RECOMMENDED: Click here to fix Windows errors and get the most out of your system performance
Many Windows users report that they cannot use their built-in or external camera with Google Hangouts. Concerned users report that the camera works correctly with other applications (built-in and third-party). The issue does not appear to be limited to a particular version of Windows or a browser, as has been confirmed in Windows 7 and Windows 10 and a range of browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
Check Hangouts settings
- Click Settings at the top of your video call window.
- Make sure you choose the correct device for each configuration (change it with the down arrow):
Camera: If your camera is working, you will see your video in the top right corner.
Microphone: To test your microphone, speak and ask if the other person can hear you.
Speakers: To test your speakers, click Test.
Check your hardware
- Make sure your microphone, camera, and speakers are connected to your computer and turned on (the microphone is not muted).
- If you connect your hardware via USB, check if it requires installing the device manufacturer's software.
- Make sure other programs on your computer do not use your microphone, camera, or speakers.
- At the bottom of the video call window, make sure the microphone or camera is turned on.
Checking audio settings in Windows
If you change any of these settings, you may need to restart your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
The details here may vary depending on the version of Windows. So if your computer doesn't say precisely the same thing, look for something equivalent.
- Right-click the volume control (speaker icon) at the bottom right of the taskbar. The Sound dialog box opens.
- On the Reading tab:
- Select the appropriate device (here I use my Logitech USB headset).
- Click Set Default Settings below. You must check the green box on the device once you have set it as the default.
- Repeat step 2 on the Registration tab.
- Click OK.
- Enter your video call again.
To allow Google Hangouts and/or Google Talk to use your camera or microphone
- Open Google Chrome.
- Select Chrome->Settings.
- Scroll down the window and choose Show advanced settings…
- In the Privacy section, click the Content Settings… button.
- To activate the microphone: Scroll to the Microphone section and select the radio button next to Ask if a page requires access to your microphone (recommended). *
- To activate the camera: Scroll to the Camera section and select the radio button next to Sk if a page should enter your camera (recommended). *
- Close the Chrome Preferences tab. If a web portal or application needs access to the camera or microphone, a pop-up message appears where you can choose whether or not to allow access to the resource.
*For some versions of Chrome, the section may be called Media. The radio buttons in the Media area to activate the microphone and/or camera are the same as those described previously.
Chrome, Firefox and Opera
- If you haven't interacted with the Hangouts message yet, locate it at the top left of the screen (immediately after trying to open a video call with someone) and click Allow.
- If this message no longer appears, you may have already interacted with the message and turned it off by default. For this case, you can allow the camera to access the meeting places by clicking on the blocked pop-up icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
- After clicking the pop-up icon, select the button associated with Always allow * URL * to access your camera and microphone. Then, make sure you choose the correct camera before clicking the Done button.
https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/1355579?hl=es
RECOMMENDED: Click here to fix Windows errors and get the most out of your system performance
