Unplug and replug
(see below if camera is built-in to the device--if built-in, make sure the lens is uncovered)
If unplugging and replugging does not work, unplug the webcam again. Restart the computer with the webcam unplugged. After the computer has restarted and loaded back into the operating system, plug the webcam into a USB port.
The unplug and replug process often fixes issues with USB devices by causing the operating system to re-recognize and reload the device drivers or software. If the unplug and replug process did not work, continue to the next section.
Run Updates if a PC
Windows updates often need to be installed before drivers are updated (see next step).
Uninstall and reinstall
Device drivers or software for a webcam can sometimes become corrupted. Uninstalling and deleting the device from the computer, then reinstalling it can resolve driver or software corruption. Follow the steps below to uninstall and reinstall the webcam on your computer (TWU-owned devices may require assistance from the Technology Service Desk).
Uninstall In Windows
- Open the Device Manager.
- Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section and look for the webcam in the device list. It should include the brand or model number of the webcam in the name of the device.
- Select the webcam device in the list, then right-click the device and select Uninstall device.
- Unplug the webcam from the computer.
- Restart the computer.
- After the operating system has loaded, plug the webcam into the computer again. The operating system should recognize the webcam and reinstall the drivers for it.
- Reinstall any additional software that came with the webcam.
Uninstall on a Mac
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can look for them in the above location and delete them, too.
(Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.)
Test the webcam and see if the uninstalling and reinstall fixed the problem. If the problem persists, you can also try the following.
- Download and install the latest drivers for the webcam from the manufacturer's website.
- After installing the latest drivers, restart the computer.
Test the webcam again and see if installing the latest drivers resolved the problem. If the problem persists, continue to the next section.
Connect to another computer
The computer may not recognize the webcam due to an issue with the operating system. If possible, connect the webcam to another computer and see if it works. If the webcam works on another computer, the issue is related to the operating system on the computer or the computer's USB ports.
- If the webcam works on another computer, employees should contact the Technology Service Desk for support. Students may contact STAR for support.
- If the webcam does not work on another computer, the camera is likely defective and needs to be replaced.
Built-In Webcam Troubleshooting
Chromebook Webcam
If your camera isn't working, or if you see a message that says "No camera found":
- Turn off your Chromebook, then turn it back on.
- Try using the camera in another app, like Hangouts. If it works in that app, uninstall the app where it doesn't work, then reinstall it.
- Reset your Chromebook.
- Recover your Chromebook.
If you're still having trouble after trying these steps, contact your Chromebook manufacturer.
Student Quick Start Guide for Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor
For additional support, contact the Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971, servicedesk@twu.edu,techchat.twu.edu, or submit a request through the Technology Service Catalog.