Officerambo: June 2020

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Webcam not working on Windows 10 [Logitech, Dell]

Webcam issues are nothing out of the ordinary in Windows 10, even if it’s considered stable.
To solve this problem, you may disable all USB hubs. Even more, BullGuard is a worthy alternative to other rivals that cause these webcam inconveniences.
If you’re looking for similar quick solutions, check out this Webcam Troubleshooting section.
We also encourage you to bookmark this Laptop & Computer Issues Hub for error-free future experiences.

It is very likely that your webcam won’t work after the upgrade to Windows 10. Luckily, this issue is minor and it could be solved in a few simple steps, buy installing the right driver.

Windows 10 is already a good and stable operating system. We can only expect it to behave like a fully-finished operating system.

Even so, Windows 10 still lacks a lot of drivers and features that are necessary for everyday use of the computer.

Many users enjoy their webcam frequently, but sometimes certain issues with the webcam can appear.

Speaking of webcam problems, users reported the following issues:

We can’t find your camera Windows 10 – This is a relatively common problem with Windows 10. If Windows can’t find your camera, try reconnecting it or reinstalling its drivers.
Webcam not in Device Manager – If your webcam isn’t listed in Device Manager, it’s possible that it’s disabled. Many laptops support a keyboard shortcut that allows you to disable your webcam, so be sure to look for it.
Integrated webcam not working – This is another problem that many users have with their webcam. If the webcam isn’t working, be sure to update your drivers to the latest version and check if that helps.
Webcam upside down – Several users reported that their webcam is upside down. This is a minor problem, and we covered a similar issue in our Skype camera is upside down article, so be sure to check it out.
Webcam used by another application – Sometimes you might get this message on your PC. If you’re having this problem, be sure to disable all startup applications and check if that helps.
Webcam not working, detected, recognized, turning on, showing up – There are various webcam problems that can occur, but you should be able to solve most of them by using one of our solutions.

What can I do if the webcam is not working on Windows 10?

1. Check your antivirus settings

get Bullguard

If you’re having webcam problems, the issue might be caused by your antivirus software. These tools tend to block your webcam in order to prevent hackers from spying on you.

Webcam blocking is a useful feature. However, it can cause issues with your webcam. To fix that, you should check your antivirus configuration and disable the webcam protection feature.

If that doesn’t help or if you can’t find this setting, you can try disabling your antivirus completely. Sometimes, in order to fix this problem, you need to remove your antivirus software completely.

Since it’s not safe to use a PC without an antivirus, consider switching to a different antivirus solution. If you’re looking for new security software tools, you might want to try BullGuard.

Its impact on system performance is hard to notice. Even more, it’s a top choice in terms of design and usability, offering impeccable malware protection, email scanning, and a built-in firewall.

BullGuard

Some strong points of BullGuard are that it is lightweight and perfectly compatible with Windows 10, so it will let your webcam work like a breeze.

2. Make sure that apps are allowed to use your webcam

Open the Settings app. You can do that quickly by pressing Windows Key + I shortcut.
When the Settings app opens, go to the Privacy section.
In the left pane, choose Camera. Now make sure that Let apps use my camera hardware option is checked. If the problem appears only with a specific app, check the Choose apps that can use your camera list and make sure that the camera is enabled for that app.

Webcam problems can occur if applications aren’t allowed to use your webcam. Windows 10 added a privacy feature that allows you to choose which applications can access your webcam.

To fix this problem, you need to check your privacy settings by doing as described above. After that, your apps should be able to access your webcam without any problems.

3. Update your drivers

Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu. Now choose Device Manager from the list.
When Device Manager opens, locate your webcam on the list and choose Update driver.
Now choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Sometimes webcam problems can be caused by outdated or missing drivers. If you’re having this problem, we advise you to try updating your drivers.

You can do that in several different ways. The easiest method is to use the automatic update. Windows will now automatically search and download the suitable driver for your PC.

In some cases, you might have to install the driver manually.

Windows 10 comes with a set of default drivers and you can install them by doing the following:

Repeat Step 1 and 2 from above.
Now choose Browse my computer for driver software.
Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
Select the brand of your webcam and model and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.

If that doesn’t work, you might want to try rolling back to the older driver. This is rather simple and you can do it by following these steps:

Open Device Manager, locate your webcam and double click it.
When the Properties window opens, navigate to the Driver tab. Now choose the Roll Back Driver option.

If this option isn’t available, you won’t be able to roll back to the older driver.

Although these methods are simple to use, the best way to update your webcam driver is to download the driver for it manually. Simply visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your model.

Update drivers automatically (third-party tool suggested)

Downloading drivers manually can put your system to an unnecessary risk: getting the wrong driver installed. This may lead to serious malfunctions.

The safer and easier way to update drivers on a Windows computer is by using an automatic tool such as TweakBit Driver Updater.

Driver Updater automatically identifies each device on your computer and matches it with the latest driver versions from an extensive online database.

Drivers can then be updated in batches or one at a time, without requiring the user to make any complex decisions in the process. Here is how it works:

Download and install TweakBit Driver Updater.
Once installed, the program will start scanning your PC for outdated drivers automatically. Driver Updater will check your installed driver versions against its cloud database of the latest versions and recommend proper updates. All you need to do is wait for the scan to complete.
Upon scan completion, you get a report on all problem drivers found on your PC. Review the list and see if you want to update each driver individually or all at once. To update one driver at a time, click the Update driver link next to the driver’s name. Or simply click the Update all button at the bottom to automatically install all recommended updates.

Note: Some drivers need to be installed in multiple steps so you will have to hit the ‘Update’ button several times until all of its components are installed.

Disclaimer: some features of this tool are not free.

Toshiba webcam not working in Windows 10? Fix it in a few easy steps.

4. Check if your webcam is enabled

Many laptops allow you to enable or disable your webcam by using a keyboard shortcut. To check if your laptop supports this feature, look for a key that has a webcam picture on it.

To disable or enable your webcam, simply press the Fn key and that key together. On some laptops that keyboard shortcut is Fn + F6, but it might be different on your laptop.

To see if your laptop supports this feature and how to properly enable or disable your webcam, be sure to check your laptop’s instruction manual.

5. Disable all USB hubs

Open Device Manager and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
Now locate USB Root Hub, right-click it and choose Disable from the menu.
A confirmation dialog will now appear. Click Yes to disable the device.
Repeat the last two steps for all available USB hubs. Keep in mind that by disabling USB hubs you’ll cause other USB devices, including your mouse and keyboard to temporarily stop working.
After disabling all USB hubs, restart your PC.
Once your PC restarts, go back to Device Manager and enable all USB hubs.

According to users, sometimes your USB hub device can cause webcam problems to appear. However, you can easily fix this problem by disabling all USB hubs.

This is rather simple and you can do it by following the above steps. After doing that, your webcam should start working again.

6. Install the default driver

Open Device Manager.
Locate your webcam on the list, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device.
When the confirmation dialog appears, check Delete the driver software for this device if available. Now click the Uninstall button.
After uninstalling the driver, click Scan for hardware changes icon.
Windows will now install the default driver. If for some reason the default driver isn’t installed, restart your PC and check if that solves the issue.

Another way to fix this problem is to install the default driver. This is rather simple and you can do it by following the given steps.

After installing the default driver, the problem should be resolved and your webcam will start working again.

7. Rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 directories

Start Command Prompt as administrator. You can do that by pressing Windows Key + X and choosing Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu. If the Command Prompt isn’t available, you can also use PowerShell (Admin).
When Command Prompt starts, enter the following commands:
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
- ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver

According to users, you can fix webcam problems simply by renaming SoftwareDistribtion and catroot2 directories. This is relatively simple and you can do it by running several commands.

After doing so, check if your webcam is working again.

If you’re still facing the webcam problem, besides checking for updates and installing necessary drivers, reach for the comments section.

We will do our best to help you further in order to solve your problem.

FAQ: Learn more about Windows 10 webcams

Why is my webcam not working on PC?

Apps that are not allowed to use your webcam and outdated drivers are both common culprits. To correct that, refer to this guide on how to fix Windows cannot download drivers.

How do I get my webcam to work on Windows 10?

You may update your drivers, disable all USB hubs, or apply the quick fixes detailed in this article dedicated to fixing webcam issues in Windows 10.

How do I change my webcam settings in Windows 10?

From the Start screen of Windows 10, you need to left-click on the Webcam app and follow this simple procedure on how to access webcam settings in Windows 10.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2018 and has been since revamped and updated in July 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

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Microsoft launches emergency security updates to fix codecs

CVE-2020-1425 and CVE-2020-1457 are two security vulnerabilities or remote code execution vulnerabilities as Microsoft calls them.
Both vulnerabilities exploit a vulnerability in the way that Microsoft Windows Codecs Library handles objects in memory.
If you're interested in the latest Windows 10 updates, check our Windows 10 Updates section.
For more information on updates and security, feel free to visit our comprehensive Updates & Security Hub.

Microsoft launches emergency security updates to patch codecs

Usually, security updates come in the notorious Patch Tuesday (the second Tuesday of the month), but Microsoft just released two new, out-of-bound security updates.

That is two weeks before Patch Tuesday and gives us some idea about the CVE vulnerabilities importance and the urgency of the updates.

CVE-2020-1425 and CVE-2020-1457 are two security vulnerabilities or remote code execution vulnerabilities as Microsoft calls them.

The vulnerabilities affect the Windows Codecs Library for all Windows 10 versions and Windows Server versions.

How can CVE-2020-1425 and CVE-2020-1457 be exploited?

Both vulnerabilities exploit a vulnerability in the way that Microsoft Windows Codecs Library handles objects in memory.

CVE-2020-1425 is a critical vulnerability and the attacker who would exploit it could obtain information to further compromise the user’s system.

CVE-2020-1457 is listed just as important but it sounds just as dangerous as the attacker who exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code.

Microsoft specifies that the vulnerabilities were not publicly disclosed, have not been exploited, and are less likely to be exploited.

What is the exploitation method for the vulnerabilities?

Apparently, to benefit from this bug, the attacker sends a specially crafted image file that needs to be processed by a program on your computer.

The good news is that you don’t need to do anything to patch your system. The Windows Media Codec will be updated automatically through the Microsoft Store.

Affected customers will be automatically updated by Microsoft Store. Customers do not need to take any action to receive the update.
Alternatively, customers who want to receive the update immediately can check for updates with the Microsoft Store App; more information on this process can be found here.

What do you think about Microsoft’s latest updates? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.

AVG antivirus won't update or uninstall

An updated virus signature database is paramount in order for your antivirus to properly perform its task.
If AVG fails to install the latest security updates, do not simply ignore the issue - get it fixed with these tested methods instead.
Check out more information about AVG.
Feel free to explore our Antivirus Hub as well to discover the latest and greatest security solutions.

It’s more essential to update anti-virus utilities than most software. However, some users have stated on forums that their AVG anti-virus utilities don’t update.

That leaves them with outdated AVG anti-virus software. Here are a few resolutions that might fix an AVG utility that isn’t updating.

What can I do if AVG fails to update?

Manually Update AVG
Change your antivirus solution
Delete Temporary Update Files
Scan for Malware
Turn Off the Windows Firewall
Reinstall AVG Antivirus

1. Manually Update AVG

First, try updating AVG manually. That’s not exactly a fix for AVG‘s automatic updates, but at least you might then get the software updated. This is how you can manually update AVG.

First, open this page in your browser.
Select your AVG version on the page, and then click update to save to HDD or USB drive.

If you’re utilizing the freeware AVG, you can get the July 2018 updates from this webpage.
Open your AVG utility in Windows.
Click Options at the top right of the AVG window.
Then select Update from directory to open a Browse for Folder window.
Select the folder that includes the AVG update, and press the OK button.

2. Change your antivirus solution

If AVG does not make the cut, it might be a good idea to consider replacing your antivirus with a more well-balanced security solution that benefits from regular updates.

Install Bullguard

Bullguard

Powered by Bullguard, this feature-rich security solution is renowned for its stability, and triple-layered protection, but most importantly, its signature database is constantly updated to keep even the newest threats at bay.

Moreover, Bullguard relies on sophisticated algorithms and artificial intelligence in order to detect, identify and protect against emerging and advanced threats without requiring your intervention for virus updates.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Multiple learning layers analyze malware properties to identify malicious code
sophisticated behavioral detection with daily updates
Vulnerability scanner to alert you when security updates are missing and warn you if you’ve connected an unsafe Wi-Fi
Parental Controls to block access to suspicious sites, put search filters in place, limit time spent online, monitor activity
Integrated firewall and secure browser features

Bullguard Internet Security

Get premium, real-time protection powered by BullGuard to keep even emergent threats at bay.

3. Delete Temporary Update Files

Deleting the software’s temporary update files might fix AVG updates if AVG returns an update or general error message when updating. To do that, open the AVG window.

Click Options and select Advanced Settings on the menu.
Click the + to expand Update, and press the Manage button.
Then you can select a Delete temporary update files option.
Click Yes to confirm and erase temporary update files.

Windows 10 temporary files will not delete? Here’s what you need to do.

4. Scan for Malware

Malware can block AVG updates. As such, purging malware might fix the utility’s updates. You can do that with Malwarebytes.

Press the Free Download button on this page to add the freeware Malwarebytes to Windows. Then you can run a scan with that software by pressing its Scan Now button.

5. Turn Off the Windows Firewall

The Windows Firewall might be blocking AVG from updating. To ensure that isn’t the case, you can temporarily switch that firewall off. This is how you can turn the firewall off in Windows 10.

Open the Cortana search box by pressing the Type here to search button on the taskbar.
Input the keyword ‘Windows Defender’ in Cortana’s search box, and select to open Windows Defender Firewall.

turn off windows firewall

Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to open the firewall settings shown directly below.

disable windows firewall

Select both the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options there, and press the OK button. You can turn the firewall back on after AVG updates.

VPN got blocked by Windows Firewall? Fix it with these tested methods.

6. Reinstall AVG Software

Reinstalling the AVG utility will at least ensure that you have the latest version installed. A fresh copy of AVG will also replace the utility’s components and settings, which can fix numerous update issues.

Follow the guidelines below to reinstall AVG.

Open the Run accessory by pressing the Windows + X hotkey and selecting Run.
Enter ‘appwiz.cpl’ in Run to open the Control Panel applet shown directly below.

Select your AVG anti-virus package listed there, and press its Uninstall button.
Then click Yes to confirm that you intend to remove the software.
Restart Windows after uninstalling the software.
Alternatively, you can more thoroughly remove AVG utilities with AVG Remover. Click Download on this page to add AVG Remover to Windows.
Uninstall the anti-virus software with AVG Remover, and restart Windows.
You can download the latest AVG software from this page.
Then reinstall your AVG utility with its setup wizard. Note that you might also need to reactivate non-freeware AVG anti-virus software with a product key.

One or more of those resolutions might get your AVG anti-virus software updated.

Note that you can also select a Repair option for AVG in the Programs and Features Control Panel applet. That option might also come in handy for fixing AVG update errors.

Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

FAQ: Learn more about

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2018 and has been since revamped and updated in July 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.