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How to Install and Connect a Webcam to Your PC
Get ready to video chat or record the world around your PC
By Mark Casey Mark Casey Writer Mark Casey was a Lifewire writer who specialized in computing and technology, including reviewing PC components and peripherals. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 20, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Install Your Webcam Software Use the Provided Disk No Disk No Problem Plug and Play Find Your Webcam's USB (or Other) Connection Keep Your Webcam on a Flat Surface Clip Your Webcam to Your Monitor Once Connected Browse to Your Webcam Software Frequently Asked Questions What To Know
Download and install the webcam software or use the provided disk.Alternatively, just plug and play. Windows 10 will automatically set up your webcam. This article explains how to connect and set up your USB webcam on Windows 10. It gives you two basic options to get running. Information in this article applies generally to webcams used with a PC that has Windows 10 installed. Install Your Webcam Software
Before you can use your webcam, install its drivers on your computer. Depending on the webcam, it came with either a disk containing the drivers or with instructions to find the drivers online. If your computer doesn't have a disk drive, go to the "No Disk" section of this guide. Use the Provided Disk
Unless otherwise instructed, insert the disk that came with the webcam before you plug it in. Windows recognizes that you are attempting to install software and starts a wizard to guide you through the process. If the wizard doesn't start automatically, go to the Windows taskbar and select File Explorer (on Windows 10) or My Computer (on older versions of Windows). Or, in the Search box, enter This PC. Then, click the disk drive (usually E:) to install the files on the disk. No Disk No Problem Plug and Play
If the web camera didn't come with a software disk, plug it in and see what happens. Most often, Windows will recognize it as new hardware and can use it. If Windows can't use the webcam, you're guided through the process of searching for drivers (either online or on your computer). As disk drives become less common, webcam manufacturers increasingly provide the latest drivers online. To use Windows Update to look for drivers manually: Go to the Search box and search for Device Manager. The Device Manager displays a complete list of devices on the computer. Go to Cameras or Imaging Devices, right-click the webcam, then select Update driver. Walk through the wizard to see if Windows can find the drivers. If nothing happens when you plug in the webcam, and Windows can't find the drivers, read the instruction manual or visit the webcam manufacturer's website to locate driver software for the webcam. Find Your Webcam' s USB or Other Connection
Most webcams connect with a USB cord or something similar. Locate a USB port on the computer. It's usually on the front or the back of the computer and looks like a tiny rectangle with a USB icon. Image credit: Sharleen Chao/Moment Open/Getty Images Typically, when you plug in the webcam, Windows automatically opens the installed software. Or, go to the Start menu to open the webcam software. Keep Your Webcam on a Flat Surface
You don't have to be a professional photographer to take effective webcam videos or photos, but a few tricks of the trade do apply. Place the webcam on a flat surface so that pictures and videos don't appear crooked or skewed. Use a stack of books or a tripod to align the webcam to shoot video of something other than what's directly in front of the screen. Clip Your Webcam to Your Monitor
Depending on the style and model of the webcam, it may or may not have an adjustable clip to attach it to the monitor. Clipping your webcam to the monitor is helpful when recording a webcast, making a video diary, or chatting with friends or family. If the monitor is thin, it might take some creativity to secure it. The built-in clip feature puts desktop webcams a step above standard laptop webcams, given that they tend to be stuck in the same place centered at the top of the monitor. Once Connected Browse to Your Webcam Software
After you connect the webcam and position it as desired, turn it on and see what it can do. To use the software that came with the webcam, go to the Start menu and browse to the webcam program, shown here as Logitech Webcam Software. Yours will be associated with the brand and model of your webcam. If you don't like the software that came with your webcam, Windows 10 comes with a Camera app that works well with most brands of webcams. The 5 Best Webcams of 2022 FAQ How do I use a phone as a webcam? To use your smartphone as a webcam, download the Reincubate Camo app for iOS or get the Reincubate Camo Android app. Also, download the app's desktop version on your Mac or PC. Then, launch the app on both devices and follow the prompts. How do I test a webcam? To test a webcam, go to the Test Webcam Online website and select Check My Webcam > Allow. Alternatively, on your Mac, go to Finder > Applications > Photo Booth to bring up your camera feed. Or, on Windows, type Camera into the search box to bring it up and display its feed. How do I use a GoPro as a webcam? To use a GoPro as a webcam, download and install GoPro's webcam utility and restart your computer. Launch the GoPro app and connect your GoPro to your computer with the USB-C cable. You'll see the GoPro as a camera option in your streaming or video app. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Update Drivers in Windows How to Add a Printer to Windows 10 How Do I Create a Windows Password Reset Disk? Latest Windows 10 Drivers (October 21, 2022) Windows 11 Webcam Not Working? 14 Ways to Fix It How to Secure Your Webcam in One Minute or Less How to Install a Graphics Card How to Set up USB Tethering on Windows 10 How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC How to Use a PS5 Controller on Your PC or Mac How to Use an iPhone as a Webcam How to Install USB 3.0 Drivers on Windows 10 How to Fix It When Your Headphones Aren't Working on Windows 10 How to Install Windows on Steam Deck LogiLDA.dll: What It Means and How to Fix It How To Fix Windows 11 Black Screen Issues Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies