How to Change the Default Webcam on Windows 10

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Updated August 16, 2022

If you are new to the wacky realm of digital video, you may wonder how to change the default webcam on Windows 10. Some of the best webcams, after all, require some settings adjustments to get them to play nice with your operating system. So what are the various ways to change that default webcam on a Windows computer? Keep reading to find out.

  • Changing the default webcam on a Windows 10 computer could be as easy as simply plugging in the new camera, but that is not always the case.
  • For difficult transitions from an integrated webcam, disable the current camera by diving into the Control Panel settings.
  • You can also manually change the camera drivers to support the new external webcam or third-party camera in the settings.

Why Change the Default Webcam?

Changing out the default internal webcam allows for higher resolutions and additional features, though you have to learn how to attach a webcam to a monitor. Despite having to learn how to change webcam settings to get this done, the results speak for themselves. As a matter of fact, once you have a high-grade camera working with your Windows system, you won’t have to worry about how to blur the background on a webcam because you will be so pleased with the result.

Insider Tip

No matter which camera you use, cover it up with tape or cloth when not in use to ensure privacy.

How to Set the Default Webcam in Windows 10

There are various methods to get this done, depending on your current camera setup, the status of your operating system, and what specific computer you are using. Also, these methods may be determined by the application you are using, as some software automatically defers to the internal webcam. Let’s get started.

Method 1 – Disable the Other Camera

One good way to change the default is to simply disable the current built-in webcam. Start this process by plugging the new webcam into the appropriate port, so the computer has another camera to shift toward. Here is what you do next:

Select the “Windows” + “X” keys simultaneously and choose “Device Manager” from the list. Then, look for the “Cameras” dropdown and double-click it. Disable the current camera by right-clicking on it and then pushing “Disable.” Finally, test a camera application to see if the new camera is now in service.

Method 2 – Select the Camera Driver as the Default

Another option to get this done is to select the new camera driver as the go-to option for Windows 10.

Start by selecting the “Control Panel” or by pushing the “Windows” and “S” keys simultaneously. Click on the first option and click “View Devices and Printers” under “Hardware and Sound.” Look for the new webcam and click on “Set This Device as Default.” Test an application to ensure the changes took place.

STAT: Certain Windows applications overlook the third-party camera and instead use the internal camera. (source)

How to Change Default Webcam on Windows 10 FAQs

How do I use the camera app?

The Windows 10 camera app is great for video calls, video chats, video recording, and more. You can use it simply by double clicking and following the prompts.

How do I select a webcam and microphone for a Facebook Live broadcast?

This should automatically defer to the default setting, but in some cases, it will ask you which camera to use. Just use the search option and click on your current camera.

What do I do if I’m having problems with the recording volume?

In some cases, the connected webcam will not record audio, whereas a laptop’s built-in webcam will. In these instances, look for new driver software before looking to disable device settings.
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