Finding out which app is using the webcam
Problem
Yesterday I was working on my laptop. Suddenly I noticed that the indicator light of the webcam was on, despite the fact that I wasn't making a video call or using the webcam in any other way at the moment. It freaked me out. It freaked me out that some unknown application on my computer was using my webcam without my permission, and possibly sending that video stream to god knows where on the Internet. In the end, it turned out to be Skype which was in the process of crashing. (Despite me making no calls at the time.) So that story ended well. But next time I see the webcam indicator light, I want to be ready. I want to be able to know exactly which app is using the webcam so I could destroy it. Does anyone know how I can find out which app is using the webcam? (I'm on Windows XP.)
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1 Fix
Fix for: Finding out which app is using the webcam
As already suggested by harrymc, you can use Process Explorer to easily find out which programs currently use your Webcam. All you need to do is to find your Webcams Device Handle and search for it in Process Explorer. First, search for your Webcam in the Device Manager, it should be under "Imaging devices" but can also be under "Sound, video and game controllers" if it has a built-in Microphone (like in my case). Beware that it has two Device Handles in that case. Right-click and select Proper…
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