Troubleshooting and Resolving Dell Webcam Driver Issues in Windows

In Windows 11 or Windows 10, the drivers are built in (native) to the operating system for all computers.

1. To reinstall the Windows camera drivers, 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 must restart.
   2. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
   3. In the search box, type device manager.
   4. Select Device Manager (Control panel) in the list of results.
   5. Touch or click the arrow to the left of Cameras or Imaging Devices.
      NOTE: When there is no listing for Cameras or Imaging Devices, "Contact Technical Support."
   6. Touch and hold or right-click Integrated Webcam or USB camera.
   7. Touch or click Uninstall.
   8. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   9. Once uninstalled, restart the computer.
      NOTE: Windows 11 or Windows 10 automatically detects and installs the Webcam drivers.
   10. When the Webcam still does not function, the webcam software should also be uninstalled, and reinstalled after the drivers are installed. Contact the Webcam software provider for assistance.

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2. Run the automated tools provided in the SupportAssist tool (this determines whether any newer drivers are available, and check for performance issues).
   1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
   2. In the search box, type SupportAssist.
   3. Select SupportAssist (Trusted Microsoft Store app) in the list of results.
      NOTE: When SupportAssist does not show up in the search results, browse to the "SupportAssist for PCs and tablets" page for information about downloading and installing SupportAssist.
   4. Touch or click Start Now to run all the tests.
      NOTE: You can touch or click the down arrow and then run the individual test, but for slow performance issues, we recommend running all the tests.
   5. SupportAssist runs the tests one by one and provides the results.

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3. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.

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4. In the search box, type camera privacy settings.

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5. Select Camera privacy settings (System settings) in the list of results.

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6. On some newer versions of Windows (1803 and newer), there is an option that allows access to Windows and apps to the camera. Touch or click Change under Allow access to the camera on this device. Ensure that the option is set to On.
   NOTE: When this is not an option, go to the next step.

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7. Ensure the slider under Allow apps to access your camera is set to On.

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8. Touch or click the slider next to the software you do want to have access to the Webcam under Choose which apps can access your camera, you can switch access Off and On.
   NOTE: This does not prevent it from requesting to open the integrated Windows Camera app.

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9. Ensure the brightness settings and lighting and other Webcam (camera) adjustments are correct.
   1. A blank, black, or dark screen can be caused by low light conditions or when the webcam is in the wrong mode. Ensure to use the webcam in a well-lighted area.
   2. Adjust the brightness setting or any other webcam (camera) adjustments within the Webcam software that you are using.
      • You can more get information about how to use Skype software from the "Skype support" website.

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      • You can get more information about how to use and troubleshoot the Zoom software from the "Zoom support" website.

        ---

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

        ---

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

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      • You can get more information about how to use the Cisco Webex software from the "Cisco Webex Support" website.

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10. Run the Dell Webcam Diagnostics.
    NOTES:

    • When the SupportAssist application is not already installed on your computer, you are prompted to do so.
    • When the diagnostic test closes without displaying the results or you receive an error, "Contact Technical Support."

1. Ensure the brightness settings and lighting and other Webcam (camera) adjustments are correct.
   1. A blank, black, or dark screen can be caused by low light conditions or when the webcam is in the wrong mode. Ensure to use the webcam in a well-lighted area.
   2. Adjust the brightness setting or any other webcam (camera) adjustments within the Webcam software that you are using.
      • You can get information about how to use Skype software from the "Skype support" website.

        ---

      • You can get more information about how to use and troubleshoot the Zoom software from the "Zoom support" website.

        ---

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

        ---

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

        ---

      • You can get more information about how to use the Cisco Webex software from the "Cisco Webex Support" website.

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1. Check the sound settings in the Webcam program that you are using.
   NOTE:

   For more information, see the following Knowledge Base articles:

   • For Zoom: Testing computer or device audio.
   • For Microsoft Teams My microphone is not working in Teams.

    

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2. When these steps do not resolve the issue, see Dell Knowledge Base articles, How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Recording Issues, for microphone issues or "How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Playback Issues" for speaker issues.

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3. When you are still having issues, run the Dell Personal Computer Diagnostics for Microphone and Sound.

   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, Serial Number, Service Request, Model, or Keyword, 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, see Dell Knowledge Base article, How to find the product model of your Dell computer.

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   3. Ensure that the volume on the computer is at full.
   4. Click the Diagnostics tab.
   5. Click the down arrow under Custom Component Test.
      • For Microphone issues:
        Check the Microphone box under Accessories, and then click Run your test.
      • For Speaker issues:
        Check the Sound Card box under Accessories, and then click Run your test.

• Where do I get Skype software for online meetings?
  You can get the Skype software from the "Skype" website.
  NOTE: Skype may have already been installed at the factory in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

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

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• How to start the Skype software in Windows 11 or Windows 10
  • Touch or click Start, touch, or click Skype on the Start screen.
  • Touch or click Start, touch, or click All Apps, scroll down until Skype appears. Touch or click Skype.
  • Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key. In the Search box, type Skype, touch, or click Skype (Modern application).

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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 wanted language using the drop-down menu at the bottom of the page.

  ---

• 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.

  ---

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

  ---

• 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.

  ---

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

  ---

• 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.

  ---

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

  ---

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

  ---

1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
2. In the search box, type camera privacy settings.
3. Select Camera privacy settings (System settings) in the list of results.

   There are four options to deny the software on your computer access to the Webcam.

   • Option 1:

     On some newer versions of Windows (1803 and newer), there is an option that denies access to Windows and apps from accessing the camera. Touch or click Change under Allow access to the camera on this device. Then touch or click the slider to switch between Off and On.
     NOTE: When this is not an option, use one of the other options below.

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   • Option 2:

     Touch or click the slider under Allow apps to access your camera to switch access Off and On.
     NOTE: Denying access only blocks apps from accessing your camera. It does not block Windows.

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   • Option 3:

     Touch or click the slider next to the software you do not want to have access to the Webcam under Choose which apps can access your camera, you can switch access Off and On.
     NOTE: This does not prevent it from requesting to open the integrated Windows Camera app.

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   • Option 4:

     WARNING: These steps that are outlined below should not be performed by a computer novice, as changing settings other than those outlined below in the Device Manager, could prevent your computer from working correctly.
     1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
     2. In the search box, type device manager.
     3. Select Device Manager (Control panel) 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.

In Windows 8(8.1), the drivers are built in (native) to the operating system for all computers.

1. To reinstall the webcam drivers, 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 must restart.
   2. Move the mouse cursor to the upper right corner of the screen until the Charms Bar appears.
   3. Click Search.
   4. Right-click Computer.
   5. Click Properties.
   6. Click Device Manager in the upper left corner.
   7. Click the arrow to the left of Imaging devices (it may also be listed as Cameras).
      NOTE: When there is not a listing for Imaging Devices, "Contact Technical Support."
   8. Right-click Integrated webcam or USB camera.
   9. Click Uninstall.
   10. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   11. Once uninstalled, restart the computer.
       NOTE: Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 automatically detects and installs the Webcam drivers.
   12. If the Webcam still does not function, the webcam software should also be uninstalled and reinstalled after the drivers are installed. Contact the Webcam software provider for assistance.

   ---

2. Run the automated tools provided in the SupportAssist tool (this determines whether any newer drivers are available, and check for performance issues).
   1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
   2. In the search box, type SupportAssist.
   3. Select SupportAssist (Trusted Microsoft Store app) in the list of results.
      NOTE: When SupportAssist does not show up in the search results, browse to the "SupportAssist for PCs and tablets" page for information about downloading and installing SupportAssist.
   4. Touch or click Start Now to run all the tests.
      NOTE: You can touch or click the down arrow and then run the individual test, but for slow performance issues, we recommend running all the tests.
   5. SupportAssist runs the tests one by one and provides the results.

   ---

3. Ensure that the brightness settings and lighting are correct.
   1. A blank, black, or dark screen can be caused by low light conditions or when the webcam is in the wrong mode. Ensure to use the webcam in a well-lighted area.

      ---

      • You can get more more information about how to use the Skype software from the "Skype support" website.

        ---

      • You can get more information about how to use and troubleshoot the Zoom software from the "Zoom support" website.

        ---

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

        ---

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

        ---

      • You can get more information about how to use the Cisco Webex software from the "Cisco Webex Support" website.

   ---

4. Run the Dell Webcam Diagnostics.
   NOTES:

   • When the SupportAssist application is not already installed on your computer, you are prompted to do so.
   • When the diagnostic test closes without displaying the results, "Contact Technical Support."
5. When

1. Ensure that the brightness settings and lighting are correct.
   1. A blank, black, or dark screen can be caused by low light conditions or when the webcam is in the wrong mode. Ensure to use the webcam in a well-lighted area.
   2. Adjust the brightness setting in the Skype software, for more information see the "Skype" website.

1. Check the sound settings in the Webcam program that you are using.
   NOTE:

   For more information, see the following Knowledge Base articles:

   • For Zoom: Testing computer or device audio.
   • For Microsoft Teams My microphone is not working in Teams.

    

   ---

2. When these steps do not resolve the issue, see Dell Knowledge Base articles, How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Recording Issues, for microphone issues or "How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Playback Issues" for speaker issues.

   ---

3. When you are still having issues, run the Dell Personal Computer Diagnostics for Microphone and Sound.

   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 personal computer, you can touch or click Download & Install SupportAssist, which automatically identifies your computer for you. Follow the prompts to download and install SupportAssist.

        ---

      • Enter the Service Tag, Serial Number, Service Request, Model, or Keyword, and then touch or click the Search button, and select your computer from the list.

        ---

      • Touch or click Browse all products: Select the type of device that you have, the brand name, and then the product model.
        NOTE: For more information, see Dell Knowledge Base article, How to find the product model of your Dell computer.

      ---

   3. Ensure that the volume on the computer is at full.
   4. Click the Diagnostics tab.
   5. Click the down arrow under Custom Component Test.
      • For Microphone issues:
        Check the Microphone box under Accessories, and then click Run your test.
      • For Speaker issues:
        Check the Sound Card box under Accessories, and then click Run your test.

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

  ---

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

  ---

• How to start the Skype software in Windows 8(8.1)
  On the Start Screen, click Skype to start the program.

  ---

• 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 wanted language using the drop-down menu at the bottom of the page.

  ---

• 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.

  ---

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

  ---

• 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.

  ---

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

  ---

• 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.

  ---

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

  ---

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

  ---

1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
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. Confirm disabling the Webcam by touching or clicking Yes.
   NOTE: To enable the Webcam, perform the same steps but select Enable instead.