What driver for a webcam

I've always been very anti-webcam. But my hand is being forced. I've moved from the 'burbs to the country and some appointments are impracticable. Like a 2-3 hour drive each way.

So, maybe I need to use a webcam... [cringe]

I have an Acer Aspire VX5-591G 15.6 laptop circa 2018. Looking at the list of drivers I can't tell what I need for the webcam.

Device manager shows noting under imaging devices or cameras.

Asked Acer but didn't get a response. Search around for a while but couldn't find any mention of what drivers I need.

Without putting anyone out to time consuming searches does anyone know off the top of their head what drivers web cams need?

a program (app) to be able to use the web cam

Teams seems to be the "go to" these days but that is required on both ends. Good luck jshs2020.

There is nothing in device manager. Not under imaging devices or camera. Windows doesn't even see the camera.
If Windows drivers are built in I would hope that Windows would just detect it and install drivers.

No, it's still on windows 10 1809 the same as when I bought it.
Usually only use it once or twice a year as I have a number of desktops.

You might try installing the chipset driver for the laptop. It sometimes helps Windows find integrated hardware.

Product Support - Aspire VX5-591G | Acer United States

Ben

Ben Myers said:

You might try installing the chipset driver for the laptop. It sometimes helps Windows find integrated hardware.

Product Support - Aspire VX5-591G | Acer United States

I did that years ago, but I tried again at your suggestion. Didn't help.

Y'know, I think I'll just grab a desktop webcam from Officeworks. The laptop is really old and it's about time I replaced it anyway.

Not under imaging devices or camera.

Key word being "under". DM does show the general "cameras" cat though,correct? (just checking). What app will you be using with it?



Edit: Never mind. I see you're going in a different direction now

1. Update Windows 10 to the latest version.
2. Microsoft Store, update all Apps, one of these is the Camera App.
3. Windows updates, do the lot that will include generic camera drivers.
4. The driver is almost certainly generic and within Windows.

Then you use the Camera App and if the Camera/Mic is off it will go directly to the Windows settings.
Which is here:
Settings > Privacy > Camera/Mic > Allow access to both > Allow Apps to Access Camera/Mic.

Then go down the Apps list to what you will use and toggle On. The Camera App will be one.

Once you have that Camera App working then it should be easy enough for others, I also have Skype and Zoom listed, Google Meet and Jitsi also work, 2014 Laptop.

That will take time, but you will be in a much better position to actually use the Laptop.

@fishingfool No, There is no "cameras" cat in DM. @Helmut. Thanks for those suggestions.

Sorry, Options 1 and 2 are not allowed. I do not have a Microsoft account. I will not be using any inbox apps. I will use it with a messenger program called "session" and possibly teams and/or zoom.

The privacy settings are already set. I've also checked there is no group policy set. For example "Allow the use of a camera".

The updates that are installed for the laptop are the latest for 1809. True, they are out of date, but I suspect that's not the problem.
I believe webcams were supported in 1809 so I don't know why I am not seeing anything in device manager.

My son's been nagging me to give him the laptop. I have no need for portability, I originally bought it for another son when he was at university, but it's mostly just gathering dust.

So I've decided to give him the laptop. I'll grab a webcam and attach it to one of my desktops, and if I decide I need another laptop, which is unlikely, I will go and buy one.