How to Test Your Webcam Using the Camera App

The built-in camera app is the most convenient method to test the webcam and is easy to use. Follow the instructions below to test your webcam: For webcam-related issues or a non-working webcam, read on to learn how to fix webcams that aren’t working in Windows. Testing your webcam with the built-in camera app is convenient, but if you are using a third-party app for videoconferencing, it’s best to test the webcam with that app.

1. Google Meet

Follow these steps to test your new webcam with Google Meet.

2. Skype

Follow the steps below to check your webcam on Skype.

3. Zoom

These steps will test your webcam on Zoom.

4. Slack

The steps to test your webcam on Slack are as follows:

5. Discord

If you want to test your webcam with Discord, follow the steps below:

Customize Privacy Settings in Windows

Testing the webcam is not enough; you also need to customize the privacy settings. Thankfully, Windows is pretty versatile, and the OS has multiple customization settings dedicated to privacy.

Webcam Privacy Settings

Windows has a dedicated Privacy and Security section that protects users. Usually, this is excellent, but if you don’t customize it properly, you may have trouble with your webcam. It may start working for some apps you don’t want to use it with it and stop working for those you do want to use with it. To customize webcam privacy settings in Windows, follow the steps below.

Browser Privacy Settings

In the browser privacy settings, you can prevent access to the microphone and camera for websites that don’t have permission. The permission pop-up is different for each browser. If you do not see a pop-up, you may want to check the privacy settings for your web browser. To access the browser privacy settings, click the icon that is either three dots or three lines at the top-right corner of the browser window to open the browser settings. Locate the “Privacy” menu for webcam and microphone access controls. If you’re looking for a browser option other than Firefox or Google, check out these lightweight browsers for Windows.
Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Saurav Dey & Alexandra Arici