Webcam stopped working on Windows 7 PC
External Razer Kiyo USB webcam just stopped working on a Dell Windows 7 workstation. I'm looking for ideas on how to troubleshoot this. Please see details below.
Sole webcam use is for Zoom meetings. Suddenly, Zoom stopped showing a video picture and the Zoom window froze – Windows said it stopped responding and I had to force close the app. Here is what I've already tried:
Windows Device Manager:
- Razer Kiyo is recognized.
- Updated driver.
- Uninstalled device, rebooted, reinstalled device and driver
Zoom app:
- uninstalled app, rebooted, reinstalled Zoom app.
The only recent changes on the PC were some windows updates. But since this is Windows 7, the only updates were for Office 2010. Except for two, they were security updates One was a non-security update for PowerPoint 2010 and one was the monthly MS malicious software removal tool. None appeared to have obvious webcam impact.
The webcam consistently appears in Device Manager. Zoom even sees that the Kiyo is the video device. But no video picture shows up in Zoom and the Zoom app freezes.
Any thoughts about how to troubleshoot this are appreciated.
Sole webcam use is for Zoom meetings. Suddenly, Zoom stopped showing a video picture and the Zoom window froze – Windows said it stopped responding and I had to force close the app. Here is what I've already tried:
Windows Device Manager:
- Razer Kiyo is recognized.
- Updated driver.
- Uninstalled device, rebooted, reinstalled device and driver
Zoom app:
- uninstalled app, rebooted, reinstalled Zoom app.
The only recent changes on the PC were some windows updates. But since this is Windows 7, the only updates were for Office 2010. Except for two, they were security updates One was a non-security update for PowerPoint 2010 and one was the monthly MS malicious software removal tool. None appeared to have obvious webcam impact.
The webcam consistently appears in Device Manager. Zoom even sees that the Kiyo is the video device. But no video picture shows up in Zoom and the Zoom app freezes.
Any thoughts about how to troubleshoot this are appreciated.
- Do other calling apps work like Skype or just Zoom is the problem? Test another meeting or video conferencing app — compare.
- Did you try another USB port as suggested above, if it works on another port then it’s a hardware issue with the port?
- If you had a System Restore point already made that may be an option to revert changes, but not ideal perhaps.
- Are there any specific errors or IDs in Windows event viewer logs > System?
- I would recommend having a plan to move to Windows 10 soon, older OS and system is prone to more vulnerabilities and glitches down the road the longer you stay with it
- Unless I missed it, I don’t see Razer listed here on Zooms site as a supported USB device but it was working before so weird. As Arnold mentioned it would be interesting to test that webcam and Zoom on another station or try another USB model https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360026690212?mobile_site=true
- As a last resort you could also reach out to the Razer Kiyo support and Zoom support.
Have you tried to use web browser, say Chrome to join a Zoom meeting?
Since this is a DELL, check for updates for the System itself using "Dell Command Update".
test it online : https://www.onlinemictest.com/webcam-test/
it can be dead, but that does not seem likely now
it can be dead, but that does not seem likely now
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Try another usb port.
Does the web cam indicate it is receiving signal. Often a power indicator.
When trying to access is it too dark?
Use the control panel cameras and scanners. When the webcam is not plugged in
As well as access device manager, change view to list disconnected devices and consider deleting the webcam there.
Then attach the webcam and see what happens.
Review whether the webcam sows up there.
Use the builtin video recorder from Windows or anything else to plain test capturing an image from the web cam.
Does the USB have a frayed cable end on the USB or the camera .....
Does the webcam have a brightness, focus control?