Disable webcam and microphone on Windows 10

Most laptops today have webcam installed. They are used as regular cameras used in Skype or online meetings on the web, or as infrared cameras in Windows Hello's face recognition. In addition, laptops are also equipped with built-in microphone devices for use with the camera.

If you never use a camera or microphone on a laptop, you'll probably wonder how to turn them off. Why? Because some malware can control the hard drive and activate them even if we don't use it. As soon as you are interested in personal security, the following steps will help you disable them.

Scan the computer

If you think the computer may have been compromised, scan it before taking any action. This is necessary because we will not know the exact purpose of the virus even when the webcam and microphone are turned off.

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Windows Defender ( Windows antivirus software) is standard by default on Windows 10 computers so this is the right place to start. You can use other free or cost-effective anti-virus software.

Check the application using webcam

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In case, you notice the webcam's LED is on while not using any application, please know how to check the applications that use your webcam. All you need to do is download Process Explorer , select the webcam device name and search.

Disable webcam and microphone through Device Manager

Using Device Manager is the fastest way to disable webcams and microphones, but is not guaranteed entirely because advanced malware can activate them without your consent. However, it is not a bad idea to turn off the webcam and microphone through Device Manager.

Disable Webcam

Step 1 : Right-click Start .

Step 2 : Click Device Manager .

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Step 3 : Press the arrow pointing down and select Imaging devices .

Step 4 : Right-click on Integrated Camera , note that it can be changed based on the laptop's hard drive.

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Step 5 : Press Disable .

Step 6 : Select Yes .

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If you want to activate the webcam, follow the steps above but select Enable instead of Disable.

Disable Microphone

Step 1 : Right-click Start Button .

Step 2 : Click Device Manager .

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Step 3 : Press the arrow pointing down and select Audio inputs and outputs .

Step 4 : Right-click Internal Microphone - notice that it can be changed based on the laptop's hard drive.

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Step 5 : Select Disable .

Step 6 : Press Yes .

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To activate the microphone, follow the same steps but select Enable instead of Disable.

Through the BIOS

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Some laptops allow you to disable the webcam and microphone at the system level from the BIOS. The setup steps will vary between machines, but you often want to interrupt the boot process by pressing the corresponding function keys, then check the BIOS information for the camera and microphone.

In this case using a Lenovo ThinkPad, the options for integrating the camera and microphone are achieved in the I / O Port Access section of the Security tab . Before turning off both devices, you can save or exit the BIOS and the PC will revert to the boot process until Windows is opened.

Remember, the BIOS on the PC is relatively different, but the results are similar. If you enter Device Manager after turning off the camera and microphone in the BIOS, they will not be displayed.

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To activate the device back through the BIOS, repeat the same operation but change Enable instead of Disable.

If you use other devices, please refer to the tutorial on BIOS entry on these different computers.

Cover the webcam

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When it comes to disabling the camera, few people will think about opening the computer and disconnecting the webcam. While it's a perfect option for anyone who can access a laptop or a special AiO PC without invalidating the warranty, a better physical solution is to cover the webcam.

Many people use sticky notes or electrical tape to cover both cost-effective and effective immediately, but for some people prefer professionalism. They will attach a small, low-cost accessory to cover, and when you want to use it, you can remove it quickly.

Security

Remember that the only way to ensure the camera and microphone has been disabled is the physical method.