How to open a webcam. Instructions for enabling and disabling the webcam on Asus, Acer, HP, Lenovo, DNS, Sony Vaio, Samsung, MSI laptops and personal computers

Instructions

Open the Start menu and select the Control Panel button (or access it using the shortcut located on the desktop). In the window that opens, double-click on the “System” icon. This will open the operating system settings dialog box. Open the “Hardware” tab in it and click on the “Device Manager” button. This will open a list of all physical and virtual devices installed on this computer, With brief information about each of them.

At the very bottom of the "Device Manager" list, find the line called "Imaging devices" and click on the "+" symbol to the left of it. In the drop-down list, find the webcam and make sure that it is working and enabled (its icon and line should not be marked with symbols in the form of a question mark or a red cross). After this, you can begin setting up the camera.

Open the webcam program to test its functionality in practice and configure it. Programs of this kind are usually installed simultaneously with drivers for the built-in webcam. To launch the utility, open the “Start” menu, then click the “All Programs” button, and then find the application icon for working with the webcam (for example, on Acer laptops this program called "Acer Crystal Eye Webcam"). Use it to customize your camera to suit your needs. In the settings you can change the brightness and contrast of the camera, the size of the picture and its other parameters.

For more extensive customization of the webcam, set to open any third-party application that interacts with it. For example, the ManyCam program. After installation and starting to work in the background, it is integrated into the system and is recognized by it as a separate camera, the settings of which can be changed directly in the program interface.

Sources:

• built-in web camera

Video on the topic

Sources:

• How to set up a webcam in 2019

Disabling built-in webcams on computers running Windows OS can be performed standard means the system itself and does not require additional software.

Instructions

Call the main thing system menu by clicking the "Start" button and go to "Control Panel" to disable the built-in webcams. Expand the "Printers and other equipment" link and expand the "Scanners and cameras" node. Find the line and menu of the built-in camera and double-click on this element. Select the checkbox in the “Disabled” line and confirm saving the changes made by clicking OK.

Return to the main Start menu to implement alternative method disabling the built-in webcams and call the context menu of the “My Computer” element by right-clicking. Select the “Properties” item and go to the “Hardware” tab of the dialog box that opens. Expand the "Device Manager" link and expand the "Imaging Devices" node. Find the line named USB Video Device and call its context menu by right-clicking. Specify the command “Disabled” and confirm the selected action by clicking OK.

Many of modern laptops and netbooks have at their disposal the entire technological arsenal for comfortable work on the Internet. And, of course, it cannot do without a built-in camera, thanks to which the user can arrange video conferences and send photos and videos to their friends. But not all users know how to turn on the camera on a laptop. In this article you can find the answer to this question.

First, you need to make sure that the laptop actually has a camera built into it. It is most often located in the central part of the upper half of the laptop, directly above the device’s display. Sometimes manufacturers build a small LED next to it (this is what will signal that the camera is on) or make a self-explanatory sign “Webcam” or “DigiCam” next to the device’s eye. If such signs of the presence of a camera could not be found, you can look for information about this in the passport or operating instructions of the laptop. After this, you can move on to the question of how to turn on the camera on a laptop.

Most often, the camera built into the device is launched by pressing a simple key combination. For example, on almost all Asus laptops this happens using the “Fn+V” combination (in this case, you can easily find the camera image on the “V” key). But don’t despair if you couldn’t find this combination on your device. There are several more options for how to turn on the camera on a laptop.

First, you need to make sure that all drivers and software installed for built-in camera. If any of the software is missing, you will need to go to the manufacturer’s website and download from there all the missing utilities and programs. Most often, laptops from popular global brands use software such as “Willing Webcam”, “Webcam Plus!” and “Active WebCam”, but other software may be suitable for a specific laptop model. After installing all the necessary drivers, the camera will turn on automatically immediately after launching the corresponding program.

But how to turn on the camera in a laptop if, after installing all the necessary software, it does not want to start? You can try to run installed program manually. To do this, you need to click on its shortcut or launch the corresponding utility from the start menu. In most cases, the camera on a laptop or netbook turns on immediately after this.

Another the right way To make the built-in camera work is to enable it from the “Control Panel” (the user will find it by left-clicking the famous “Start” menu). In the “Control Panel” we find a section called “Scanners and Cameras” and select the built-in camera in it. Once started, this device should turn on immediately.

If none of the methods described above helped achieve the goal, you can use one of the utilities from third-party developers. Hundreds of such programs can be easily found on the Internet, but before launching them, it is advisable to check all downloaded files with an antivirus. You can also visit the official website of your laptop manufacturer. Often on this resource you can find information about which third-party programs are ideal for a specific device model.

We should not forget that in some cases the user does not even have to rack his brains about how to turn on the camera on a laptop. The developers of popular programs for communicating via the Internet have already taken care of this. For example, after installing and launching one of the most popular communication programs called “Skype”, the laptop’s built-in camera will start automatically.

All laptops today come with integrated webcams. This attribute allows you to use a variety of applications and video calls. Today, in order to contact a friend on the other side of the continent, it is enough to turn on Skype and activate the device.

To check the camera's operation you often have to use third-party software

Many users are perplexed when the characteristics of their laptop are equipped with such an option, but in fact it is difficult to enable it. The webcam may be deactivated, and to start using it, you need to learn how to turn it on. How to turn on the webcam on a laptop? Let's look at it in more detail.

To activate the camera on a laptop computer, it is usually enough to run a special utility designed to work with such components.

Many experts praise the Live Webcam program, which can be found for free on the Internet. It has a very simple interface and is convenient for the average user.

An alternative option is to use an online service. Today there are a great variety of these resources, all of them make it possible to check the quality of the microphone and the camera integrated into the device as quickly as possible. After visiting such a site, it is important to allow data transfer in a new window. Only after this will it be possible to test the sound and picture. Each service offers its own instructions, which consist of a few simple steps.

Skype

The functionality can also be checked via Skype, it is convenient and simple. Select "Settings" from the "Tools" menu. Then find the Video Settings option. Clicking on this item will launch the image in the right corner of the screen. You can set equipment parameters such as contrast, brightness, white balance, hue after pressing the “Webcam Settings” button.

To check your device via Skype, you must first enable the auto receive option. You can also make a test call to one of your friends.

Configuration via Device Manager

For Windows users, it is possible to check active hardware through a special manager. It’s not difficult to get into it; just select “Device Manager” in the computer properties. If there is a camera in the list, it must be activated (select “Enable” after clicking on the camera).

If the device is missing, try installing the drivers. A laptop is usually sold with a disk on which all the drivers for the product components are recorded. Lost a disk? Download the element through the developer’s website.

If the camera is not built-in, but is connected via a USB connector, then the model and manufacturer will be marked on it. Once you know this information, you can quickly download and install the component.

Keyboard shortcuts

The “magic” Fn key is designed on laptop keyboards. It helps you increase or decrease the screen brightness, add volume, and do many other operations. Another use case is to turn the camera off and on. To activate the device, you must press Fn in combination with the button on which the camera icon is visible. Fn is usually located not far from the Ctrl key (on the left or right).

The combination for each laptop model may be different. For example, on Acer equipment the camera turns on after pressing Fn+V, and the DNS manufacturer claims to use Fn+F11.

For Lenovo, the Fn+Esc combination is usually suitable, but there are also various kinds exceptions. The manufacturer of this equipment offers users the EasyCapture utility for working with a webcam. A similar assistant in HP devices is HP MediaSmart.

Hackers are attacking!

The camera must be used with extreme caution. IN lately Cybercriminals have become more active in the field of ratting, that is, illegal spying using devices connected to a laptop.

After visiting a malicious site, you voluntarily give the hacker the reins of your PC. Very often, attackers independently record videos and take pictures from the camera without your knowledge. They usually hunt for celebrities so that they can later post provocative materials online, but ordinary users are often unlucky.

To prevent this, it is important to be careful and follow a number of useful rules:

• do not “follow” malicious, suspicious links;
• install firewall;
• use proven versions of software;
• install updates in a timely manner;
• protect yourself with an effective antivirus.

Webcams, built-in and external, differ in resolution, but all are designed to transmit video and voice using special messenger programs such as Skype or ooVoo. In this case, it does not matter whether the USB camera is used on a regular PC under Windows control 7 and later versions, or built-in webcam on macbooks and laptops from popular manufacturers: Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Asus and the like.

Step-by-step instructions for enabling the webcam in Windows 7

The vast majority of modern webcams connect to a PC using a standard USB 2.0 (or 3.0) interface. They come with a CD containing drivers and special program to control the video image. However, additional software is not always necessary. Most devices, thanks to PnP (Plug-and-Play) technology, are able to independently identify themselves as the operating system and operate successfully within a few seconds after the first connection. But in some cases it may be necessary step by step instructions to turn on the webcam on a laptop or personal computer running Windows 7.

The simplest and quick way- Click on the “Start” menu, enter the word “webcam” in the search bar that appears and press “Enter”. After which the user will be presented with a list from which to select the most suitable result.

If you couldn’t find your webcam this way, you need to follow a few simple steps one by one.

You can get here in other ways, for example: “Start” → right click Click on “My Computer” → Properties. In the window that appears (on the left side), one of the items will be “Device Manager”.

Depending on the type of webcam (built into a laptop or external), it can be located in different groups:

• "Image processing devices";
• "Sound, video and gaming devices."

At the same time, its name may contain the name of the manufacturer and model, or general characteristics, for example - “USB video device”. Double-clicking the mouse will open a window that will contain information about whether the device is working normally. If there are problems, then you need to go to the “Driver” tab, insert the CD from the kit and click the “Update” button. Then in the dialog that appears, specify the path to the folder with the webcam drivers on the CD.

You can also turn on the built-in webcam on your laptop by installing the selected communication program - Skype, mail.ru agent or any other. After installation and registration in the system, you will be able to check all functions, including the built-in microphone, if there is one, and select your preferred device from the proposed list of detected ones.

Features of checking the operation of the webcam in Windows 8 (8.1)

The Microsoft Windows 8 (8.1) operating system, like the previous version, does not have utilities for checking the webcam built into a laptop or connected via USB. In the vast majority of cases, in order to turn on the webcam, you will need to launch a program that will work with it. To do this, you can use the services of third-party developers. One of the simple, convenient and free programs for working with built-in webcams in laptops and USB models for desktop computers is called “Live Webcam”. You can download it on the author's website.

How to connect the built-in webcam in a laptop

The vast majority of laptop models do not have fundamental design and software differences; they can be divided into two categories:

• running Microsoft Windows or Linux (Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, HP, Asus, Sony and so on);
• Macbook, products Apple with iOS operating system.

Enabling the webcam on laptops from different brands may vary. Sometimes this becomes quite a difficult problem if you don't know everything possible ways turning on webcams on laptops and netbooks.

ASUS laptops (Asus)

Almost all Asus laptops are equipped with built-in webcams, which can be turned on by simultaneously pressing two buttons on the keyboard. These are Fn (bottom left) and the keys that display the camera icon, usually located in the topmost horizontal row.

Some Asus netbook models have a special mechanical switch that can be easily seen at the top of the screen. It has two positions (ON and OFF), with which you can turn on and off the broadcast of video images.

The disk that comes with the device contains the Life Frame utility, which was created to control the web camera. If you don’t have it, you can download it and all the necessary drivers on the company’s official website.

HP laptops (Hewlett Packard)

Possible inclusion methods:

1. Press Fn + key with the camera icon.
2. Automatic activation by any program, Skype or similar
3. Click “Start”, then in the search bar type “QuickPlay”, then “Video”
4. Using a standard program called “HP MediaSmart”.

Lenovo laptops (Lenovo)

The entire line of this brand is equipped with built-in web cameras; this device is even available in budget model for home and office B590, not to mention such multimedia-oriented laptops as the G500 or G580. Turning on the camera on a Lenovo laptop is very simple, there are three ways to do this. The first has already been described above, through the “Control Panel”, and the second is universal for almost all such devices - the Fn button + the key with the camera icon. The third one is also not very original; it involves setting all the camera parameters in Skype or a similar program.

Samsung laptops (Samsung)

The main problem that users of Samsung laptops and netbooks face is the blurred image produced by the built-in webcam. This happens if the device has Windows drivers 7 or 8 (8.1), not “native” ones, from Samsung. In this case, you need to go to the official website in the “Support” section and download the software for your model.

Laptops Toshiba (Toshiba)

In order to enable the built-in camera on any Toshiba laptop model in mandatory you will need “native” drivers and a special program. Usually all this comes included on a CD, but if not, they can always be downloaded from the company’s official website.

MSI laptops (MSI)

MSI products in this regard are practically no different from Toshiba - to enable it you will need a driver package and a small program. All this can be taken on a proprietary disk from the kit.

Dell laptops (Dell)

A specific feature of Dell laptops is the lack of separate software for each of the integrated devices. You will need to download from the website or run from disk a single package for a specific model, and then select installing drivers for the built-in webcam in it.

Sony laptops

With laptops of this brand, advice at the level: “enter the control panel” or “enable the camera in the device manager” does not make sense. If you purchased a device with Windows 7 or 8 pre-installed, then everything will work initially. Otherwise, you will have to visit the Sony technical support website and download everything you need there, focusing on your model.

Acer laptops

As a rule, there are no problems with setting up and turning on the webcam on Acer laptop computers. Almost all models are equipped with an LED next to the peephole, which allows you to monitor its activity and turn off the camera if it is not needed. Control is carried out by pressing Fn + V.

Required software.

Laptops DNS (DNS)

According to data published on the website of this manufacturer, there is no need to download special drivers. The standard ones that the operating system will install on its own will suffice. You can turn the webcam on and off using the combination Fn + F11.

Mac laptops

MacBooks, like all other Apple products, are different high level reliability. The webcam on a Macbook rarely breaks down, but occasionally problems may arise that prevent it from working properly. This usually manifests itself in the following:

• users don't see your image;
• While loading the application, an error window pops up;
• the program freezes when you try to close it;
• the image contains stripes or multi-colored tints;
• A system message appears indicating that the device is disabled.

If we exclude the possibility of mechanical damage to the MacBook, then all other problems with the webcam can be solved quite easily. The first thing you need to do is open the task manager window and check if two processes are running at the same time, the name of which contains the word “Camera”. If so, closing one of them will eliminate the conflict in the system.

Second possible reason- incorrect name in the registry (for example, CameraApps instead of Camera), all such processes must be renamed. If this does not help, then you need to turn off the device and remove the battery from it. Turning it on after 10-15 minutes should fix all errors and get the computer working normally.

Checking your webcam using Skype

The easiest way to check that the webcam is working correctly on a desktop computer or laptop is to launch Skype. At the top of the program window, select “Tools” and go to “Settings”. Clicking on “Video Settings” will allow you to see your image on the right side of the window. Below it there is a button “Webcam Settings”, which will allow you to set various parameters(brightness, contrast, saturation and others) to your liking.

Attention, one of two points for automatically receiving and demonstrating video must be enabled - “anyone” or “only people from my contact”

Online services for verification

There are quite a few on the Internet large number resources (for example), which allow you to quickly check the quality of your webcam and microphone. Before you begin, you will need to enable media transfer in the pop-up window of a standard flash player. You will then be able to test the picture and sound. On the same page is detailed instructions how to use it correctly.

How to turn on and off a USB camera on a computer

On desktop computers USB cameras are used, which need to be purchased separately, but their installation and configuration is even easier than on laptops. In the vast majority of cases, it is enough to connect the device to the connector and wait a few seconds until the operating system detects it and installs the necessary drivers. After which you can start using the gadget. If this method does not work, then you will need to go to the control panel, as described above, and manually install the software from the CD included.

Currently on the market huge amount manufacturers who offer devices with different resolutions, including high-quality HD mode. The most popular webcams are from well-known brands such as Logitech and Microsoft, due to their high quality and the absence of problems with their detection by the system. They have proven themselves quite well and budget options: Gembird, Sven and Genius. There is no single algorithm that allows you to quickly turn on the camera and start using it, but searching for drivers on the manufacturer’s official website almost always helps.

Remotely turn on the webcam

Quite often, users need to turn on their webcam on their computer remotely. This problem can be solved using both built-in Windows tools 7 and 8 (remote assistant), and using third-party software: Radmin, TeamViewer and similar programs. The only limitation that exists for remotely turning on a webcam is that it does not need to be physically connected to USB or use mechanical switches. Visually, this process occurs in exactly the same way as when directly present near the computer.

Dangers. How Hackers Can See You Through a Webcam

In the field of cyber crimes, a new term has increasingly begun to be used - ratting. It sounds like English version the word “rat”, but it has a slightly different meaning, since it comes from the abbreviation RAT (Remote Administrator Tools). Such tools, designed for remote administration, are often used by hackers who take control not only of someone else’s computer, but also of gadgets connected to it: web cameras, printers and other equipment.

Typically, hacker software gets onto the victim’s computer after visiting a malicious site or through an invitation from a spam mailing. After this, the hacker gains full control over all of his victim's equipment: he can download confidential data, turn the webcam on and off, take his own pictures and even record video using it.

There is no guaranteed way to protect against such an intrusion, but you can take a number of effective measures and follow a few simple rules:

• use latest versions operating systems and related software: browsers, flash player and others;
• install upcoming updates in a timely manner;
• use a reliable antivirus and install a good firewall;
• do not follow links found in your mailbox, if the sender is unknown to you;
• do not access sites on the Internet that seem suspicious or violate the law.

How to turn off (disable) your webcam

Turning off a regular webcam is very simple - just unplug it from the USB port; for built-in models this process will be a little more complicated, but also will not require any special skills. To do this, you need to find it in the list of device manager, right-click on it and in the menu that appears, click on “Disable”. This is the simplest, fastest and reliable way, if there is no mechanical switch on the case. To reverse the process, you need to repeat this procedure by selecting the “Enable” menu item. The current status of the camera can be determined by the indicator (LED) located next to it.

Service

Repair and setup of web cameras for personal computers, laptops and netbooks can be produced in our service center. It’s very easy to get to it using this route map:

First of all, to start working with a webcam, you should make sure that it is correctly connected to the equipment, in this case - to a laptop or computer. This applies to the option when a separate USB camera is used. If it is built-in, then other methods will be used to launch it.

Webcam - ample opportunities for your communication

The Internet gives us even more opportunities to communicate. In addition to various chats, email, another type of communication is now gaining popularity - via video. This technology will allow you not only to talk with your opponent, but also to see him through the monitor. What do you need to get the webcam working in Windows 7? This requires two main components:

• computer or laptop with Windows7 OS;
• webcam.

Instructions on how to enable the camera in Windows 7

Finding the right program

When we look for software that uses video, the first thing we do is go to the Windows Compatibility Center. This is a fairly convenient resource for finding compatible programs and devices.

When choosing a model, be guided by certain functions. If you purchased the device with a built-in camera, then it is quite possible that you will no longer need another one. But the choice is always yours, since both have advantages. The internal camera is compact and is always with you, and the external one will provide higher quality video.

• do not enter standby mode with instant activation of the system until the power indicator turns yellow;
• the person who set it up must once again make sure that the camera software is compatible with the required version of Windows;
• if the camera is not recognized, you should disconnect it, and after a minute or two try to connect it again;
• If there are problems, check the webcam on another laptop;
• If the video quality is poor, you can reduce the size of the video image or close all other applications and tasks.

To learn in more detail how to turn on a webcam on a computer with Windows 7, you can use the video from our website.