Webcam won't work in any browser; works for other applications

Question

I have a similar issue as this previous question. (I'm posting it here cause the other thread is locked.) But some websites it works for (such as the camera test from the google chrome help section), while the places I want to use it (Discord, Roll 20, Meet) either don't allow it to function, don't register it's function, or crash.

Roll 20 and Discord in particular don't output from me, but also don't let me hear or see other people who's webcams apparently work fine.

I've checked the permissions and firefox and chrome are both allowed to access it.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_10-hardware/webcam-wont-work-in-any-browser-works-for-other/523c4dfe-3db6-4817-99fb-e5873eb4fc6f

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I have no problem using the built-in webcam for Windows Hello login, Skype, or Zoom.  It will not, however, work in any web browser; I've tried Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.  For Chrome and Edge, it does not prompt for permission and does not list any cameras available (ie: in Google Meet).  For Firefox, when I access a page using the webcam, it simply crashes.  

I've checked the browser permissions, and the Windows privacy permissions.  The latter is enabled, but the browsers are not listed among the set of applications requesting permission.  Oddly Skype always shows up in the 'Allow desktop apps...' list as 'Currently in use', even when Skype is fully closed (as verified via Task Manager).  

Any ideas?  

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I can only add that from my perspective, other people's webcam devices are just as broken as mine. For Discord, I couldn't hear anyone while in the voice chat, they couldn't hear me either... but that indicates that it wasn't merely my webcam's output that was busted. (for the record, no, their stuff worked fine and they were talking around me)

For Roll 20 it's the same. I can access the page on Firefox (but not on Chrome, it just never finished loading) and interact with the page, but my camera and audio was turned off, and from my perspective everyone else's was too.

In Meet.google.com it did crash as it finished loading me into the entry space.

I haven't tried skype, zoom, or google hangouts.

Answer 1

Hi Kyle. I'm Greg, awarded MVP for eleven years, Volunteer Moderator, and Independent Advisor here to help you until this is resolved.

Try resetting browser to test if it helps:

https://www.howtogeek.com/171924/how-to-reset-y.... For Edge reset in Edge Settings > Reset Settings.

I'll give you all possible fixes that are working for others for webcam problems. If you need help performing any steps I am standing by to help.

1. Try Updating the webcam driver from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page for your full model number, Serial Number, or Dell Service Tag number from sticker on PC.

In Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, compare all other drivers including Chipset, display, sound, etc to make sure you have the latest vs. the PC maker's Support Downloads web page.

Additionally on Webcam Driver tab see if Roll Back is available, if not try Update Driver, first Automatically, then Browse, then Let Me Pick to try all previously installed Drivers.

If these fail try to Uninstall the Driver, restart PC to reinstall.

2. Did you enable the Privacy setting to allow apps to use your webcam?

https://privacy.microsoft.com/windows-10-camera...

3. Try also these steps for when webcam isn't working:

https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&... (Reklam bağlantılarından kaçının!)

https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rGy0U1Kpqo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFnTt0UJ_Ms&amp...

4. Try resetting the Camera app at Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Camera > Advanced Options.
5. If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool explained here:

https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

6. If this was caused by a Version Update then you can roll it in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool explained here: https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...
7. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

8. If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

If there are any hurdles during install then these steps can overcome them:

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Kyle, I'm waiting here to help you further if you'll reply with results for each of the steps I gave.

Answer 3

Thanks for your help. I haven't fixed it yet (and it's still a mystery what the problem actually is), but I haven't tired all your steps yet. 

I don't think it's got anything to do with the browser, because the failure happens in both browsers... but I'm still gonna try refreshing firefox next. Cause what's the worst that could happen? 

Strangely, though I THOUGHT that it was my browsers not behaving anymore, the camera test site has the camera testing fine. (though I can't tell if it's detecting the mic's sound.) So I guess it might not be the same problem as the poster from last year. 

https://www.onlinemictest.com/webcam-test/

So the camera works ok in at least one app, and at least one website, but not in the various websites I meet in calls with people. (including the discord audio chat). So maybe it's the mic that's not working, not the Camera (I use the term somewhat interchangably because the mic and camera is one device) 

I've never had to roll back an update before and never even heard of hiding from an update. I'm a bit cautious of that, so even though that sounds like it has the best chance of working I'm gonna try that last. 

Something will work eventually and I'll keep you/this thread updated so that anyone suffering these issues in the future can learn from this experience.

Answer 4

Can you System Restore to a point before this started to see if it works again, and then watch what installs that causes the problem again?

Then continue with all other steps I gave as one will normally fix it.

Answer 5

Sadly Greg, I didn't know about the system restore points before. So I activated it, but it cannot help me this time. 

I said I would keep you up to date on the issue, and it's been almost 2 weeks... so I haven't been doing good on that.

On the plus side, Zoom seems unaffected. And soon I'll be able to get a vaccine and won't have to rely on computer stuff so much. 

In any case, one of my go to methods for fixing computer stuff is to hope that it's a known issue and that the next update will fix it. There is a new update waiting, so maybe that will solve the issue. Who knows? 

My one regret is that I picked such a stupid name to post under.