Webcam is an excellent computer accessory that helps users make hassle-free VoIP calls, or do video broadcasting if you want to stream a game. Although the market has plenty of Webcam Software that is easy to set up and use, they do have their own set of issues, including Webcam Showing Black Screen issues on Windows 10.
How Can I Fix My Webcam’s Black Screen Problems On Windows 10 PC/Laptop?
In this article, we’re listing the most effective workarounds to fix the ‘Webcam lights on but not showing image’ problem on Windows 10!
METHOD 1- Update Latest Drivers For Your Webcam
Webcam is like any other hardware attached to your computer, that needs correct and compatible drivers to work properly. To install webcam drivers automatically, follow the steps below:
STEP 1- Install and run Smart Driver Care. It’s a reliable driver updater utility that ensures your computer is running the latest and compatible drivers.
STEP 2- From the Registered version, click on Start Scan now button. Smart Driver Care will take a few moments to detect and update outdated, corrupted, missing, or damaged drivers without any issues.
(With the Free Version of the driver updater tool, you can only update two drivers each day.)
STEP 3- Once Smart Driver Care presents a list of faulty drivers. You can either click on the Update All button to install the latest driver versions in bulk for all the devices, or you can simply locate the faulty webcam driver and click the Update button next to it.
Once your Windows 10 starts running compatible webcam drivers, hopefully, the Black Screen issues get resolved.
METHOD 2- Update Your Webcam Software
Well, if you are using a webcam utility from a trustworthy and reputable company, you can rest assured that they float regular updates for their software. Using the latest bug-free versions can certainly help you resolve common issues without any hassle. Simply, reinstall the webcam software you are running on your machine.
STEP 1- To uninstall the current webcam tool, navigate to the Control Panel > Program > Choose the webcam utility > right-click and choose the Uninstall option.
STEP 2- If you’ve installed the Webcam software from Microsoft Store, you can navigate there and look for the latest version of the application.
STEP 3- Alternatively, you can get the recent version of your webcam application by using a third-party Software Updater, that can simply scan your entire system, find the latest version from trustworthy sources and help you install them in a click.
We recommend using Systweak Software Updater for the purpose. Just download the utility and ensure you never miss any important update for any of the applications installed on your PC. Just toggle the Automatic option and the rest will be done by Systweak Software Updater.
METHOD 3- Add An Extra Light Source
Several Windows users reported that adding an extra source of light helped them to fix the Webcam black screen issue. Try using a flashlight or any other source and point it at the PC/Laptop camera. As soon as you do that, there’s a probability that your Webcam should start working normally.
Note: This is a crude solution, it might or might not work for some users. But if it does, you can repeat the same process whenever you face a Black Screen issue!
METHOD 4- Check Other Applications
Usually, a webcam can only be used by a single application at once. But in case, any third-party software is already using the webcam, you would simply not be able to access it while using other apps. Hence, check the usability of a webcam by following the steps below:
STEP 1- Launch the Settings on your Windows 10 PC.
STEP 2- Go to the Privacy section followed by Camera.
STEP 3- A list of apps will appear on your screen displaying ‘Currently in use’ under each software that is using the Camera.
You can toggle off any of the apps to ensure they do not use the Camera for time being. Hopefully, it resolves the Webcam showing Black Screen problem.
METHOD 5- Disconnect Other USB Devices & Connect Camera To A Different Port
In case you are using a USB Camera, then note that sometimes incompatible or corrupted USB devices can also cause interference and result in issues like ‘Webcam lights on but not showing image’. Hence, it is recommended that you simply disconnect all the unnecessary USB devices plugged into your computer and then, check if the Black screen issue on Webcam persists.
If yes, then you might need to connect it to a different port and see if that resolved the issue!
Undoubtedly, Webcams are easy to set up and use. But you can certainly run into common problems now and then. But these issues shouldn’t be very difficult to resolve, hopefully, our list of aforementioned solutions helps you to fix the Black Screen issue.