How to perform a webcam test in Windows 10/11

January 13, 2023

As more companies work remotely, online meetings have become the norm and a good webcam has become a must.

However, what can you do if you have a meeting in five minutes and your camera isn't working properly? What happens if another program prompts you to perform a webcam test on Windows 11 or 10?

You have found the right place to find the solution.

You can quickly test your camera on Windows 10 or 11 by following the methods in this article. Please note that this exam is not designed for Mac or Linux devices.

Checking a webcam can be done in three main ways:

Run webcam tests using Windows Camera.
Perform a webcam test using the supplied software.
Test your webcam using any meeting software.

Webcam test using built-in camera

Using the built-in camera on your laptop is the quickest and easiest way to determine the status of your webcam. Let's see.

After clicking the Start button, type "Camera" into the search bar. When it appears in the list, select it by clicking on it.

Once you have granted the necessary permissions, you should see the stream, i.e. yourself. This indicates that the camera is working properly.

If you find that the camera is not working, you may want to consider purchasing an external webcam. We have given a list of webcams later in this article.

Checking the webcam with the appropriate software

No. 1. Online Microphone Test

Online Microphone Test is one of the main and free websites for webcam and microphone testing. Make sure your webcam is working properly by using this online diagnostic tool to test it.

To get started, select the "play" option.
If the browser asks you a question, select the "Allow" option.
Now look at the screen to see yourself.

Follow these instructions if your camera fails the test:

Step 1: If you are having trouble passing the exam in one browser, try again in another browser or with a different test.

Step 2: Make sure the camera is connected to your computer's USB port. After reconnecting the camera, you should either hear sound or see something on the computer screen.

Step 3: Some versions of webcams have an ON/OFF switch. Check if this is the case for you; if so, make sure it is set to "ON".

Step 4: Try to find the latest drivers for your camera and download them. Look for the model name and model number on the camera packaging or on the camera itself, and then search Google for "Driver MODEL NAME". If all goes well, you will be redirected to a website where you can download and install updated drivers.

#2 Webcam Tests

You can check the health of your camera online using the free diagnostic tool provided by the Webcam Test Site . In other words, you don't need to download and install any additional software as you can test it right in your browser.

You can start testing the camera in one click on various devices, including computers, smartphones, TVs, tablets, etc. This is another simple method. As a result of testing, you will not only find out if your webcam works, but also learn a lot of relevant and useful information about it.

In addition, the diagnostic tool will provide you with several recommendations to fix any problems found with your webcam. Once you've finished testing the camera, among other things, you can use your webcam to capture images and upload them. You can also view it in full screen mode and give feedback about your camera.

No. 3. Webcam microphone test

Now moving on to our third software, webcam microphone test is also one of the best webcam testing tools. If everything is fine with your webcam, you should be able to see yourself on the screen right after you click the Check Webcam button on the website. After that, you will be able to evaluate the overall image quality.

To determine where the camera is, either point it in the appropriate direction or center it. It can also be used to find out where the four quarters and two halves of the screen are located. You can, for example, change the brightness level or adjust the contrast to see how you would look if the lighting in the room was more or less. This will give you an idea of how you will look in each scenario.

№ 4. Video Form

The Video Form website can help you with webcam and microphone tests. Most cameras are automatically configured if you have a built-in camera or connect a third-party camera to your computer. If your webcam did not perform this action on its own, you will need to visit your webcam manufacturer's website to obtain and install the appropriate webcam drivers for your camera.

After installing the necessary drivers for your camera, you will be able to see the video captured by your webcam using this test. By following these simple procedures, you can test your camera in complete privacy.

Step 1: To start the test, find the camera icon on the left side of the screen and click on it.

Step 2: If your web browser asks for permission to access your camera, select "Allow" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: You should see live video streaming from your webcam within a few seconds.

If you see a live video stream coming from your camera, the device is working properly. It is extremely important to test the camera before using it in a meeting or lecture to determine if the webcam is working properly and to check how you and your surroundings appear in the video captured by the webcam.

#5 Device Tests

Device Tests on their website states that they never record videos or images and store them on a server. This can be a very important reason for using it. You can simply test your webcam by following these simple steps.

Step 1: Make sure your camera is connected to your computer and turned on.
Step 2: To start the test, go to the left side of the page and select the webcam icon.
Step 3: If your web browser asks you for permission to access your camera, select the "Allow" option when given a choice.
Step 4: You will be able to see your face live from your webcam in just a few seconds.

If you see a live video stream coming from your camera, the device is working properly.

Checking the webcam using any meeting software

You can use Google Meet, Zoom, or other options we'll discuss next to test your webcam with your meeting software. You only need to download them, or if you already have them on the laptop, you can access them by clicking on the "new meeting" area, selecting "create an instant meeting", then "opening the camera and microphone and checking both of them.

Since the functionality of Zoom is somewhat different from Google Meetings , its use can be difficult for novice users. So, after opening a Google Meet meeting, if you find a black screen on the website, something is wrong with your webcam. Everything else is fine and your webcam is working fine.

Windows privacy settings

You have control over the information you share with Microsoft and individual apps' access to your location, camera, and microphone. With the operating system created by Microsoft coming with various controls and options that you can tweak to limit the use of your data.

Sometimes the camera may not work in Google Meet or Zoom or any other application because you have restricted access to the camera for that particular application.

Check these privacy-related settings once you've set up your Windows PC.

Allow or revoke camera access to specific applications

You need to follow the steps below to grant or revoke camera permission from other built-in or third party software.

Search for "Privacy and Security" in the search bar.
Scroll down to the app permissions section.
Click "Camera"
If you want to revoke access to all software, just click the "Camera Access" button.
But if you want to revoke or give camera permission to a certain app, scroll and find that software in this list, and then you can easily enable or disable its camera access.

Allow or revoke microphone or camera app access

In many cases, you want to revoke location access from the camera, because when you tap any photo, the camera app also saves the location where that photo was tapped. Thus, to give or revoke microphone or location permission, you must follow the following steps.

Search for "Privacy and Security" in the search bar.
Scroll down to the app permissions section.
Click "Location"
In the "Allow apps to access your location" section, you can easily find the camera and then turn it off to revoke location permission in the camera app.
Similarly, you can do this to either allow or revoke microphone access by tapping "Microphone" instead of "Location" in your privacy and security settings.

It had to do with processing everything on your system to keep your camera and microphone private.

The best webcams you can buy

Sometimes a camera issue can be due to a faulty built-in webcam. If so, you can buy an external webcam for your computer. Let's now take a look at some of the top-notch webcams you can get on the market.

No. 1. Logitech C270 high definition webcam

The Logitech C270 HD webcam supports 720p HD video calling and records high-definition video using a 2.4GHz Intel Core2 Duo processor. It also has a fixed focus with 3 megapixel photos with Clarity technology and high speed USB 2.0.

The built-in microphone filters out background noise. System requirements include Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10 or later, mac OS 10.10 or later, Chrome OS, Android 5.0 or later, and a USB Internet connection is required.

#2. Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam

The Logitech C920x webcam does not have a privacy shutter and comes with a 3-month license for XSplit VCam. Without the green screen, the XSplit VCam license allows you to remove, change, and blur the background.

It features video calls and Full High Definition 1080p recording at 30fps. You'll make a strong impression when you need it with clear, beautiful and vibrant video.

Stereo sound and two microphones let you record natural sound for phone calls and videos. Logitech Capture is a sophisticated video capture program that makes it easy to create and distribute video content.

It also has HD lighting control and autofocus. The C920x automatically adjusts lighting conditions to create bright and clear images even when you're in low light conditions. This feature allows you to capture clear, detailed videos and photos even in low light conditions.

#3. NexiGo N60 1080P Internet

The Full HD 1080P webcam is equipped with a 2-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor. The NexiGo N60 webcam can capture movies with remarkable detail and sharpness at resolutions up to 1920 by 1080 pixels at 30 frames per second.

Because the 3.6mm diameter glass lens provides a clear image at any distance and is suitable for use at distances from 19.6 inches to 13 feet, it is suitable for almost any indoor application.

When the camera is not in use, the protective cap will prevent light from entering the lens. It is the perfect solution to provide security and peace of mind for everyone, whether they are individuals or large corporations.

It also helps protect the lens from dirt and debris, ensuring your video remains clear even after the camera has been used for its lifetime.

Because the lens has a fixed focal length, it can record HD video from a wide angle, making it a great choice for presentations. Just plug the USB into your computer and you can use it right away. Thanks to the convenient mounting clip, the camera can be attached to almost any monitor, laptop, TV or tripod.

#4 Sony Touch Webcam with Mic and Auto Focus, 2K/1080P HD

With the CASE CUBE KU-04, you can shoot clearer videos than 1080p as it supports 2560 x 1440p resolution at 30fps. With autofocus technology, you are the center of attention, and the rest of the world is spinning around you.

See more of your surroundings with the 120-degree ultra wide-angle lens. Thanks to its adaptability, you can place your webcam tripod anywhere on your desk. In addition, the base clamp allows rotation in any direction, up to 360 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically.

Get crystal-clear audio recordings with the built-in noise-cancelling microphone. The visibility of the products or items on display is enhanced by lighting in the design, ideal for live streaming on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.

Built-in lens cover helps keep users' privacy. To turn off the camera, simply slide the cover to the left and you won't have to worry about losing it. With a unique retractable design that can further prevent eavesdropping and voyeurism, your privacy will be protected.

#5 NexiGo N660 1080P Business Webcam

The NexiGo N660 webcam features a 2-megapixel Full High Definition (FHD) 1080p CMOS sensor for exceptionally clear video. Since the 3.6mm glass lens provides a clear image even at a given distance and is calibrated for a range of 19.6 inches to 13 feet, it is well suited even for indoor use.

There is no need for any additional drivers or software. Just plug the USB into your computer and it will start working right away! When using Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Teams, or any other video conferencing tool, you can change every possible setting on your webcam.

These settings include exposure time, contrast, saturation, white balance, etc. The app supports both Windows 7/8/10 and macOS. Downloads can be obtained by going to the support website.

№ 6. Webcam Argmao 1080P HD

Argmao's built-in noise canceling microphone will make your speech clearer. It has a noise reduction depth of 35 decibels and can pick up your voice while blocking out some background noise.

This webcam is ideal for hangouts, video calls, website learning, video games, and more. This provides you with a unique and more comfortable environment for communication.

You can simply use this camera for online teaching or live broadcasting. It can be used without installing additional drivers if it is connected to a computer. It turns out this is a handy feature. No driver needed, which saves you the hassle; just plug and play.

You can choose what your camera shows and live a secure digital life when not in use. It includes a protective cover to keep both individuals and businesses safe. The shutter cover can also protect your computer's webcam from scratches, damage, and smudges.

Summary

Webcams have become indispensable in the era of millennials and a growing epidemic. Whether it's your first or millionth online meeting, it's important to check your camera before going live. Would you like to be annoyed because something you were looking forward to didn't go as planned due to technical issues that could have been avoided? Would you like to keep walking back and forth in the middle of a scheduled meeting?

Put on your prettiest smile, practice social distancing, and take advantage of webcam testing in all its flexibility and simplicity.