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How to access webcam settings in Windows

Anita George
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You’re not stuck with your webcam’s default settings. In Windows, it is possible to adjust them to your preferences.

But accessing your webcam’s settings in Windows can vary depending on which settings you want to adjust. In this guide, we’ll show you how to access your webcam’s quality and performance settings, as well as its privacy options.

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How to access webcam settings in Windows 10

For camera quality, use the Camera app

Step 1: Type the word “camera” in the search box to the right of the Start Menu icon. Then, select the Camera app icon that appears in the search results.

Step 2: Select the Settings gear icon in the top-left corner of the Camera app.

A screenshot showing how to navigate to the webcam settings via the Windows 10 Camera app.
screenshot

Step 3: In the Settings menu that appears, you can adjust things like whether or not a framing grid appears, what kind of framing grid appears, the resolution of your photos, whether or not the time-lapse timer is enabled, the resolution of your videos, and flicker reduction.

A screenshot showing the Settings menu of the Windows 10 Camera app opened.
screenshot

Step 4: If you want to be able to adjust the brightness, you’ll need to enable Pro Mode, which is found at the top of that same Settings menu. Doing so will allow you to adjust the brightness via an icon on the main screen of the Camera app.

If you’re looking to upgrade your webcam from the one that came with your laptop, check out our list of the best webcams to help you pick out the best one for your videoconferencing needs.

For privacy, go to the Settings app

Step 1: Click on the Start Menu icon. Then, in the menu that appears, click on the Settings gear icon in the lower-left corner of your screen.

Step 2: In the Windows 10 Settings menu, select Privacy.

A Windows 10 Settings app screenshot showing the selection of the Privacy settings menu option.
screenshot

Step 3: On the left-side menu, under App Permissions, select Camera.

A screenshot of the Camera section of the Windows 10 Privacy settings menu section of the Settings app.
screenshot

Step 4: The Camera section of the Privacy menu contains a number of privacy settings you can adjust for your webcam, including letting apps have access to your camera, selecting which Microsoft Store apps can have access to your camera, and allowing other desktop apps to have access to your webcam.

You don’t just have to rely on the Windows Settings app to shore up your webcam privacy. You can ensure the privacy of your webcam by also investing in a great webcam cover and knowing the signs of webcam hacks so you can quickly spot whether or not your webcam has been compromised.

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Anita George
Anita George
Computing Writer
Anita has been a technology reporter since 2013 and currently writes for the Computing section at Digital Trends. She began…
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