Skype does not see the built-in camera on my laptop. Skype does not see the webcam: all possible reasons and solutions. Outdated Windows version

When communicating on the Internet, especially with well-known people, one correspondence is not enough, you also want to hear and see the interlocutor. Such live communication can be provided by a number of instant messengers, among which the most popular is. This application is able to capture video from a built-in or external webcam and send it over the network, but in some cases Skype does not see the camera, and this despite the fact that the latter is quite functional.

As always, there can be several reasons for this problem. Often, Skype does not detect a webcam if the corresponding hardware drivers are missing or damaged, the user or third-party programs turn off the webcam, or use an outdated version of the messenger. Also, the webcam may not work in Skype due to incorrect settings in the application itself. Hardware malfunctions cannot be ruled out - damage to the camera, damage to cables, ports or cables. Let's start in order.

Outdated version of Skype

If you have any problems with video communication, the first thing we recommend is to make sure that the used skype version is relevant. To do this, select the "Check for updates" option in the "Help" menu.

If a new version of the program is available, download it from the official site and install it.

Temporary failure

The problem may arise as a result of temporary problems with the computer or system. To eliminate this option, simply restart your PC. Perhaps, in Windows, the service responsible for the operation of the webcam simply crashed. When you restart, the service will automatically start and the camera will be detected by Skype.

Webcam disabled

It may happen that you yourself accidentally or intentionally turned off your webcam and forgot about it. This is one of the reasons why the camera does not turn on in Skype. In some laptop models, the built-in camera is activated and deactivated by pressing the Fn + F button combination (1-12). Look carefully to see if you have a button with a video camera in the top row of the keyboard and press it. Buttons for webcam control can also be located on the side of the laptop case.

You can also check whether the webcam is enabled or disabled in the Device Manager. Find the item "Imaging Devices" in the list, expand it and check the status of all the components in it. Their properties should indicate "The device is working normally."

If the camera is inactive, turn it on by clicking the corresponding button in the window or by selecting in context menu option "Engage".

Note: If the webcam is not displayed in Device Manager, update the hardware configuration via the Action menu.

Driver problems

In case of malfunction hardware the presence of drivers is traditionally checked. If your camera does not work in Skype on Windows 7/10, be sure to check if the camera driver is installed and, if installed, if there are any conflicts or problems with its work. You can find out this again in the Device Manager. The properties of image processing devices must contain a message about their normal operation, and the device icons themselves must not be marked with yellow or red icons.

The unknown device in the manager may well be a webcam. To confirm the assumption, you need to find and install software for it. The best way to find drivers is to use special programs like DriverPack Solution, for laptop cameras the required drivers can be found on the enclosed disk. On it, the manufacturer often adds a proprietary utility for setting up the built-in webcam. In case of updating or reinstalling the drivers, the current version must be removed, otherwise the new one may not be installed correctly.

The camera is in use by another application

One webcam can only work with one application. Check if there are other programs running on your computer that might access the camera. If the camera is currently transmitting an image to some program, it will not work in Skype, and the user will either receive a black window, or the notification "Cannot start video broadcasting." Close all applications that intercept the video stream, and only then start Skype.

No camera selected in Skype itself

If the webcam in Skype on a laptop does not work after connecting a second camera, TV tuner or other video device to it, you must also check the settings of the messenger itself and make sure that is selected desired device... Go to the program settings, switch to the "Video settings" subsection and select the camera you need in the drop-down list at the top. At the same time, you can eliminate the "conflict" between Skype and the camera by checking whether it works with other applications.

To check the camera, you can use the services of the service Webcam Toy... Go to the browser at webcamtoy.com/ru, click the "Use my camera" button and give permission to the service to use your webcam.

A similar check can be performed using any media player, for example, VLC. To do this, select the Open Capture Device option from the Media menu.

Now specify the checked webcam in the “Device name” drop-down list.

The player window should display what your camera sees.

If the video stream is broadcast in the player or other applications, but not in Skype, then the problem is in the messenger itself. Check all settings, reinstall the app, try the portable version. If there is no video in other programs, check the camera and the drivers that ensure its operation.

Broken webcam

The worst thing that can happen is that the built-in or plug-in external webcam fails. Hardware failure will be indirectly indicated by the lack of interaction of the camera with different programs and directly - the lack of the camera itself in Device Manager. However, do not rush to make such a diagnosis without checking the operation of the ports, cables and loop.

Perhaps the webcam in Skype is not working just because the contact was broken on the port through which it is connected to the computer. Check all pins and cable integrity. But with laptops, everything is a little more difficult, to establish whether everything is in order with the connecting camera and motherboard a loop is possible only in a service center.

Other reasons

What else can cause problems with the webcam in Skype? Maybe you changed bIOS settings and turned off the gripper by mistake? In this case, you need to go to BIOS, find the camera in the Advanced or Security section and turn it on.

Skype camera often does not work on older computers with Pentium III or lower processors. Alternatively, users of such PCs can be recommended previous version Skype is better than a portable one, and the best solution, of course, would be to buy a new modern computer. The same goes for outdated versions of the operating system. For example, in Windows XP SP2, all the latest versions of Skype do not support video streaming, so the only correct solution in this case would be windows installation 7, 8.1 or 10, or upgrade to XP SP3.

Most often, the laptop does not see the camera due to driver malfunction or device disconnection. It also happens that the problem concerns only individual programs - Skype or similar. To fix it yourself, you can take a number of actions. If this does not help, the probable cause is a hardware malfunction. Then you need to hand over the laptop for repair or purchase external device for video communication.

Description of the problem

Connecting the camera to a laptop is required for video communication. In most cases, the device comes with built-in hardware, but sometimes a USB connection is required.

In both cases, a problem may arise that the laptop does not see the camera.

Main reasons

The problem is either hardware or software. The most common reasons are:

• turned off device;
• incorrectly installed drivers;
• non-updated software;
• defect of the device itself.

Device not included

Although the problem seems obvious, it occurs frequently. To turn on the device, you must press the Fn button together with one of the function keys. Mostly it is F6 or F10, but it can be any of F1 – F12. The correct key will be indicated by an icon on the keyboard.

Turning on the camera on the keyboard

Drivers

Camera performance is also affected by driver issues. They may be damaged, installed incorrectly, or missing altogether. Sometimes the operating system does not independently detect the presence of a device, and you need to install the driver manually.

To update the driver, you need to do the following sequence of actions:

If there are several driver options, then it is optimal to choose the latter. It corrects the mistakes of the previous ones. If it does not work after installation, you can take the previous version. Perhaps in the very latest update new problems appeared.

After installation, you need to reboot and check if the camera starts to function. It so happens that along with the drivers, a configuration utility appears on the computer, it is recommended to use it to check the device's performance.

If it is not even in the "Device Manager", you can install Skype and test the device through it.

Device defects

If the device is turned on, its components are installed and the drivers are updated, and the operation cannot be established in several programs, the reason is its malfunction. The most common breakdowns are:

• violation of the integrity of the loop connecting the webcam to the motherboard;
• failure of the device itself.

It will not be possible to solve these problems on your own without certain knowledge in radio electronics and skills in working with a soldering iron. It is recommended to take the laptop for repair for diagnostics or install an external camera. The latter is often much more profitable, since disassembling the laptop, and subsequently possibly replacing the device, is not cheap.

Nuances depending on the type of camera

Different types of cameras have some nuances during installation and operation. They can be divided by manufacturer or year of manufacture, but the next factor is most influenced by the external camera or the built-in one.

Disconnection and connection of the built-in one is carried out in several ways: through the "Device Manager", using hot keys, etc. The external camera is turned on only through the USB port. Moreover, in the latter case, sometimes it becomes necessary to reinstall the drivers after each shutdown.

Most modern external cameras come without software disks, but work using Plug and Play technology (a function that allows you to work without manual driver installation).

Nuances depending on the OS

The camera setup looks different in different versions OS. Before Windows 7, its work could be regulated using the built-in Movie Maker, but in this operating system, you already have to use third-party software. Live Webcam or Skype are good for these purposes.

Windows 10 has a built-in Camera application (located in Settings, Privacy), with which you can perform all the manipulations. Search in this OS is expanded - it is easier and faster to find the necessary settings.

What to do if the camera does not appear in Device Manager

It often happens that the camera is disabled in the BIOS. This is most commonly found on HP, Dexp, Samsung and others laptops. To enable it, during the boot of the operating system, you must press F9 (or another key - Del, F1, F2, etc.) and enter the BIOS.

In the "Advanced" section, select the "Onboard Device Configuration" item. In the “Onboard Camera” field, change the value to “Enabled”.

Not recognized by Skype

Provided that all the parameters of the device are checked, and the drivers are installed and updated, and Skype still does not see the camera, you need to go to the program settings. In them, go to the “Sound and Video” tab. In the right upper corner next to the word “Camera” you can see which device the program detects (the name should correspond to that in the device manager).

Go to the webcam settings and check the brightness. Make sure that the reason for poor visibility is not in its settings.

If there is no picture when you start a conversation, make sure that the Start Video Broadcast button is clicked.

The following common problems also occur:

• Before talking on Skype, you need to check if the camera is turned on in third party program... If this is the case, then it should be closed, as for this reason Skype may not receive a picture from it.
• An outdated version of Skype. It is necessary to completely remove the program and download a new one from the official site.
• Several cameras are installed in the system (another device was connected, even for a short time, via USB) and during a conversation Skype determines the wrong one.
• The operating system is outdated, some versions of Windows XP do not allow Skype online broadcasts to work.

The problem is often encountered on outdated versions of laptops. There are certain system requirementsto be performed for correct work video communication.

Popular all over the world skype program probably every active user knows Worldwide network... You do not need to pay for communication with subscribers, and the interface is understandable even for those who have never used such applications. However, "beginners" often face technical problems, so today we want to answer one of the most popular questions. What if Skype can't see the camera? The first step is to find the cause of this problem.

Check the connection

No matter how trite it sounds, but sometimes the problem can be solved by itself after simple manipulations.

Using the camera with another program

It is possible that you have applications installed on your computer that also use the webcam. To do this, you need to turn off everything on your PC that you are not using at the moment. To rule out a possible conflict, simply close all programs and check the hardware again.

Check camera operation

To find out why Skype is not working, you can use the following method:

• Open any video player.
• Click on the screen right click, click Open, and then select Camera or Other Device.
• If the webcam is already working, then you will see what it is filming at the moment.

Check for the correct drivers

Skype may not see the camera because your PC or laptop does not have the required drivers. So try installing them from the disc that came with your laptop at the time of purchase.

Check availability required programs as follows:

• Find "Device Manager". If you are using the operating system Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, then press the "Win" and "R" buttons simultaneously. Then issue the command "devmgmt.msc" and "Enter".
• Device Manager can also be found through My Computer and Control Panel.
• Next, you will need the Imaging Devices tab. Ideally, there should be no red crosses or exclamation marks opposite the lines.
• You should also find the "WebCam" icon. When you click on it, a window should appear with the inscription "The device is working normally."
• Try uninstalling the old driver and then installing the new one. To do this, right-click on the same icon and select "Delete". AND new program best download from the official website of your PC or laptop manufacturer.

Check Skype settings

Have you already installed the correct drivers, but the webcam's performance is poor? Then you should configure the program itself. For this:

• Open Skype, go to "Tools", find "Settings" at the top of the window and select the "Video Settings" section.
• If you did everything correctly, then on the right you will see the image transmitted by the camera.
• Make sure that the program sees the built-in or portable camera - that is, the "WebCam" sign should appear.
• Next, find the line "Automatically receive video and share the screen for ..." and click the last item in the list "Nobody".
• After that check the brightness, contrast, tints and other parameters in the "Properties". Perhaps they need to be customized by placing icons in the middle of the desired lines.

Check for updates

If your operating room windows system has not been reinstalled for a long time, it may interfere with Skype or not support video broadcasts.

Perhaps the problem lies with the program itself. Oddly enough, but sometimes such phenomena are difficult to explain or fix. What to do in this case? We recommend that you delete the current one and download the most latest version.

• First, turn off the program by clicking on the Skype icon and selecting "Exit".
• Next, you need to go to "Start", find "Settings" and then "Control Panel".
• Select our program from the list provided and uninstall it.

Don't worry about losing your account. After launch new version it will be updated automatically and all old contacts will be in their place.

Equipment replacement

If all your attempts to restart the webcam are in vain, you will have to replace it. The easiest way is to buy a separate device and connect it to a PC or laptop via a USB portal. After that, run the program again and wait until it finds a new camera. You may also need to look in Settings, find Camera and Debug.

If your computer is based on pentium processor 3, you will not be able to make video calls. This type of equipment is outdated, so consider replacing it.

As you can see, setting up Skype can be done without any problems, even for a person who knows little about a computer or laptop. So read our tips carefully and try to fix the problems yourself.

Now you have become the owner of an asus, msi, toshiba, hp or acer laptop with a built-in web camera. You want to take a photo or chat on Skype, but it doesn't work.

Why is the webcam in the laptop not working? There are several reasons, and many can be individual (rare).

In some models, it can be accidentally turned off (turned on by pressing the fn key + the button with a drawn camera - see if this is your case, why the built-in webcam stopped working).

For each webcam, “native” drivers are required, otherwise it will not work in a laptop. They can be seen in the device manager opposite the line: "imaging device".

Just keep in mind that if Windows on a laptop was installed independently (you did not buy a pre-installed one), then the presence in the device manager of a notification that everything is working correctly does not mean anything.

In such cases, standard drivers are installed for the laptop's webcam and in most cases do not work (sometimes the image is obtained upside down) - although it is written that everything is ok. This is a common occurrence.

Go to the official website of msi, toshiba, asus, acer or hp (depending on your laptop model) and download the real ones (those that are written specifically for your webcam).

The webcam on the laptop does not work and has stopped - these are two different things. It can stop due to two reasons: a malfunction of the loop (then for repair in service center) and conflict of components (programs).

With the first option, everything is clear.In such cases, you will not see your webcam in the device manager, there will be an empty space, which means that the system in the laptop does not see any camera.

If there is an application conflict, disable startup programs. In different operating systems this is slightly different - the easiest option is to use the free Russian-language program "CCleaner".

After installation, click "service" and click on the "autoload" option, and then connect everything that you do not constantly need.

Another option is to use, if, of course, the laptop is configured to create such points.

A program for turning on a webcam on a laptop

In addition to everything described above, the built-in web camera will not work on a laptop if there is no special program.

If windows 7, XP or Windows 8 was installed independently, it will never be, with the exception of some pirated copies.

This problem can be easily solved. Simple and run. Then, with the "correct" drivers, the webcam should work.

Viruses occupy a special place. They are capable of damaging the registry so much that an ordinary user cannot solve the problem on his own.

There is a way out to reinstall Windows completely. This is the last option to solve the problem with a non-working camera on a laptop. I hope you are not in danger. Good luck.

Today, concepts such as time and space have been somewhat abolished. Now we can not just communicate with an interlocutor who is thousands of kilometers away, using cellular communication, but also to see each other in the moment of dialogue thanks to the megapopular service Skype. Almost all modern mobile devices are equipped with a built-in webcam. Telecom operators are increasing their communication capacities and continuously introducing more and more new technologies. Software Developers ... Stop! Skype did not find the webcam on my laptop, what should I do? Agree, such a question somehow knocks out of reality. Is everything really so shaky and precarious in our world? In general, when the situation seems to be very problematic, do not give up, you need to approach it as simply as possible, and everything will work out. Let's try? Then go ahead.

Skype did not find webcam: investigation begins

It’s not funny when a desktop user wasted all day trying to find a fault that was so masterfully disguised. A friend who came to visit resolved the situation: he inserted the webcam connecting cable into the USB socket of the computer, and the connection was made! Do you think this is complete nonsense? No, that's exactly what happens. We often look for a breakdown in the wrong place, because we don't understand and don't know how to look. But, as mentioned earlier, everything is very simple.

Step one: "Device Manager"

If Skype doesn't find my webcam, what should I do? First of all, you need to make sure that the drivers installed on your computer are working.

• Open the start menu.
• Hold the marker on the item "This computer" and with the right mouse button bring up the context list, from which you should select "Device Manager".
• After a new window opens, at the very bottom of the list of equipment you will see the section "Imaging devices".
• If it does not contain any warning signs in the form of crosses or triangles "with exclamation mark, you can try reinstalling the driver. Perhaps the question that torments you is that Skype did not find the webcam, what should I do? " after that it will disappear. Otherwise, we continue to think and look for an effective way.
• In any case, go to "Camera properties" and look in the "General" tab, what is the current state of the optical device. If the OS says: "... it is working fine", then proceed, no - we check the connection and operability of the camera itself. Visit friends or ask neighbors who have personal Computer... The check will not take long, but you can be sure that the optical device is working properly.

Step two: check hardware and update software

If Skype does not find your webcam, you need to reinstall the webcam driver. Go back to the "Device Manager" and through remove the hardware. In case you don't have installation disk from an optical device, the search algorithm for the corresponding software is performed as follows:

• Use the SlimDrivers Free utility. After you launch this software, the application will scan the OS and suggest the best solution, that is, it will load the required driver.
• However, the most acceptable option is to install the original (proprietary) software that controls the equipment. As a rule, there is a sticker on the back or bottom of the webcam with the model name and its serial number... Finding, downloading and installing a driver is a matter of minutes.
• After installation softwaremost likely, the problem that can be voiced "how Skype did not find the webcam" will be removed from the agenda.

Step three: configure the optical device in the Skype menu

1. Start the messenger.

2. In the upper area of \u200b\u200bthe main program window, click on the "Tools" tab. Then go to the "Settings" section (drop-down list).

3. Click on the "... video" icon.

4. If the camera still does not work, then change the value of the equipment involved in the corresponding checkbox (above the window for displaying webcam activity).

Let's hope that the troubles when Skype did not find the webcam will leave you for a long time now.

Diagnose and troubleshoot Skype problems on laptops

The troubleshooting algorithm and the video image recovery process in the messenger are also relevant for portable computer equipment. However, some nuances in the settings and management of the "webcam" are still present.

Well, let's deal with the painful question: "Skype" did not find a webcam on a laptop, what should I do? ":

• First of all, clean your laptop of digital junk, which is quite effective. free utilitylike CCleaner.
• Next, carefully read the documentation for your device, namely the section on using the function keys. On laptop computers from Lenovo, you can turn the webcam on or off by pressing the Fn function key and the F5 key.
• Examine the keyboard module carefully. Any slightest hint in the form of a graphically depicted camera is possible Solution Problems.
• Do not be upset if, after the update process of the popular video messenger, Skype does not find a webcam on laptop Asus... Just uninstall the unstable version and reinstall a working copy of this software.
• As a rule, in laptops equipped with built-in cameras, a proprietary program is installed to control the optical equipment for shooting. So, quite often such software conflicts with the Skype messenger.

Therefore, as a solution to the problem, you can try to remove the factory "feature": go to the "Programs and Features" section and find something consonant with this name: "Asus virtual camera". Let's hope it all works out!

As you can see, there are many different ways to solve this problem. And the fact that no, you, most likely, have also already managed to make sure. Skype did not find the webcam on my laptop, what should I do? You may find the above tips helpful. Remember them and improve your knowledge. After all, computer literacy is in trend now. All the best and stable video communication sessions to you!