Frequently Asked Question

Webcam Video Is Not Showing in DeskCamera

Last Updated 12 days ago

Use this article if a webcam source is black, frozen, or does not show video in DeskCamera.

Check the webcam first

1) Close DeskCamera.

2) Open the webcam in another app, such as the Windows Camera app.

3) If the webcam does not work there, check the webcam driver, Windows camera privacy settings, USB cable, or USB port before changing DeskCamera settings.

Close other apps using the webcam

Most webcams can be used by only one app at a time. Close apps that may already be using the webcam, such as Teams, Zoom, a browser, Skype, or the Windows Camera app.

After closing those apps, reopen DeskCamera and test the webcam again.

Test the webcam in DeskCamera

1) Open DeskCamera.

2) Stop the camera if it is currently running. DeskCamera allows local Video & Audio Settings changes only while the camera is stopped.

3) Open Video & Audio Settings.

4) Select the webcam source.

5) Click Test. If the test video works, start the camera again and check the NVR/VMS.

Try DirectShow mode

If the webcam still does not show video, change Mode to DirectShow, then click Test again.

DirectShow mode and Test button for a webcam source

If DirectShow works, keep that mode selected and start the camera again.

If it still does not work

Disconnect and reconnect the webcam.
Try another USB port or cable.
Restart the PC.
Try another webcam if available.

If the webcam works in DeskCamera but the NVR/VMS still has no video, see NVR/VMS Cannot Find DeskCamera or Show Live Video.

If the webcam does not work in DeskCamera after the checks above, collect logs and contact support. See Collecting DeskCamera Log Files.