8 Potential Solutions to the Webcam Not Working Issue

Are you seeing the Windows 10/11 Webcam Not Working <MediaCaptureFailedEvent> error message every time you launch your camera app? You are not alone. This problem occurs to many Windows 10/11 users, particularly those using Logitech webcams.

According to some affected users, the camera app started throwing the error message Webcam Not Working <MediaCaptureFailedEvent> on Windows 10/11 after installing the Windows 10/11 May 2020 update. This brought them to the conclusion that the culprit behind the error is the Windows Update itself.

Then again, other users said that they can still use the camera app without any trouble, even after installing the update. They claim that the problem is with a faulty Windows functionality. In general, for video effects and camera features to work, Logitech has to use another licensed software program like Personify. But the problem with this setup is that the actual hardware does not end up showing in Device Manager. To overcome the error, users have resorted to resetting the camera app and making tweaks in the system’s services console.

So, how do you fix this webcam not working error on Windows 10/11?

How to Fix Webcam Not Working <MediaCaptureFailedEvent> Error

Here are some solutions that we recommend:

Solution #1: Automate the Personify Frame Transformer service

Whenever a major update is released, Microsoft automatically disables some services and uninstalls certain apps. The sample applies to a Logitech webcam. If its associated services are not enabled, it will fail to function.

To avoid error messages associated with your webcam, set its related service to automatic. After this, both your webcam and your Windows operating system will work normally.

As for your Logitech webcam, here’s how to set the Personify Frame Transformer service to automatic:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Into the text field, input services.msc and hit OK.
3. On the Services console, find and right-click on Personify Frame Transformer.
4. Select Properties.
5. In the drop-down menu, select Automatic.
6. Next, click the Start button.
7. Press OK.
8. For the changes to take effect, restart your Windows 10/11 PC. Hopefully, the MediaCapturefailedevent error is gone.

Solution #2: Disconnect and then reconnect the webcam

If the webcam is not working, try to disconnect it from your device and plug it again. Slowly unplug its cord from the USB port, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in. After doing this, check if the error persists.

Solution #3: Reset the Camera app

Another workaround that has worked for some Windows 10/11 users is resetting the Camera app. To reset the Camera app, follow the steps below:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Apps and Features.
2. Find and click the Camera app.
3. Select Advanced Options.
4. Scroll down and hit the Reset button.
5. Click the Reset button again to confirm your action.

Solution #4: Run the Windows Store App troubleshooter

If a Windows app isn’t working as it’s intended to, then the Windows Store App troubleshooter can help identify and fix the problem.

Here’s how to run the troubleshooter:

1. Go to Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.
2. Choose Update and Security.
3. Navigate to the Troubleshoot section.
4. Select Windows Store Apps.
5. Hit the Run the Troubleshooter button.
6. At this point, the troubleshooter will begin scanning the installed Windows Store apps for any issues. It will attempt to resolve them as well.

Solution #5: Download the most recent Camera driver

Sometimes, an outdated device driver can trigger error messages to appear. So, in the case of an outdated webcam device driver, a possible workaround is updating it.

Here’s how to update your webcam device driver:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run utility.
2. Into the text field, input devmgmt.msc.
3. Hit Enter.
4. Navigate to the Imaging device, Cameras, or Sound, video and game controllers section.
5. Right-click on your camera driver.
6. Click Update this Driver.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party device driver updater to ensure you are installing a compatible driver. This is a safer and more recommended option as it saves you time and spares you from all the headaches.

Solution #6: Roll back to a previously working OS version

If the error appeared after installing the Windows 10/11 May 2020 update, consider rolling back the update. Here’s how to do it:

1. Into the search field, type control panel.
2. Click on the most relevant search result.
3. In the Control Panel search box, input recovery.
4. Go to Recovery then choose System Restore.
5. In this window, click Next.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Solution #7: Switch off your antivirus program temporarily.

Oftentimes, your antivirus software program interferes with other apps on your PC. This is especially true when it detects a potential threat in an app.

To temporarily disable your antivirus, do the following:

1. Find the antivirus protection program icon in the Windows notification section.
2. Right-click on the icon and choose Disable. In some cases, you might have to open the antivirus program and disable it from the menu.
3. Relaunch the camera app. Check if the problem persists. If it doesn’t, then your antivirus program is to blame.

Solution #8: Re-register the Camera app

If the webcam was working earlier, but not now, re-registering the Camera app using the Windows PowerShell might resolve the problem.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Right-click on the Start Alternatively, press the Windows + X keys.
2. Choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
3. Into the command line, enter the following command followed by the Enter key: Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsCamera | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
4. Exit the Windows PowerShell window.

Summary

That’s it! The next time you encounter the Webcam Not working <MediaCaptureFailedEvent> error message, then you should know what to do. You can begin with the simple fixes like disconnecting and plugging back the webcam hardware. If it doesn’t work, then proceed with more technical solutions. Don’t worry because as long as you follow the instructions carefully, then you should be alright.

Do you know other solutions that can resolve webcam-related issues? We’d love to know! Comment on them below.