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In this post, we will see how to disable your webcam or the integrated camera in Windows 10/8/7 using the Device Manager. Most laptops today come with a built-in integrated web camera, which is useful when it comes to having video chats with friends, associates or relatives. But there are many who never use a webcam. It is fine if you let it be as it is.
These days, using Remote Access Technology (RAT), hackers can compromise your system and watch you, monitor your activities and even record your actions, using your own webcam! So, if you are one, who never uses the webcam and who fears being watched or monitored, using it, you may want to consider disabling it. You can of course always enable it again anytime in the future, should the need arise.
Read: Am I being watched through my computer.
Disable Webcam in Windows 10
We have seen how you can turn off the Microphone, now let us see how to disable the webcam on your Windows device.
In Windows 10, to disable the webcam, right-click on the start button to open the WinX Menu. Select Device Manager.
Once your Device Manager window opens, expand Imaging devices. You will see Integrated webcam. If your web camera is not integrated, you may see some different entry.
Right-click on it and from the context menu which opens, select Disable. You may be asked for confirmation. Select Yes.
This will disable your webcam. You may need to restart your Windows computer.
To enable it again, you have to select Enable.
Turn off/on Webcam
You can also use a freeware called WebCam On-Off to turn off or turn on your webcam in a click. Create a hotkey shortcut for it, if you wish!
You can download this freeware tool here.
TIP: See this post if Webcam keeps freezing or crashing.
Shortcut key to disable Webcam
If you wish to create a shortcut to enable or disable any device on the fly, you can use the DevCon utility. It is a command-line tool that acts as an alternative to Device Manager, using which, you can enable, disable, restart, update, remove, and query individual devices or groups of devices.
Related read: How to disable, turn off, or mute the Microphone.
If you are worried about Windows PC being monitored by someone else, have a look at Detekt, a free anti-surveillance spyware scanner for Windows. Also, find out which app is using the web camera. Who Stalks My Cam software will help you prevent Webcam Hacking attacks.
