Webcam is not detected by Windows or macOS during a video call.
On Windows it is usually Camera Privacy Settings, on macOS Privacy & Security camera permission per app. Plus a USB camera through a dock sometimes lacks bandwidth if 2 monitors share the same dock port.
Try this first
- 1Windows: Settings > Privacy > Camera; check that the specific app has camera access.
- 2macOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera; tick the app. Some apps need a restart.
- 3Plug the USB camera directly into the laptop instead of the dock, often it shows up immediately.
- 4Driver restart: in Device Manager disable and re-enable the camera, that resets the USB stack.
When to bring us in
A new laptop does not see the camera at all (USB 3.0 port, hub, or BIOS disable): check the BIOS setting for integrated camera, sometimes off for security imaging.
See also
- VPN will not connect or keeps droppingTwo main causes: your home internet or the VPN server. One quick test separates them.
- VPN connects but corporate folders are unreachableConnection says "green" but your network drives will not open. Almost always a DNS or routing issue.
- Home PC slow on VPN, fast at the officeThree suspects: home internet, VPN server limits, or routing that takes a long detour.
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