Using, Troubleshooting and Resolving Driver Issues on your Dell Webcam

Select the tabs below to find out more information.

Select the tabs below to find out more information.

Table of Contents:

1. Frequently Asked Questions
2. Troubleshooting Webcam Issues
   1. There is a Message or Error
   2. The Screen is Black, Blank or Dark
   3. My Microphone or Speakers are not Working
   4. The Webcam Central Software Appears to be Horizontal
3. Uninstall and Reinstall the Webcam Central software
4. How to Start the Dell Webcam Software
5. How to Use the Features of the Dell Webcam Central Software
6. How to get and use Skype, Zoom or Microsoft Teams and Start the Skype Software
7. How to run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Webcam Issues
8. Disabling or Enabling the Webcam

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I get the Dell Webcam Central software?
   Dell Webcam Central software is no longer available from My Dell Downloads. Contact "Technical Support" for help with obtaining a copy.
   Notes:

   • For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article "My Dell Downloads & My Locker -- Frequently Asked Questions."
   • The Dell Webcam Central software is not available for Windows 10 or Windows 8(8.1) When you have upgraded to Windows 10, you must use Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams instead. See the frequently asked questions below on how to get and use Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.
2. How do I get the webcam to work?
   The Dell Webcam Central software must be installed in Windows XP and Windows Vista to start and use the webcam, as it provides the drivers for the camera. For more information, refer to How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software.

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3. Where is the microphone for the webcam?
   The microphone is a small hole located next to the webcam lens (it may be on the right or the left side).

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4. I am having trouble with my webcam microphone.
   Refer to The Webcam Microphone is Not Working section for step-by-step instructions.

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5. I am having trouble with my webcam.
   Refer to the Troubleshooting Webcam Issues section for step-by-step instructions.

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6. Does the Dell Webcam Central software support an external USB webcam?
   The Dell Webcam Central software does not support an external USB webcam.

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7. Where do I get Skype software for online meetings?
   You can get the Skype software from the "Skype" website.

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8. How do I use Skype software?
   You can get information about how to use the Skype software from the "Skype support" website.

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9. Where do I get Zoom software for online meetings?
   You can get the Zoom software from the "Zoom" website.
   Note: You can change the language on the site from English to the desired language using the drop-down menu at the bottom of the page.

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10. How do I use the Zoom software?
    You can get information about how to use and troubleshoot the Zoom software from the "Zoom support" website.

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11. Where do I get the Microsoft Teams software for online meetings?
    You can get the Microsoft Teams software from the "Microsoft Teams" website.

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12. How do I use the Microsoft Teams software?
    You can get information about how to use and troubleshoot the Microsoft Teams software from the "Microsoft Teams support" website.

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13. Where do I get Google Meet software for online meetings?
    You can get the Skype software from the "Google Meet" website.

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14. How do I use Google Meet software?
    You can get information about how to use the Google Meet software from the "Google Meet How it Works" website.

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15. Where do I get Cisco Webex software for online meetings?
    You can get the Cisco Webex software from the "Cisco Webex" website.

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16. How do I use Cisco Webex software?
    You can get information about how to use the Cisco Webex software from the "Cisco Webex Support" website.

Troubleshooting Webcam Issues

There is a Message or Error

Messages and errors such as No supported webcam connected, Please plug in a supported device and Close the other video streaming application to start video can be resolved by uninstalling, reinstalling, or updating the webcam driver.
The process for uninstalling and reinstalling the webcam driver depends on which operating system is installed on the computer.

Locate the Operating System that is on the computer from the options below.

Windows XP

1. Close any applications that are using the webcam (this may include web pages). Save and close any applications that you are working on as the computer will need to restart.
2. Update to the latest BIOS. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article "BIOS - What it is and How to Download or Update your BIOS."
3. Update to the latest Chipset version. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs
4. For best results uninstalling the existing webcam driver before installing a new one is recommended.
   To uninstall the existing driver, perform the following steps:
   1. Click the Start button.
   2. Click Control Panel.
   3. Double-click the System icon.
   4. Click the Hardware tab.
   5. Click Device Manager.
   6. Click the plus (+) sign next to Imaging Devices.
      Note: When there is not a listing for Imaging Devices, "Contact Technical Support."
   7. Right-click Integrated Webcam, then click Uninstall.
   8. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   9. Once uninstalled, restart the computer.
      (When the Hardware Wizard window opens after rebooting, click Cancel, then download and install the webcam drivers.)

Windows Vista

1. Close any applications that are using the webcam (this may include web pages). Save and close any applications that you are working on as the computer will need to restart.
2. Update to the latest BIOS. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article "BIOS - What it is and How to Download or Update your BIOS."
3. Update to the latest Chipset version. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs
4. For best results uninstalling the existing webcam driver before installing a new one is recommended.
   To uninstall the existing driver, perform the following steps:
   1. Click Start
   2. Right-click Computer.
   3. Click Properties.
   4. Click Device Manager in the upper left-hand corner.
   5. Click Imaging devices.
      Note: When there is not a listing for Imaging Devices, "Contact Technical Support."
   6. Right-click the Integrated webcam.
   7. Click Uninstall.
   8. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   9. Once uninstalled restart the computer.
      (When the Hardware Wizard window opens after rebooting, click Cancel, then download and install the webcam drivers.)

Windows 7

1. Change the compatibility setting of the Dell webcam central software to Windows Vista (Service Pack 2).
   
   To change the compatibility setting of the Dell webcam central software, perform the following steps.
   1. Close the Dell webcam central software.
   2. Click Start.
   3. Click Computer.
   4. Double-click Local Disk (C:).
   5. Double-click Program Files (x86).
   6. Double-click Dell Webcam.
   7. Double-click Dell Webcam Central.
   8. Scroll until you locate the WebcamDell2 file.
   9. Right-click the WebcamDell2 file.
   10. Select Properties.
   11. Click the Compatibility tab.
   12. Click to check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for.
   13. Using the drop-down menu select Windows Vista (Service Pack 2).
   14. Click Apply
   15. Click OK.
   16. Start the Dell Webcam Central Software, for more information refer to the "How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software" section. (If you still receive an error proceed to step 2.)
2. Reinstall the webcam driver.
   To reinstall the webcam driver, perform the following steps.
   1. Close any applications that are using the webcam (this may include web pages). Save and close any applications that you are working on as the computer will need to restart.
   2. Update to the latest BIOS. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article "BIOS - What it is and How to Download or Update your BIOS."
   3. Update to the latest Chipset version. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base articleDrivers and Downloads FAQs
   4. Click Start.
   5. Right-click Computer.
   6. Click Properties.
   7. Click Device Manager in the upper left-hand corner.
   8. Click Imaging devices.
      Note: When there is not a listing for Imaging Devices, "Contact Technical Support."
   9. Right-click the Integrated webcam or USB camera.
   10. Click Uninstall.
   11. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   12. Once uninstalled, restart the computer.
       Note: The drivers for most webcams are provided by Microsoft in Windows 7 and will be automatically reinstalled when the computer is restarted, however, there are specific drivers available for XPS notebooks (XPS L501X, XPS L502X, XPS L701X, XPS L702X) on the "Drivers and Downloads page." For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs The webcam driver can be found under the Input section and is listed as Quanta- Driver on the Drivers and Downloads page.
3. For best results, the webcam software should also be uninstalled and reinstalled after the drivers are installed, for more information refer to the "Uninstall and Reinstall the Webcam Central Software" section.

The screen is Black, Blank or Dark

A blank, black, or dark screen can be caused by low light conditions or is in the wrong mode. Make sure to use the webcam in a well-lighted area.

1. Start the Dell Webcam Central software, for more information refer to the "How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software" section.
2. Make sure Capture Mode is selected in the lower-right corner.
3. Place something white in front of the webcam.
   • When the white object shows correctly to make sure to use the webcam in a well-lighted area
   • When the white object does not show at all, refer to the "Troubleshooting Webcam Issues" section.
   • When the white object is visible but the screen is dark, perform the following steps:
     1. Click Settings in the upper right corner.
     2. Move the slider bars under Backlight, Brightness, and Gamma to the right to make anything in front of the webcam more visible. When changing these settings do not resolve the issue, contact "Technical Support."

My Microphone or Speakers are not Working

For Microphones:

1. Start the Dell Webcam Central software, for more information refer to the "How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software" section.
2. In the lower right-hand corner of the Dell Webcam Central window, click the drop-down arrow next to the picture of the microphone select Microphone.
3. Click the picture of the microphone and make sure it is not muted (a bar will be shown across the microphone when it is muted).
4. When these steps do not resolve the issue, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article, How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Recording Issues
5. When you are still having issues, run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Microphone.

   To Run the Online Diagnostics on a Dell computer, perform the following steps:

   1. Browse to the Dell Support website.
   2. You are given three options to identify your Dell Product.
      • Touch or click the listing for your computer under THIS PC.
        Note: When there is no listing for your computer under THIS PC, you can touch or click Download & Install SupportAssist, which will automatically identify your computer for you. Follow the prompts to download and install SupportAssist.

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      • Enter the Service Tag, Dell EMC Product ID, or Model, and then touch or click the Search button, and select your computer from the list.

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      • Touch or click Browse all products: You must select the type of device you have, the brand name, and then the product model.
        Note: For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article, How to find the product model of your Dell computer.

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   3. Make sure the volume on the computer is at full.
   4. Click the Diagnostics tab.
   5. Click the down arrow under Custom Component Test
   6. Check the Microphone box under Accessories, and then click Run your test.

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   For Speakers:

   1. Refer to Knowledge Base article "How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Playback Issues".
   2. When you are still having issues, run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Speakers.

      To Run the Online Diagnostics on a Dell computer, perform the following steps:

      1. Browse to the Dell Support website.
      2. You are given three options to identify your Dell Product.
         • Touch or click the listing for your computer under THIS PC.
           Note: When there is no listing for your computer under THIS PC, you can touch or click Download & Install SupportAssist, which will automatically identify your computer for you. Follow the prompts to download and install SupportAssist.

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         • Enter the Service Tag, Dell EMC Product ID, or Model, and then touch or click the Search button, and select your computer from the list.

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         • Touch or click Browse all products: You must select the type of device you have, the brand name, and then the product model.
           Note: For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article, How to find the product model of your Dell computer.

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      3. Make sure the volume on the computer is at full.
      4. Click the Diagnostics tab.
      5. Click the down arrow under Custom Component Test
      6. Check the Sound Card box under Accessories, and then click Run your test.

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   The Webcam Central Software Appears Horizontal

   Download and install the latest video drivers for your computer, for more information refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs

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   Uninstall and Reinstall the Webcam Central Software

   The process for uninstalling and reinstalling the webcam software depends on which Operating System your computer has installed. Refer to the steps for the Operating System that is installed on your computer.

   Windows 7 and Vista

   Warning: Dell Webcam Central software is no longer available from My Dell Downloads unless you have a copy that is downloaded and saved already. It is not recommended that you uninstall the Dell Webcam Central software. Contact Technical Support for help with obtaining a copy. For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article "My Dell Downloads & My Locker -- Frequently Asked Questions."

   To uninstall the Dell webcam central software, perform the following steps:

   1. Click Start.
   2. Click Control Panel.
   3. Using the drop-down menu next to View by: in the upper-right corner, select Large Icons.
   4. Click Programs and Features.
   5. Click Dell Webcam Central.
   6. Click Uninstall.
   7. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   8. Once uninstalled, restart the computer.

   To download the latest version of Webcam Central for your Dell computer, perform the following steps:

   Notes:

   • Dell Webcam Central software is no longer available from My Dell Downloads. Contact Technical "Support" for help with obtaining a copy. For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article "My Dell Downloads & My Locker -- Frequently Asked Questions."
   • If you have upgraded to Windows 10 and you were using Dell Webcam Central Software in the past, Dell recommends using Skype now, refer to the "How to get Skype and how to use the program" section for additional help.

   When these steps do not resolve the issue, a diagnostic test is available for the webcam. Refer to the "How to Run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Webcam Issues" section.

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   Windows XP

   To uninstall the Dell webcam central software, perform the following steps:

   1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
   2. Click Classic View in the upper left-hand corner.
   3. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
   4. Click to highlight the Dell Webcam Central.
   5. Click Change/Remove.
   6. Click Remove.
   7. Click OK and follow the instructions within the uninstall wizard.
   8. Click the red X in the upper right-hand corner of the Add/Remove Programs window.
   9. Restart the computer.

   To reinstall the Dell Webcam Central, use the CD that came with your Dell computer.

   1. When you do not have your Dell Webcam Software CD, it may be downloaded from this link "Dell Webcam Central," this version of the software is supported on the computers that are listed in (Table 1) using the Operating Systems that are listed in (Table 2), but may work on other computers.
   2. For additional assistance, please visit the "Dell Community Forums."
      When these steps do not resolve the issue, a diagnostic test is available for the webcam. Refer to the "How to Run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Webcam Issues" section.
       

      Computers Supported

      Alienware Area 51

      Alienware Area-51 ALX

      Alienware Aurora

      Alienware Aurora ALX

      Inspiron 14 1440

      Inspiron 1440

      Inspiron 535

      Inspiron 535s

      Inspiron 537

      Inspiron 537s

      Inspiron 545

      Inspiron 545s

      Inspiron 546

      Inspiron 546s

      Dell Precision T3600

      Studio 1440

      Studio 15 1555

      Studio 1555

      Studio Desktop D540

      Studio Slim D540S

      Studio XPS 435T/9000

      Studio XPS M1340

      Studio XPS M1640

      Vostro 1320

      Vostro 1520

      Vostro 1720

      Vostro 220

      Vostro 220s

      Vostro 420

      Table 1: Computers Supported by This Version of Dell Webcam Central
       

      Operating System Supported

      Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit

      Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit

      Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit

      Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit

      Microsoft Windows XP

      Microsoft Windows XP x64

      Microsoft Windows XP Embedded

      Microsoft Windows 2000

      Table 2: Operating System Supported by This Version of Dell Webcam Central

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   How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software

   1. Make sure to start the Dell Webcam Central in a well-lighted area (low light conditions can cause a blank, black, or dark screen).
   2. Click Start
   3. Click All Programs
   4. Click Dell Webcam
   5. Click Webcam Central to start the program.

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   How to Use the Features of the Dell Webcam Central Software

   1. Click the ? in the upper right corner.
   2. Click Help.
   3. You can open each section to find out how to use the features or search for the feature you want to know about.

   How to get and use Skype, Zoom or Microsoft Teams and Start the Skype Software

   Note: The Dell Webcam Central software is not available for Windows 10 or Windows 8(8.1). When you have upgraded to Windows 10, you must use Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, or Microsoft Teams instead. See the frequently asked questions below on how to get and use Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, or Microsoft Teams.
   • Where do I get Skype software for online meetings?
     You can get the Skype software from the "Skype" website.

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   • How do I use Skype software?
     You can get information about how to use the Skype software from the "Skype support" website.

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   • How to start the Skype software
     1. Click Start.
     2. Click All Programs.
     3. Click Skype.

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   • Where do I get Zoom software for online meetings?
     You can get the Zoom software from the "Zoom" website.
     Note: You can change the language on the site from English to the desired language using the drop-down menu at the bottom of the page.

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   • How do I use the Zoom software?
     You can get information about how to use and troubleshoot the Zoom software from the "Zoom support" website.

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   • Where do I get the Microsoft Teams software for online meetings?
     You can get the Microsoft Teams software from the "Microsoft Teams" website.

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   • How do I use the Microsoft Teams software?
     You can get information about how to use and troubleshoot the Microsoft Teams software from the "Microsoft Teams support" website.

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   • Where do I get Google Meet software for online meetings?
     You can get the Skype software from the "Google Meet" website.

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   • How do I use Google Meet software?
     You can get information about how to use the Google Meet software from the "Google Meet How it Works" website.

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   • Where do I get Cisco Webex software for online meetings?
     You can get the Cisco Webex software from the "Cisco Webex" website.

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   • How do I use Cisco Webex software?
     You can get information about how to use the Cisco Webex software from the "Cisco Webex Support" website.

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   How to run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Webcam Issues

   To perform a diagnostic on the webcam on your computer, for webcam issues. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article, "Dell Diagnostic Tools to Diagnose and Fix Hardware Problems on Your Dell PC, Tablet or Servers".

   Once on the product support page for your device;

   1. Touch or click Camera under Test a specific device or create a custom test.
   2. Touch or click Test Selected Devices and follow the prompts.
      When the diagnostic test closes without displaying the results, contact "Technical Support."

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   Disabling or Enabling the Webcam

   Warning: These steps that are outlined below should not be performed by a computer novice, as changing settings other than outlined below in the Device Manager, could prevent your computer from working correctly.
   1. Touch or click Start.
   2. In the search box type device manager.
   3. Select Device Manager in the list of results.
   4. Touch or click the arrow to the left of Imaging devices (it may also be listed as Cameras).
   5. Touch and hold or right-click the listing of Integrated Webcam, and then select Disable device. Confirm disabling the Webcam by touching or clicking Yes.
      Note: To enable the Webcam, perform the same steps but select Enable device instead.