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Most laptops and computers come with a webcam that you can use with teleconferencing apps, such as Zoom and Skype. Of course, you can use the webcam for other programs. You can also use a variety of software to record videos from your webcam.
However, an issue arises where the webcam's images show upside-down or flipped. When you are in a meeting or making videos, you notice that your image is mirrored. Some users have come to accept mirrored images as normal. However, it's mostly an issue caused by the webcam settings or software.
Reversed images could be an issue with the webcam settings, drivers, or the program itself. Taking these into consideration, we've compiled the best fixes to straighten your webcam image and make it display correctly.
Webcam images show in reverse or upside down
If the images or video from your webcam display upside down or in reverse, you don't have to worry because you can repair it easily. Read this section, as it explains the following solutions to fix the issue.
- Disable the mirroring or flip/rotate feature.
- Update the webcam's driver.
- Rollback the drivers.
The above solutions will get your webcam working right. In the sections that follow, you'll find more in-depth steps for carrying out the above processes.
1] Disable the mirroring or flip/rotate feature
So many teleconferencing applications make use of your computer's webcam. You could be noticing the reverse images of Zoom but not on Skype or Meet. If the issue arises on specific applications, then it may be from settings in the program.
In the Video settings area, find image mirroring settings. This feature can also be called Flip or Rotate in other applications. Ensure that the setting here is disabled.
For Zoom, open the client and click on the gear-shaped icon at the top right-hand corner of the screen. Click on Video on the left-hand pane and click on Rotate 90 until it's straight.
In Skype, go to Settings > Audio & Video > Webcam settings. Switch to the Camera Control tab and uncheck the Horizontal and Vertical options for Flip.
2] Update the webcam's driver
Your webcam's driver may be outdated if the images are inverted in every program. Visit your webcam manufacturer's website and download the latest version of the drivers.
After downloading the driver updates, double-click on it and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation. Finally, restart your machine to apply the driver update.
If you can't find your manufacturer's website or the drivers, then follow these steps to update it through Windows:
Press the Windows button and search for Device Manager. Open it from the search results.
Expand Camera or Imaging devices and right-click on your webcam from the list. Select the Update driver option and follow the on-screen instructions to perform the update. Restart your computer when you're done.
3] Rollback these drivers
If you started noticing the upside-down or reverse images after updating your computer or drivers, the updates may be the cause. In this case, rolling back the driver to a later edition may solve the problem.
Right-click on the Start menu and choose Run. Type devmgmt.msc and hit ENTER. Right-click on your webcam under Cameras or Imaging devices and select Properties.
Switch to the Driver tab. Now, hit the Roll Back Driver button. Select the Previous version of the driver performed better option and click Yes. Click on the OK button to finalize and then restart your machine.
Upside-down images from your webcam can be caused by software or hardware issues. In any case, the solutions we've explored in this guide will help you fix the issue of reversed webcam images.
