How to Install a Web Camera Without a CD
By Chappy Sinclair
Some webcams are plug-in-play and don't require installation, however numerous models require you to install drivers onto your computer. If you don't have the installation CD, drivers are usually available on the webcam manufacturer's website. Drivers downloaded from the manufacturer website are up-to-date and quick to install.
Step 1
Connect the webcam to an available USB port on the computer. Go to the website of the webcam's manufacturer, such as logitech.com or Microsoft.com.
Step 2
Click the "Support" or "Downloads" link. Select "Webcams" to narrow the search results. Most websites have a directory of all webcams in their product line. Use the list to find the specific version of your webcam.
Step 3
Download the drivers for your webcam and save files to your desktop. Drivers are packaged either as a ZIP or EXE file. If the drivers are an EXE file, double-click the file and follow the instructions to complete the installation. If the drivers are a in ZIP file, right-click the ZIP file and click "Extract to Here."
Step 4
Click the "Start" button in the Windows taskbar. Type "hdwwiz" into the Search Programs and Files field. Click "hdwwiz" to open the New Hardware Wizard. Click "Next." Click "Search for and Install the Hardware Automatically." Click "Next." Windows will detect the webcam, but it is not fully installed and will search for drivers. If the drivers are not detected automatically, select the recently extracted drivers on the desktop and follow the instructions on-screen to complete the installation.
References
Writer Bio
Chappy Sinclair has been writing professionally since 2006. He has been able to share his gaming and computer-related impressions and opinions on a national scale with published submissions in "PC Gamer Magazine" and "Maximum PC." Sinclair is currently studying for an aeronautical degree in navigation and avionics at the American Academy of Aeronautics.