Have you ever tried a long-distance relationship? If you answered yes, you know how invaluable the webcam can be for staying connected to not only your partner but also your loved ones. Not to mention, it’s a handy tool for Zoom meetings and offline presentations. Therefore, the thought of your in-built Acer webcam not working can be a little daunting. But, don’t panic just yet! 

Depending on the model you choose, you can connect a webcam to an Acer laptop either via USB or WiFi connection. However, it’s crucial to ensure you get one that’s compatible with your computer.

You don’t have to be a tech guru to connect an external webcam to your Acer laptop. With this handy guide, your webcam should be up and running in no time. So, let’s get this show on the road. Shall we?

How Do I Connect a Webcam to My Acer Laptop?

Acer laptops feature built-in webcams that you can use for video chatting, streaming live events or calling your family and friends. However, sometimes, this built-in camera doesn’t live up to the users’ expectations.

You see, unlike external webcams, internal ones don’t have advanced features like auto-focus, HD resolution or face tracking. As you can imagine, these features are musts for high-quality video calls and conferencing, thus making your in-built Acer laptop webcam an ineffective tool.

This is where external webcams come in – they have all the bells and whistles that make a webcam great! But how do you connect them to your laptop? There are two primary ways of doing it. Depending on the model you’ve chosen, you can use a USB cable or connect the webcam via WiFi.

USB Connection

This is the more common method of connection, and it’s pretty simple. All you need to do is:

Connect the USB webcam to your laptop

USB webcams come with a USB cable which you can use to connect it to your laptop. Remember that the webcam will always be a few feet away from the computer, as long as it’s connected via a cord.

Install the Webcam Software

Some USB webcams require software installation before you can use them. If this is the case, you will find a CD/DVD and instructions on how to install it in the box when you unpack your webcam.

If the CD/DVD is not inside the package, you can access the drives and software on the company’s website.

However, before you turn the internet upside down trying to find the software and drivers, try step 3 first. Today, Most USB webcams don’t require software installation.

Wait for the Setup Page to Pop Up

Once you plug in your webcam,  you should see a small box appear on your screen with the words “New Hardware Detected.” If you do, click it and follow any instructions to install its software.

Follow the instructions Displayed on the Screen

Once the setup page pops up, you should see some software installation instructions. Follow each installation step until the device is fully installed. If the device isn’t digitally signed, Windows may ask you whether to install the software or not. Choose Install anyway, and don’t worry about it being an unsigned device.

Select Preferences and Settings

Once the webcam is fully installed, choose your preferred settings for the webcam.

Ensure Everything is Working Correctly

Test the video stream and audio to ensure they’re working correctly and adjust the webcam to your preferences.

Source: It Still Works

WiFi Connection

Some webcams require a wired internet connection to work. If your webcam falls in this category, follow the steps below to connect it to your Acer laptop:

  • Use an ethernet cable to connect your webcam to the router. This step is vital for the configuration process. However, you won’t need the cable once the device is installed and set up.Set up the wireless feature of your webcam using your office or home WiFi settings. The setup instructions should pop up on your screen once you’ve inserted the internet cable. Input the requested fields the device requests.Disconnect the ethernet cable and allow for a wireless connection.Test the webcam to see if everything is working as expected.

Now Go

If you’re not satisfied with the in-built camera in your Acer laptop, an external webcam is an excellent alternative. These have advanced features and offer unmatched image quality. However, external webcams are not made equal. You’ll need to research, read reviews, and compare various options to narrow down to the best one for your needs.

Once you’ve found a suitable webcam for your Acer laptop, follow the step-by-step guide we’ve provided to connect it to your computer. If it doesn’t work, consider checking your user manual to find out if there are any model-specific instructions or contact the manufacturer for assistance.