Setting up the webcam hardware and software

Setting up the webcam hardware and software

If you have already confirmed you have a webcam and have installed the webcam software, make sure to apply any available updates to your software. If you need to confirm you have a webcam and install webcam software, use the following steps.

Step 1: Look for webcam hardware


Take a moment to visually inspect the top of your computer’s display. If your computer has a webcam, you should see a small lens in the top center, above the screen. Some models do not come with a webcam and the area where the webcam would normally reside is replaced by a small plastic plug.


NOTE:
 

Often, there are small holes near the top center of your display. These holes are for the microphone or other sensors and do not contain a webcam.

If your computer does not have a built-in webcam, you must use an external USB webcam.
If your computer has a built-in webcam and you cannot use it, continue to the next step to find webcam software.

Step 2: Find and use the webcam software that came with your computer


If your computer came with a built-in webcam, you can use the Camera app to record and share webcam video. The Camera app comes preinstalled on Windows 10 computers. It is also available to download for free in the Windows Store for Windows 10 and Windows 8.
In the search box on the taskbar, search for and open Camera.

If you can see an image, then you are finished. Your webcam is working.
If you cannot see an image in the main display window, restart the computer, and then try again

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