround to enable webcams to work with Skype appears at:
https://community.skype.com/t5/Windows-desktop-client/Skype-video-freeze-when-using-Logitech-C920/m-p/4460228/highlight/true#M430690
I cannot vouch for the veracity of these solutions, but they are on the Logitech community's discussion:
Run REGEDIT:
Now in the left hand sidebar, navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows Media Foundation > Platform.
Once here, right-click on the ‘Platform’ folder in the left hand sidebar and then hover your mouse over ‘New’ and then select ‘DWORD (32-bit) Value.’
Name the value ‘EnableFrameServerMode’ and then set the value to ‘0.’
Now navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > WOW6432Node > Microsoft > Windows Media Foundation > Platform.
Right-click on ‘Platform,’ then hover above ‘New’ then add a DWORD value. Name it ‘EnableFrameServerMode’ and set the value to ‘0.’
The last step is only necessary if you’re running a 64-bit version of Windows.
From here on in you should not have any sort of webcam related issues on Windows 10. Lastly, also be sure to restart your PC once you’re done with the changes.
I DON'T KNOW IF THIS REALLY WORKS. I TRIED INSTALLING AND RUNNING the LOGITECH PROGRAM IN COMPATIBILITY MODE (Win 7 and Win 8) WITHOUT SUCCESS. MAYBE YOU'LL HAVE GOOD LUCK LIKE THIS PERSON CLAIMS:
Locate the 'Launch_Main.exe' file in the Programs x64/Logitech folder. Utilize Microsoft's (in my case, Windows 10, current version) "right-click" (pull-down menu) compatibility correction on this file. Go through the process options allowing time for each step to complete. When compatibility with a previous version of Windows is established, open the program from the originally installed desktop icon. Switch the left-hand frame toggle from photo to video and you will see the program operates correctly via your 'live' on-screen image.