HP Desktop PCs - Webcam is not Working (Windows 10, 8). Similar to a scanner or camera, and will not work unless you have software that works with your webcam hardware. The two most common types of software that use webcams are Internet messaging software (for making video calls over the Internet) and video editing software (for creating. We use cookies, including third-party cookies, on this website to help operate our site and for analytics and advertising purposes. For more on how we use cookies and your cookie choices, go here for our cookie policy! By clicking below, you are giving us consent to use cookies.
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by Jenefey AaronUpdated on 2020-04-26 / Update for OS X
Why is my FaceTime camera not working on Mac? Anyone knows how to activate FaceTime camera on my Thunderbolt Display. Every time I try, it says 'No Camera Available - To use FaceTime Turn on the camera'? I do not see an option to 'turn on camera' anywhere? Any help?”
With the built-in camera on MacBook, users are allowed to communicate with families and friends easily through FaceTime. But recently, some people complained that FaceTime no camera available on MacBook. Others also saw “there is no connected camera” error message from their computer. Reboot your Mac will be the first fix and it really worked for many people, but if it failed to work on your situation, follow the tips below.
1. Check Everything with The Camera
In most cases, FaceTime camera not turning on in MacBook can be bugs with the camera, check the following items before troubleshooting:
- Try another application such as iChat, PhotoBooth to see if the issue is application-specific
- Test the built-in camera in another user account to see if it is an user-specific issue
- Check System Profiler (in the Utilities folder, inside the Applications folder). Under the USB header, check to see if the iSight camera is detected.
- Unplug the FireWire cable from your computer and the camera, after a while, plug the cable back in to the camera and the computer
2. Use A Command Line to Force Quit to Fix FaceTime Camera Not Working on Mac
If the FaceTime camera is still black and won’t turn on after the basic checkup, you can force quit the application using a command line.
- Quit all running applications on your MacBook that using the camera (FaceTime, Skype)
- Go to Launchpad -> Terminal (also find in the Applications/Utilities directory) and enter the following command:
sudo killall VDCAssistant
- Still at the terminal, issue the following command as well:
sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant
- Now reopen the FaceTime and the camera should work now
3. Fix FaceTime Camera Not Connected in Display
Sometimes FaceTime HD camera not working on MacBook is because it’s stuck on the internal camera and cannot select the display camera automatically; you can enable the camera manually.
- Open FaceTime on your Mac
- Go to Menu -> Video, select 'Facetime HD Camera (Display)'
4. Use The Activity Monitor App to Fix FaceTime Camera Not Working on Mac
After trying the methods above, if the MacBook camera still not working on FaceTime, you may need to quit the process with the Activity Monitor App completely.
- Close any apps that need to use camera
- Open the Activity Monitor app through the /Applications/Utilities folder
- Click on the top left column where it will say “Process Name” to put the list in alphabetical order
- Find VDC Assistant in the list and click on it. Click on the “X” icon on the top left to close the process
Note: If the FaceTime app crashing, stuck on connecting or won't active on iPhone, try Free Tenorshare ReiBoot for Mac to bring FaceTime back to life within seconds.
Now you got to know how to fix FaceTime camera not working on Mac clearly. If you still have more questions about FaceTime or other applications on MacBook, feel free to contact us.
Although, Windows 10 can detect and configure most cameras automatically, sometimes the peripheral may suddenly stop working because of a driver, system update, privacy setting, or hardware related problem.
Whatever the reason it might be, if you're experiencing issues with a built-in or USB webcam when you're trying to connect with family or colleagues — if you work from home — you can use Device Manager, Settings, and third-party security software to fix most common problems.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through many troubleshooting steps to fix problems with a built-in or USB camera.
How to fix camera detection on Windows 10
To check whether Windows 10 is detecting the peripheral, connect the camera to the computer (if this isn't a built-in webcam), and use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
- Expand the Imaging devices, Cameras, or Sound, video, and game controllers branch.
Confirm the camera is getting detected by Windows 10.
Source: Windows Central
- (Optional) If the camera isn't available, click on Actions from the top menu.
Click the Scan for hardware changes option.
Source: Windows Central
Once you complete the steps, if the system doesn't detect the camera, disconnect the peripheral, restart your computer, connect the camera again, and follow the above steps one more time. If possible, you can also try a different USB port to confirm it's not a problem with the port.
In the case that the camera still not working, try connecting it to another computer to confirm there isn't a hardware problem.
If there's a physical problem with the camera and a replacement is needed, or you're ready for an upgrade, we commended the Logitech BRIO webcam because of its 4K resolution and HDR support as well as for its compatibility for Windows Hello authentication support.
Our pick
Logitech BRIO
If you're in the market for the best webcam, the Logitech BRIO is the one for you. It was the first camera to include support for 4K video, and it has some pretty neat features, such as background replacement option and support for Windows Hello security for Windows 10.
How to allow apps access to camera using Privacy settings
Windows 10 can block apps (such as Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) access to the device microphone and camera automatically to protect your privacy. If the camera is configured correctly, but it's not working with a particular app, then you should check the privacy settings.
To allow apps to access the webcam on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Privacy.
- Click on Camera.
- Under the 'Allow access to the camera on this device' section, click the Change button.
- Turn on the Camera access for this device toggle switch.
Turn on the Allow apps to access your camera toggle switch.
Source: Windows Central
- Under the 'Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera' section, turn on the toggle switch for the apps that you want to allow access. For example, Camera, Skype, Microsoft Teams, etc.
After you complete the steps, the app should start working with your webcam.
The above steps are meant to allow access to camera access for apps that you download from the Microsoft Store. If you're dealing with a classic desktop application, make sure to turn on the Allow desktop apps to access your camera toggle switch.
How to update camera driver using Device Manager
If the camera stops working after installing a new version of Windows 10 (such as November 2019 Update) or another system update, there's a chance that you're using a version of the camera driver that's causing compatibility problems.
To update the camera driver to fix problems on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
- Expand the Imaging devices, Cameras, or Sound, video, and game controllers branch.
Right-click the webcam and select the Update driver option.
Source: Windows Central
Click the Search automatically for updated driver software button.
Source: Windows Central
Once you complete the steps, if a newer update is available, Device Manager will download and install the package automatically similar to Windows Update.
In the case that Windows Update doesn't find a new version, you may need to check your manufacturer support website to download and install a newer driver using their instructions.
As a last resort, you can also use the steps below to remove a recent update to get the camera working as quickly as possible.
Removing quality update of Windows 10
If the problem with webcam started after applying a cumulative update, you could remove update to fix the problem with these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
Click on View update history.
Source: Windows Central
Click the Uninstall updates option.
Source: Windows Central
Select the most recent update and click the Uninstall button.
Source: Windows Central
- Click the Yes button.
After you complete the steps, the problematic update will be removed from your device, restoring the camera to its working condition.
Rolling backup previous version of Windows 10
If the camera stops working after installing a feature update, you can roll back to a previous version of Windows 10 using these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
Under the 'Go back to a previous version of Windows 10' section, click the Get started button.
Source: Windows Central
Check any of the reasons available.
Source: Windows Central
- Click the Next button.
Click the No, thanks button.
Source: Windows Central
Click the Next button.
Source: Windows Central
Click the Next button again.
Source: Windows central
Click the Go back to earlier build button.
Source: Windows Central
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will roll back to the previous version when the webcam was working correctly.
How to rollback camera driver using Device Manager
Sometimes driver updates can roll out with bugs or compatibility issues. If the webcam was working before a recent driver update, rolling back to the previous version can fix the problem.
To roll back to the previous version of the camera driver on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
- Expand the Imaging devices, Cameras, or Sound, video, and game controllers branch.
Right-click the webcam and select the Properties option.
Source: Windows Central
- Click on the Driver tab.
Click the Roll Back Driver button.
Source: Windows Central
- Select one of the reasons you're rolling back.
Click the Yes button.
Source: Windows Central
- Click the Yes button again.
- Restart your computer.
After you complete the steps, the webcam should start working again using the older version of the driver. Using this process will also prevent Windows Update from reinstalling the same camera driver again, but in future updates, a newer version of the driver could download automatically.
How to reinstall camera driver using Device Manager
In the case that the camera stops working because of a configuration problem or the driver is damaged, reinstalling the peripheral using Device Manager may resolve the issue.
Mac Desktop Icon
To uninstall and install the camera driver on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
- Expand the Imaging devices, Cameras, or Sound, video, and game controllers branch.
Right-click the webcam and select the Uninstall driver option.
Source: Windows Central
Click the Uninstall button.
Source: Windows Central
Quick tip: You can also check the Delete the driver software for this device option to force the system to re-download the camera driver from Windows Update. However, if the driver isn't listed on Windows Update, you'll need to download the controllers from your manufacturer support website.
- Click on Actions.
Click the Scan for hardware changes option.
Source: Windows Central
Once you complete the steps, try to use the camera with an app, and it should work as expected.
How to fix apps camera access using antivirus
Third-party security solutions, such as antivirus, can also block access to the camera as part of the privacy settings.
For instance, if you're using Kaspersky, you may need to use these steps to allow apps to access the camera:
- Open Kaspersky.
Click on Privacy Protection.
Source: Windows Central
Turn off the Webcam Protection toggle switch.
Source: Windows Central
After you complete the steps, you should now be able to use the camera with any app on Windows 10.
If you suspect a third-party antivirus is blocking access to the webcam, then you may need to check the manufacturer support website for specific details on how to allow apps access to the device.
Mac Desktop Software Update
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
Software For Mac Desktop Camera Not Working On Computer
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