Following the release of Windows 10 Anniversary Update, also known as version 1607, many users complained that the update rendered many webcams inoperable. Reports reveal that Windows 10 Update version 1607 prevents the use of website in applications like Open Broadcaster Software, Skype, as well as several custom CCTV applications.
Popular webcam models like the Logitech C920, and C930e were reportedly not working when used even with Microsoft's own Skype application. Users have been complaining about the issue ever since the roll out of the update. However, it was only recently that the issue was blown up into mainstream consciousness when one user got to the bottom of the problem and posted in on Thurrot.com.
Tech giant Microsoft said that it is already working on a patch to fix the problem. However, the company did not establish a firm timeline regarding when the update will be released.
Further investigations about the issue reveal that the Windows 10 Anniversary Update changes some aspects of how the operating system handles webcams and cameras. It was also revealed that the issue affects both USB webcams and network-connected IP devices.
Windows usually allows only one program to gain access to a webcam at a time. This means that when Skype is using the camera, other applications like Windows Hello facial recognition or Open Broadcaster Software cannot use the camera at the same time.
Microsoft tried to address this issue on Windows 10 update version 1607. The update has a system service called Windows Camera Frame Server which connects to the data streams created by webcams. Applications are then required to connect not to the webcam but to this newly created frame server component. This allows that frame server to support multiple connections from different applications and essentially share video date from the webcam to all applications that are connected, according to Ars Technica.
