subject: How To Update Webcam Drivers On Your Computer [print this page] Did you buy a webcam to keep in touch with out of town family, but now it's not working? Don't take it back to the store just yet--it may just be that you need to update webcam drivers on your computer. Here is a guide to fixing your issues that uses the Logitech C200 as an example (the same basic steps should work on other brands, though).
It Could be a Loose USB Webcam Connection
The first step to take is checking your cables. Make sure that your webcam is indeed plugged in to your computer; usually this is via a USB cord.
Follow the cable to where it plugs into the computer. Unplug the webcam and plug it back in. This process is called re-seating the cable.
If you are using a USB hub for your webcam connection to the computer, unplug it and find a USB port on the computer itself. USB hubs can distort the signal significantly at times.
Does Windows Recognize Your Webcam?
If your webcam was recognized in Vista it is most likely it is still recognized in Windows 7, but it never hurts to check. We'll go into Device Manager and look for your webcam under "Other Devices". Here's how:
1. Go to your Start Menu
2. Go to your Search Bar
3. Type in Device Manager
4. Press Enter
5. Click Continue in the window that pops up
6. Look for a category called "Other Devices." There will be an icon that looks like a thought bubble with a? in it if it is there. Under the? Will be camera w/ a yellow triangle with a! point in it. This means we need to put drivers in.
To manually update webcam drivers, you will need to visit the webcam manufacturer's website. While the example below uses the Logitech C200 webcam, the process should be similar for other brands.
3. Select Detect Devices. You may have to install detection software, but this is worth it. The site will scan your computer. Then you will see pictures of all the Logitech devices that are attached to your computer!
4. Choose the C200 webcam from the list.
5. Click on Software Downloads on the right
6. Choose Windows 7 from the list
7. Download Software, make a note of where you save the file.
8. Go to the saved file and double click on it. Follow any prompts you may get while the file installs itself. Congratulations you now have updated webcam drivers!
An Easier Way
Today we have software that will scan your computer for out of date drivers, download the latest drivers, and install the latest drivers. The first time takes of a couple minutes and a few clicks of the mouse. After that, you can set the software to auto-pilot!
