Learn how to troubleshoot and fix webcam issues on your Dell computer using SupportAssist diagnostics, BIOS settings, and driver updates. Follow these step-by-step instructions to resolve common webcam problems and optimize performance.
To run SupportAssist diagnostics on your webcam, Windows search and select "SupportAssist" and click on "Troubleshooting". Select, "I want to troubleshoot my PC" and then, "I want to check a specific piece of hardware".
Choose "Camera" and your computer will then activate your webcam and perform a series of tests. If the issue continues when the test finishes, continue with the next step. Make sure you give your apps permission to use it. To check, go to "Start" and open "Settings".
Once in Settings, click on "Privacy & Security". Scroll down and under "App Permissions", click on "Camera" and make sure the option Let apps access your camera is turned on. From the list below, choose which apps you want to have access to the camera. Next, we’ll check the webcam status in BIOS.
To check the status in BIOS, turn on or restart your computer. At the Dell logo screen, repeatedly press the "F2" key to enter BIOS or System Setup. On BIOS versions after 2021, the option may be under "Integrated Devices".
Find the option and make sure that it is enabled. And in versions before 2021, the option is under "System Configuration" and then "Miscellaneous Devices". Next, we’ll optimize the computer with SupportAssist. Windows search and select "SupportAssist". In the "Home" tab, click on "Run All" and wait for the process to finish.
If there are any pending driver updates when the optimization completes, click on "Update" under "Get Drivers & Downloads" and follow the onscreen instructions. Now, let’s check the webcam drivers in Device Manager. Windows search and select "Device Manager". Find your camera under the "Cameras" section.
If the camera is not detected, click on the "Action" menu at the top and select "Scan for hardware changes". Wait for Windows to scan and reinstall the updated drivers.
Restart the computer and open the camera app to test the webcam. If this does not fix your webcam issue, try this next step. Go back to Device Manager and locate your camera under "Cameras". Right-click on your camera and select "Properties".
Under the "Driver" tab, click on "Uninstall Device" and then confirm it. Back in Device Manager, click on the "Action" menu and then, "Scan for hardware changes".
Once Windows has scanned and reinstalled the updated drivers, restart the computer and open the camera app to test the webcam. If your webcam is still not working, let’s check the antivirus software.
Some security software comes with privacy settings that prevent apps from accessing the webcam. In your antivirus or security software settings, look for anything that blocks access to your camera or permission to use your camera.
For more details, go to your antivirus software company’s website. If you are still having trouble with your webcam or you have questions, please reach out to us on social media so we can further assist you.
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