How to Change Default Camera in Windows?

Some people like to use a third party camera instead of the internal ones that come in laptops, monitors, tablets, etc. However, this third party camera is sometimes overlooked by certain applications and they use the internal one instead. Therefore, in this article, we will teach you some methods by which you can configure Windows to use a specific camera for all applications.

Windows Webcam

How to Change Default Camera in Windows 10?

After receiving several requests of the inability of Windows to select a specific camera, we decided to look into the problem and came up with a few workarounds that can get the job done. Some of those methods are listed below.

Method 1: By Disabling Other Camera

One of the most common workarounds in the way of selecting a default camera is to disable the other camera. This way when prompted Windows will be forced to use the camera that you want every time. In order to disable the other cameras:

  1. PressWindows” + “X” keys simultaneously and select “Device Manager” from the list.
    Selecting “Device Manager” from the list
  2. Double click on the “Imaging Devices” dropdown.
  3. Rightclick on the name of the internal webcam and select “Disable“.
    Selecting “Disable Device” from the list

    Note: It usually has the device manufacturer’s name.

  4. Try to use an application and check to see if the issue persists.

Method 2: Selecting Drivers as Default

Another common method to tackle this problem is by selecting the device as default. This way you can configure Windows to open the third party camera instead of the internal one at default. In order to do that:

  1. PressWindows” + “S” to open the search option and type in “Control Panel”.
    Clicking on the “Control Panel” option
  2. Select the first option and click on the “View Devices and Printers” under the “Hardware and Sound” option.
    Selecting “View Devices and Printers” under the Hardware and Sound option
  3. Check to see if the webcam is listed there.
  4. If it is, rightclick on the webcam and select “Set this device as Default“.
  5. Check to see if the issue persists.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.