Webcam missing in Windows 8.x

Solution for Webcam missing in Windows 8.1

On a Laptop, the webcam mysteriously disappeared, probably after a Windows update.  There were no indications the video camera was even an available option; there were no indications the camera ever existed.  In this case, the video camera (webcam) used to work with no issues, then one day, the camera was not found. 

Here are the steps to re-install the Video Webcam software.  Likely, the webcam drivers are built into the operating system and there are no drivers to download. 

These steps were tested in Windows 8.1.

Symptoms:

• Control Panel, Device Manager does not show a webcam or "integrated webcam"
• Control Panel, Device Manager does not show an "Imaging Devices" section
• Skype, Google Plus Video Conferencing, and other programs that rely on the video camera show "no video device available" or "no video hardware"
• Note: The machine does not have a webcam driver to install; vendor likely does not provide drivers or driver installation packages (this is normal)

Solution:

On most modern laptops, especially those with Intel motherboards, including Dell Inspiron 1520 laptops, HP laptops, etc., webcam drivers are not supplied and cannot be installed from the vendor.  Instead, the drivers are built into the operating system.  No additional software needs to be downloaded or installed. 

1.  Open the Windows Control Panel, "Device Manager"  (assuming View by Small Icons)

(if in Category View, click "Hardware and Sound".  In Devices and Printers, click Device Manager)

2. Scroll near the bottom of the list, expand "Universal Serial Bus Controllers"

3.  If any item shows a yellow bang (exclamation), especially if "USB Root Hub", right-mouse-click the item, choose "Uninstall"  (This is safe to do on any and all yellow-banged items).

4.  While highlighting "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" (or highlighting any other sub-section or item in the control panel), choose top menu Action, "Scan for Hardware Changes".  You must have an item selected.

Hardware detection will take a minute or so. 
In this instance, a reboot is probably not required; it will prompt if needed.

The webcam should re-install itself.  There will be no obvious indication.

Confirm:

In Control Panel, Device Manager, note a new section "Imaging Devices".  Note internal device, "Integrated Webcam"

Testing:

Launch any program that uses the webcam.  For example, G+ video conferencing, Skype, or your vendor-supplied video or movie program.  The device should now be working.


If you continue to have problems, consider the following:

A.  From the laptop vendor's support site, download and install update BIOS software; then repeat the steps above.  This step is recommended for all computers, even if you are not having this problem.