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.)
Best Answer
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 Properties (or Double-click), go to the Details Tab and search for "Physical Device Object name" in the Properties dropdown list and copy the value.
Now go to Process Explorer and click on "Find", then "Find Handle or DLL..." (or press CTRL+F) and enter your previously copied Device Handle.
Click search and after a bit of wait you will get a list with Processes using your Webcam.
Again: Beware that your Webcam's light might also be on because a built-in Microphone is in use, in which case you will also have to search for the Microphones Device Handle as well!