Ultimate Guide: Step-by-Step Webcam Testing on Windows 10 or 11

Key Takeaways

To evaluate your webcam functionality on Windows 10 and 11, utilize the pre-installed Camera application or examine the video settings in widely used video-conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, Slack, and Skype.

If your webcam functions properly, you will instantaneously observe video from the camera in the Camera app or see yourself in the video settings of related applications.

In case your webcam malfunctions, please ensure to verify the connection, acquire webcam drivers from the manufacturer's website, and modify the Windows privacy settings to grant access for the program you are utilizing. Additionally, remember to enable camera access for your browser if you are utilizing a browser-based video calling service.

How to Test Your Webcam With the Camera App

Once you've turned it on, the easiest way to test your webcam is with the built-in camera application. Click on the Start button, type "camera", and then click the Camera app.

If everything is working correctly, you should see video from the camera immediately.

How to Test Your Webcam in Common Apps

Most applications and browser-based video chat services include the ability to test your audio and video. Here are some basic instructions for some of the most popular options.

Zoom

In Zoom, click the gear in the top-right corner of the screen.

Then, click "Video" on the left. If your webcam is working correctly, you should see yourself.

Google Meet

There are two places you can check your camera with Google Meet. The first is on the Google Meet home page. Click on the gear in the top right corner of the page.

Then, on the left-hand side, click "Video." There will be a small video to the right side of the popup if your webcam is working correctly.

Google also put the option to check your video directly on the meeting page. Once you've joined a meeting, click "Check your audio and video."

If you don't see yourself, try clicking the red camera icon.

Slack

In Slack, click on your profile icon in the bottom left hand corner of slack, and then click "Preferences."

Click "Audio & video" on the left-hand side bar.

You should see yourself — if you don't, make sure that the video device is set to the correct webcam.

Skype

To check your webcam in Skype, click on the three dots near the upper-left of Skype's main page, and then click "Settings."

Click on "Audio & video" on the left-hand side, under Settings.

You should see a video stream from the webcam to the right side.

Discord

Once you've launched Discord, click on the small gear icon in the bottom left-hand corner of Discord.

Click "Voice and Video" on the left-hand side, then, in the middle, click "Test Video."

Your image should appear once you hit "Test Video."

How to Troubleshoot Your Webcam

There are a few things that can result in your webcam not working. Fortunately, most of them are pretty easy to fix.

Check the Connection

Webcams that are connected to a USB port may become loose, or the USB port itself may be faulty. It is important to verify that your webcam is securely plugged into the USB port. Additionally, consider attempting to connect the webcam to a different USB port, as sometimes the issue may lie with the USB port itself. In the case of a desktop PC equipped with USB ports on the front or top of the case, try connecting the webcam to a USB port located at the back of the computer.

Download Webcam Drivers

Your webcam may need specific software provided by the manufacturer in order to function properly. The most convenient approach is to visit the manufacturer's website directly, as driver downloads are typically available on the support page.

Check Windows Privacy Settings

Click the Start button, enter "Camera privacy settings" in the search bar, and press Enter to examine your settings.

Make sure to toggle the switches for "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera" to the on position if they are currently switched off. Then, go through the list of applications and confirm that the program you intend to utilize is set to "On."

In the case of browser-based video calling services such as Google Meet, ensure that you grant camera access to your browser to enable the service.

Make sure to verify your microphone settings while you’re on this page. Simply click the back arrow located in the upper left-hand corner of the window. After that, scroll downwards until you come across "Microphone" and click on it.

The controls for the microphone are exactly like the camera. Make sure enable access for the program you're trying to use.

Check Your Browser Privacy Settings

Additionally, your web browser has safeguards implemented to safeguard against unauthorized access to your microphone and camera. Typically, websites such as Omegle, which necessitate these features, will issue a notification when attempting to utilize your webcam or microphone. Although each browser may differ slightly in appearance, the interface generally resembles the example below.

If you don't see something like that, you'll need to check your browser's privacy settings.

To access the settings on your browser, click on the three dots or three bars located on the top right corner. From there, navigate to the "Privacy" menu where you will find the controls for webcam and microphone access. In case the issue persists, attempt using the webcam on a different computer. If it continues to malfunction, it is probable that the webcam itself is damaged, requiring a replacement.