How to activate the camera in Skype for Windows 10

skype is one of the most popular applications in the field of internet communications, whether through text messages or voice and video calls. And thanks to its multiple tools and its compatibility with all types of devices and operating systems, skype has become an essential option for those who need communicate with your family, friends or co-workers. However, sometimes we may encounter some hardware compatibility issues, especially when it comes to webcam for video calls. Therefore, below we offer you a complete tutorial on how to activate the camera in Skype for Windows 10, as well as different tricks and solutions to try to solve any setbacks in your video chats.

The Camera Does Not Work in Skype Windows 10/8/7 I Solution 2024 [If It Works]

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How to activate the camera in Skype: tricks and solutions

The first thing you should be clear about is that when you install Skype on your computer or mobile device, the camera is configured for use in video calls; Even so, you may experience problems or errors when making video calls, the device may not detect it, or it may look bad. Below we offer you all the possible problems and their solutions.

Check webcam compatibility with Skype

Certain webcam models may not be compatible with your computer, operating system, or the Skype app. Check if your webcam is really compatible consulting its instructions or description on the official website of the brand and model.

Check privacy options in Skype

In Windows 10, click on Start – Settings through the main menu of the operating system.
Select Privacy – Camera and make sure its switch is on.

Check the webcam in Skype

Check the following aspects about the webcam of your computer:

If it works correctly.
If it's really on.
If there is any element that prevents its correct operation.
If it is directed towards your face.
If it connects via USB, check the USB port or try another USB port on your computer.

Disable and enable the camera driver

Yeah disable and enable the driver again of the webcam in Windows 10, the operating system will refresh the services and compatibility issues may be resolved. Follow the next steps:

Access Windows 10 Device Manager.
Right click on the camera driver and select the Disable device option.
Now right click again and select the Enable Device option.

Uninstall the webcam

If the webcam drivers in Windows 10 cause problems, you can try uninstall webcam and that the operating system is responsible for reinstalling the most updated drivers from scratch, which can be a very effective solution to possible errors. Follow the next steps:

Press the following key combination (Windows+R) and execute the devmgmt.msc command.
Now select Cameras, right click on the webcam and select the Uninstall device option.
Now access the Action menu and select the Scan for hardware changes option. Windows 10 will detect that the webcam driver is not installed and will start the installation process automatically.

End applications that use the webcam

You may have other applications working in the background to use the webcam, so Skype can give the webcam access error message because it is busy with other services. To check if other apps block the webcam, go to Task Manager by right clicking on the taskbar and selecting the option Task Manager; in the tab Processes You will be able to see the applications that may be using the webcam. Select the application you want to close, right click and select the option Finish homework.

Set Skype video options

Although Skype configures video options automatically when you install the application, compatibility errors may occur. A possible solution is reconfigure Skype video options. Follow the next steps:

Access Skype.
Click on the three ellipsis icon and select Settings.
Access the Audio and Video section.
Now you will be able to know if Skype recognizes the computer's webcam; If the webcam name appears, click Webcam Settings.

Update Skype

While it seems like an obvious solution, it may go over the heads of many users. And the best way for everything to work correctly is to have the latest versions available of each program or software, including Skype. To check if you have the latest version of Skype installed follow the following steps:

Access Skype.
Open the More menu and select the Settings – Help & Feedback option.
The version of Skype you have installed will appear.
If it is not the latest version available, Skype will update automatically.

Reinstall Skype

If Skype problems with webcam persist, reinstall skype may be a solution. Follow the steps below to reinstall Skype on Windows 10:

Use the Windows+R key combination and execute the command %appdata%skype to backup your Skype account.
Copy the My Skype Received Files folders and the folder with the username to another location.
Now follow the path Control Panel – Programs – Programs and Features.
Select the Skype program and click on Uninstall.
Reinstall Skype from its official website and paste the backup folders to the original path.

Update webcam drivers

Access Device Manager through the Windows+R key combination and executing the devmgmt.msc command.
Open the Camera section and right click on its controller.
Select the Update driver option.
Choose one of two options: Search for updated driver software automatically or Search for driver software on your computer.

Run the Windows 10 troubleshooter

He Windows 10 troubleshooter It is a very useful resource that quickly checks if there is any problem or conflict between the operating system itself and the hardware. Follow the next steps:

Follow the path Start – Settings – Update and security in Windows 10.
Go to the Troubleshoot section and through Hardware and devices select Run the troubleshooter.
The analysis of possible errors in Windows 10 will begin and if there is a problem the system will repair it automatically.

Reset your Windows 10-based computer

If none of the previous solutions have worked, you can resort to the strictest of all, which is reset your Windows 10 based computer to reinstall everything from scratch and update to its latest version. Follow the next steps:

Start – Settings – Update and security – Recovery.
Under Reset this PC, click on Start.
Follow the different steps to reset your computer and Windows 10.

How to activate the camera in Skype: tricks and solutions

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