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FIX: Webcam not working on Windows 10/11 [Logitech, Dell]

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

It is very likely that yourwebcamwon’t work after the upgrade toWindows 10. Luckily, this issue is minor and it could be solved in a few simple steps, buy installing the right driver.

Windows 10is already a good and stable operating system. We can only expect it to behave like a fully-finished operating system.

Even so,Windows 10still lacks a lot of drivers and features that are necessary for everyday use of the computer.

Many users enjoy theirwebcamfrequently, but sometimes certain issues with thewebcamcan appear.

Speaking ofwebcamproblems, users reported the following issues:

What can I do if the webcam is not working on Windows 10?

1. Make sure that apps are allowed to use your webcam

Webcamproblems can occur if applications aren’t allowed to use yourwebcam. Windows 10 added a privacy feature that allows you to choose which applications can access yourwebcam.

To fix this problem, you need to check your privacy settings by doing as described above. After that, your apps should be able to access yourwebcamwithout any problems.

2. Update your drivers

Sometimeswebcamproblems can be caused by outdated or missing drivers. If you’re having this problem, we advise you to try updating your drivers.

You can do that in several different ways. The easiest method is to use the automatic update. Windows will now automatically search and download the suitable driver for your PC.

In some cases, you might have to install the driver manually.

Windows 10comes with a set of default drivers and you can install them by doing the following:

If that doesn’t work, you might want to try rolling back to the older driver. This is rather simple and you can do it by following these steps:

If this option isn’t available, you won’t be able to roll back to the older driver.

Although these methods are simple to use, the best way to update yourwebcamdriver is to download the driver for it manually. Simply visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your model.

Update drivers automatically (third-party tool suggested)

Downloading drivers manually can put your system at an unnecessary risk: getting the wrong driver installed. This may lead to serious malfunctions.

The safer and easier way to update drivers on a Windows computer is by using an automatic tool that identifies each device on your computer and matches it with the latest driver versions from an extensive online database.

Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Check if your webcam is enabled

Many laptops allow you to enable or disable your webcam by using a keyboard shortcut. To check if your laptop supports this feature, look for a key that has a webcam picture on it.

To disable or enable your webcam, simply press the Fn key and that key together. On some laptops that keyboard shortcut isFn + F6, but it might be different on your laptop.

To see if your laptop supports this feature and how to properly enable or disable your webcam, be sure to check your laptop’s instruction manual.

4. Check your antivirus settings

If you’re havingwebcamproblems, the issue might be caused by your antivirus software. These tools tend to block yourwebcamin order to prevent hackers from spying on you.

Webcamblocking is a useful feature. However, it can cause issues with yourwebcam. To fix that, you should check your antivirus configuration and disable thewebcamprotection feature.

If that doesn’t help or if you can’t find this setting, you can try disabling your antivirus completely. Sometimes, in order to fix this problem, you need to remove your antivirus software completely.

Since it’s not safe to use a PC without an antivirus, consider switching toa different antivirus solutionthat its impact on system performance is hard to notice.

5. Disable all USB hubs

According to users, sometimes your USB hub device can cause webcam problems to appear. However, you can easily fix this problem by disabling all USB hubs.

This is rather simple and you can do it by following the above steps. After doing that, your webcam should start working again.

6. Install the default driver

Another way to fix this problem is to install the default driver. This is rather simple and you can do it by following the given steps.

After installing the default driver, the problem should be resolved and your webcam will start working again.

7. Rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 directories

According to users, you can fix webcam problems simply by renaming SoftwareDistribtion and catroot2 directories. This is relatively simple and you can do it by running several commands.

After doing so, check if your webcam is working again.

If you’re still facing the webcam problem, besides checking for updates and installing necessary drivers, reach for the comments section.

We will do our best to help you further in order to solve your problem.

FIX: Webcam not working on Windows 10/11 [Logitech, Dell]#

What can I do if the webcam is not working on Windows 10?#

1. Make sure that apps are allowed to use your webcam#

2. Update your drivers#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

3. Check if your webcam is enabled#

4. Check your antivirus settings#

5. Disable all USB hubs#

6. Install the default driver#

7. Rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 directories#