If your integrated webcam is not working due to a Windows update, the problem is likely to be caused by faulty drivers or driver conflicts. To fix the problem, you can follow the instructions below.
First, go to Device Manager and see if there is a yellow mark next to the webcam device. The device may be listed under the entry Imaging devices or Other devices. Under Other devices, the device name could probably be Unknown Device.
If you see a yellow sign there, you can reinstall the driver or update the driver to fix the problem. If not, you can just disable and enable the device.
Reinstall the Driver
Follow these steps to reinstall the driver:
1. Right-click on the device and select Uninstall on the pop-up context menu. The following screenshot is for your reference.
2. Confirm Device Uninstall window will pop up. Click the OK button to apply the uninstall.
3. Reboot your computer. After rebooting, Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
4. Check to see if the webcam works.
Update the Driver
Two ways to update the driver:
Way 1: Update the driver manually
Way 2: Update the driver automatically
Way 1: Update the driver manually
Go to your PC manufacturer’s website to download the latest Windows 10 driver for the integrated webcam. Before you get started, ensure that you know the PC model and the specific operating system that you are using (See How to Get Operating System Version).
Usually, the downloaded driver file will be .zip file or .exe file. For the .zip file, extract it completely then you will get the .exe file. To install the driver, just double-click on the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
After installing the driver, if the problem persists, install the driver again in the Compatibility mode for Windows 7. Follow these steps:
1. Go to the webcam software program folder and find the executable file (.exe).
2. Right-click on the file and select Properties in the pop-up context menu.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab and change the Compatibility mode to Windows 7 (See the following screenshot). After that, click Apply -> OK to apply the changes.
4. Install the driver again.
5. Check to see if the webcam works.
Way 2: Update the driver automatically
If you don’t have the time, patience, or computer skills to update the webcam driver manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version, it takes just 2 clicks:
1. Download and install Driver Easy.
2. Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3. Click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
Disable and Enable the Device
If you don’t see a yellow mark on the webcam device, you can disable and enable the device. Follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the device and select Uninstall on the pop-up context menu.
2. Right-click on the device again and select Enable on the pop-up context menu.
If the problem persists, you might need to reset the computer. Note while performing reset, ensure to select Keep my files so that your files will be saved.
Follow these steps to reset the computer:
1. Click Start menu icon in left bottom corner.
2. Click on Power button, hold down Shift key and click on Restart.
Make sure you hold the Shift key down when Windows is restarting and don’t release it until you see the following screen.
3. Select Troubleshoot.
4. Select Reset this PC.
5. Select Keep my files.
Hopefully, you find the article helpful. If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.