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Built-in webcam not working correctly in Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2014-11-18T19:09:58+00:00

I'm trying to use my webcam with the Camera app and Windows Movie Maker on my Lenovo in Windows 8.1. When I try to capture a video all I get is this symbol:

It will record videos and save them to the camera roll, but the only thing you can see when you play them is the symbol.

I've gone to Lenovo's website and reinstalled the driver for my built in webcam. I also uninstalled a duplicate of my IWD Bus Enumerator. This still didn't fix the problem.

When I open up Camera and hit windows-c and click on settings > permissions I don't get the option to assign/unassign permission to Camera to access my webcam. All I see is the text "This app is trusted and can use all system capabilities". When I open up webcam privacy settings I have "Let apps use my webcam" set to on. There is no option in the list below to change permission for Camera or Windows Movie Maker.

I've run the Apps Troubleshooter. The only issue it brings up is that my USB-IF xHCI Host Controller has a problem. I went to Intell's website and ran their driver updater, but it keeps trying to install the 32-bit driver and then getting an error and failing to install it. (my system is 64bit).

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-11-22T13:06:53+00:00

    Hi Tielke,

    Thank you for your reply.

    If the compatibility tab is missing under properties, you can run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter from your desktop. Copy the driver setup to your desktop. Press and hold or right-click the driver's icon on your desktop, and then tap or click Troubleshoot compatibility.

    Warning: Don’t run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter on antivirus programs, firewall software, backup software, disk utilities, or on system programs that came with Windows. This might cause data loss or create a security risk.

    If the issue still persists, I suggest you to contact the computer manufacturer regarding this.

    Hope the information is helpful. Keep us posted.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-11-20T15:19:39+00:00

    Thank you for the reply. To answer your questions: 1.I get the same problem when I use the built-in camera with any application. 2. It's a Thinkpad T530.

    I tired Method 1 and Method 2, but the problem still persists. When I run the installer for the xHCI Host Controller 64-bit driver you linked to I get the message: "The computer does not meet the minimum requirements for installing the software." I downloaded the driver for my built-in camera from Lenovo, but when I bring up the properties for the .exe file, there is no compatibility tab. It's this driver:

    http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-t-series-laptops/thinkpad-t530/downloads/DS032431

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-11-19T10:57:35+00:00

    Hi Tielke,

    Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community. I appreciate your immense efforts trying to fix the issue.

    The issue might have caused due to outdated or corrupt drivers or pending updates.

    Answer the question below to help me get a clear picture of the issue:

    1. Does the built-in camera work with other applications other than camera app?
    2. What is the model of your computer?

    Let us try the methods given below to fix this issue:

    Method 1: Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

    The Hardware Troubleshooter is an automated tool which checks the hardware connected to the computer for any known issues and provides the details on how to fix them. Follow these steps to run the troubleshooter.

    a) Press Windows Key+ W on the keyboard.

    b) Type Troubleshooting in the search bar and press Enter.

    c) In the Troubleshooting window, click on View All on the left pane.

    d) Click on Hardware and Devices.

    e) Click on Advanced and then click on Run as Administrator.

    f) Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

    Method 2

    Install all available Windows Updates, including Optional Updates; this might fix the issue. Refer to the following steps.

    1. Press Windows key + X. Select Control Panel.
    2. Click on Windows Update.
    3. Click Check for Updates. After the scan is complete, click Review optional updates.
    4. Click the check box next to the updates, then click Install updates.
    5. If prompted, review the license agreement, then click I Accept.
    6. Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the updates.
    7. If prompted, reboot your computer.

    Method 3

    Download and install the xHCI Host Controller 64-bit driver from the link below:

    https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&FamilyId=42&ProductID=3467&ProdId=3467

    If the issue still persists, I suggest you to download the available drivers for your webcam from manufacturer’s website and install them in compatibility mode.

    Refer the steps to install a driver in compatibility mode:

    1. Right click on the setup file of the driver and select Properties.
    2. Select Compatibility Tab.
    3. Place a check mark next to Run this program in Compatibility mode and select the operating system accordingly from the drop down list.
    4. Let the driver to install and then check the functionality.

    Make older programs compatible with this version of Windows

    **http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/older-programs-compatible-version-windows******

    Method 4


    Download and install latest BIOS drivers from computer manufacturer’s website and check.

    **Disclaimer:**Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.

    Let us know the status after troubleshooting so that we can help you accordingly.

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