The built-in or plug-in webcam with a microphone is not always equipped with LEDs that signal its operation. In this case, you can check the webcam using the operating system and special programs.
Instructions
Step 1
Go to the "Start" menu and select "Control Panel" in it (or double-click on the icon of the same name on the desktop). In the Control Panel, double-click the System icon. In the operating system settings dialog box, go to the "Hardware" tab and click on the "Device Manager" button. The "Device Manager" window displays all physical and virtual devices installed on the computer, with information about their functioning. In the list, select the line "Imaging devices" and click on the "+" symbol next to it. In the list that opens, make sure that it is enabled (there are no question marks and red crosses).
Step 2
In the same list, select the line "Sound, video and game controllers" and expand their list. Make sure all of these devices are in use. If any required device is marked with a "?" - install the appropriate drivers for it to work. If the device line is marked with a red cross, right-click on it and select the "Activate" command in the context menu. After the checks with the operating system tools, proceed to testing the device in practice.
Step 3
Run the webcam software to test its operation under normal conditions. As a rule, such programs are installed together with the operating system (if the webcam is built-in), or together with the drivers of the connected USB-camera. For example, on Acer notebooks, to launch this application, click "Start", then "All Programs" - "Acer Crystal Eye Webcam". If the webcam is in good working order and is enabled, then after launching, the image received from it will appear in the program window. Click on the button with the video camera icon, and record a short video, then play it back. The video and sound in it will indicate that the webcam is working properly.
