Windows 10: Request webcam access - Spyware

Why does Windows want to access my webcam UNNECESSARILY ?


Using both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, whenever I open my Calendar or access eBay my antivirus s/w blocks an attempt to access my webcam.


There can be no legitimate reason for such access.


Therefore it has to be assumed that Microsoft is trying to spy on users.


Browser setting are currently to Ask before any attempt use webcam but clearly Windows does not comply.


#Spyware

:)

 

Webcam access requests

Hello Lori,

If an app doesn't have access to your webcam, it will request access by default.

You can check using the tutorial below to see which apps you currently have allowed or denied access to your camera, and make any needed or wanted changes.

Allow or Deny OS and Apps Access to Camera in Windows 10

 

Webcam Problems?


Step One - go back to your computer mfgr's support site, register, and download the latest drivers and chipset software. When I visited Dell I found 9 as of yet uninstalled updates for my two yr old laptop!

Visit Adobe and check which version of Flash Player you're running, and D/L the latest version.

You should be good to go. Your webcam's controlled by your web browser but also authorized and either blocked or allowed by the identity software of sites you visit. Here's Coursera's instructions for fixing identity verification problems:

If you're having trouble with your webcam:

1. Check that your webcam is enabled and connected to your computer. Try a third-party tool like testwebcam.com -&nbspThis website is for sale! -&nbsptestwebcam Resources and Information..
2. Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.
3. Check that you have the latest version of your browser or try using a different browser.
4. If you’re using an external webcam, verify that you've installed your webcam's most recent driver software from the manufacturer.
5. Try refreshing the page.
6. Try switching to HTML5 webcam access by clicking the Switch to HTML5 link in the lower right hand corner of the webcam window.

If you see a dialogue box entitled Adobe Flash Player Settings:

1. Click Close
2. Click Allow

If the webcam area is blank:

1. Right click on webcam area
2. Select Settings
3. In the Settings menu, click the webcam icon and change the camera option to match the webcam you are using

Note to Google Chrome users: If the webcam area on the page is blank, and you can't access the Flash settings menu, click the small camera icon to the right of your browser bar and select "Always allow Coursera - Free Online Courses From Top Universities to access your camera and microphone."
To allow Flash access manually (in Google Chrome):

1. Type chrome://plugins into your browser bar
2. Find the Adobe Flash Player plugin
3. Check Always allowed
4. Quit Chrome and restart

 

Webcam access requests

I'm using Windows 10 and suddenly I'm getting a lot of requests to use my webcam. Not sure why this is happening right now. Do I have a virus?