Home Resource Webcam Problem Windows Webcam Keeps Freezing? 4 Tips to Fix It

Windows Webcam Keeps Freezing? 4 Tips to Fix It

Does your computer's webcam keep freezing or lock up every few seconds? Read the article now to get 4 tips to solve your webcam problem.
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Luca TangenLast Updated: February 24, 2024
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“Whenever I make a video call using Windows built-in webcam, my webcam keeps freezing every few minutes.”

Some Windows users reported this webcam problem on Reddit. The causes of frozen webcam would vary. It’s possible that antivirus software, an out-of-date webcam driver, or even your privacy settings are at blame.

Whatever the reason is behind your “webcam keeps glitching issue,” we’re here to walk you through some quick fixes. (Before you start to fix your webcam issue, you may like to use your smartphone as a temporary webcam to start a meeting on your computer. )

How to Fix ‘Windows Camera Keeps Freezing’?

Webcam Freezing is one of the common problems you may meet while you are using your webcam on a PC. And below are 4 quick tips to help you fix it.

Fix 1: Disable Security Software & Turn Off Apps You Are Not Using

If your camera keeps freezing in Windows 10, follow the given instructions for troubleshooting.

  1. First, deactivate any security software (antivirus) that may be installed.
  2. Close other apps that you are not using before attempting a video call. Because it could be a conflict with a third-party service or program.
  3. Update your video chat or camera apps, which may include a bug fix for the webcam keeps freezing issue.

Fix 2: Update Webcam Driver

If you have a Logitech webcam that keeps freezing after a Windows 10 update or upgrade, the issue is most likely due to faulty drivers. The best solution is to upgrade or reinstall the camera driver.

  1. To open the device manager, hold down the Windows key and hit R.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK. It will take you to the list of all installed device drivers.

    Fix Freezing Webcam - Update Webcam Driver

    Fix Freezing Webcam – Update Webcam Driver

  3. Expand Imaging Devices by clicking the > to the left.
  4. Right-click the camera that isn’t working and select Properties.
  5. Select Uninstall.

    Fix Freezing Webcam - Uninstall Webcam Driver

    Fix Freezing Webcam – Uninstall Webcam Driver

  6. When the confirmation window appears, choose the Delete the Driver Software checkbox and click OK.

    Fix Dell Camera Not Working - Confirm Uninstall Driver

    Fix Dell Camera Not Working – Confirm Uninstall Driver

  7. Restart your computer to confirm that the driver software has been successfully deleted.
  8. Repeat the first two steps to reopen the Device Manager, then pick Action from the menu at the top of the window.
  9. Click Scan for hardware changes.
  10. Following that, the window will install the new driver automatically.

Fix 3: Edit the Window Registry

The Windows Registry is a database that maintains configuration information for many Windows apps. A simple modification in the Registry editor can prevent the Webcam on Windows PC from frequently freezing.

While this remedy is straightforward, changing the Windows Registry might cause irreversible damage to your computer if done incorrectly.

Before proceeding with the registry modification, we recommend you create a backup of the registry on your device.

Now follow these steps to avoid disasters.

  1. To begin, go to Registry Editor by searching ‘Regedit‘ on the Windows search bar.

    Fix Freezing Webcam - Go to Registry Editor

    Fix Freezing Webcam – Go to Registry Editor

  2. Go to the location listed below.

    Fix Freezing Webcam - Edit Window Registry 2

    Fix Freezing Webcam – Edit Window Registry 2

  3. Under Windows Media Foundation, you’ll find Platform in the sidebar on the left. Right-click on Platform.
  4. Move your cursor over “New,” and then click on “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” This is going to give this section a new value.

    Fix Freezing Webcam - Edit Window Registry 3

    Fix Freezing Webcam – Edit Window Registry 3

  5. Give this new value the name EnableFrameServerMode.
  6. Double-click on this number to modify it.

    Fix Freezing Webcam - Edit Window Registry 4

    Fix Freezing Webcam – Edit Window Registry 4

  7. Change the value to “0.”
  8. Finally, press the “OK” button.

The next step in this method is determined by the version of Windows you use; if you’re using the 32-bit version, the task is complete, and you can shut the Registry Editor. On the contrary, if you use the 64-bit version, you must go to the following path:

Fix Freezing Webcam - Edit Window Registry 5

Fix Freezing Webcam – Edit Window Registry 5

Follow the same steps as before; add a DWORD value > name it > EnableFrameServerMode > set its value to 0 > shut the Registry Editor.

Fix 4: Enable Camera Access

Check to see if your computer has access to the camera.

  1. Click the Windows key + I key simultaneously.
  2. Select the Privacy option by clicking on it.
  3. Click on the Camera options on the left-hand side of the Privacy settings.
  4. Then, on the right, click Change under the Allow access to the camera on this device option.
  5. Turn on Camera access for this device.

    Fix Freezing Webcam - Enable Camera Access

    Fix Freezing Webcam – Enable Camera Access

Final Thoughts

So, if your webcam keeps freezing quite often, follow one of these methods. Other potential alternatives include upgrading the camera software from the app store and applying the most recent Windows updates. We hope the methods will fix your issue.

This article is originally published on May 19, 2022, and updated on February 24, 2024
Author

Luca Tangen

Staff writer at fineshare.com. Has been writing about the technology of Windows, Mac, and iOS since 2014.

HomeResource Webcam Problem Windows Webcam Keeps Freezing? 4 Tips to Fix It

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