Windows 10: Webcam stops working after a couple of seconds

Hello all,

I'm researching a problem that a couple of computers I know are experiencing. Basically the webcam works for a couple of seconds, just like normal, but then it freezes and goes black. Turning it off - on again will make it work for a couple of seconds, but then it goes black again.

I only started noticing these problems after the last Windows update although I found out online that this is an issue that existed before. The devices I'm talking about have an integrated webcam but I read that USB cams are also experiencing the same issue.

The main fix we found was adding the "EnableFrameServerMode" DWORD to the following keys:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Media Foundation\Platform
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows Media Foundation\Platform

Unfortunately this did not work for any computer, so I'm guessing the issue has "mutated" by now.

Other fixes we tried: Windows updates, HP updates, driver update / reïnstall.

As of now the only fix I can think of is resetting the computer back to factory settings. I would like to avoid this solution though since this is a long process and my guts tell me that these won't be the last computers that will experience this bug.

Have any of you experienced a similar thing and were you able to solve it?

All help is appreciated, thanks in advance!

submitted by /u/DakotaIT
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:)

 

Webcam had disappeared

Hi,

The webcam may have stopped working due to hardware failure, or a loose cable that connects it to the device’s motherboard. We suggest that you try to show hidden devices in
Device Manager by following these steps:

• Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
• Click on the View tab and select Show hidden devices.
  

If you are seeing the webcam drivers, uninstall them. Then restart your device to check if Windows will be able to recognize the webcam and will install the drivers.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

Webcam not working

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



This issue can occur if the camera drivers are not up-to date, your anti-virus may be blocking the camera, or camera app is not installed properly. I would suggest you to follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article:
Camera does not work in Windows 10. You can also refer to the suggestion on HP article:
HP PCs - Webcam Troubleshooting (Windows 10, 8).



If you need any further assistance, please write back with the following information:

1. What happens when you are trying to access Camera app?
   
2. What is the exact error message you are getting?
   
3. What is version of Windows 10 that is installed on your device?
   
4. Are you using an external webcam? If yes, please help us with the make and model of the webcam.
   

Regards,

 

Webcam not working in Windows 10 Pro on Microsoft camera app and not on Skype

Hi,

Since you mentioned that you already reinstalled the driver for your webcam, we suggest that you perform these troubleshooting steps to resolve your concern:

• Run the troubleshooter for Windows apps.
• Install the driver using the compatibility mode.

Get back to us with the results of the suggested troubleshooting steps.