Hardware Access Error - Messenger - Webcam and Mic

Anonymous
2018-10-31T15:37:39+00:00

Hello,

For the past week, I've been getting this pop up when I want to make a Messenger video call.  Been using this for over a year without a glitch.  Both camera and mic work fine with Skype and Zoom but not with Messenger.  Checked all settings in FB and Google Chrome to make sure mic and webcam are 'allowed'.  Tried a couple of troubleshooting YouTube vids.  Even did a whole recovery process, going through the pain of reinstalling apps...ugh..., with no results.  The only thing I remember that may - or may not- be related is that I connected my laptop (where I use Messenger) to my Samsung bluetooth speaker.  After that, Messenger video calls went kapout!!!  Please HEEEEEEEELP!!!! 

Thank you!

MC

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-03-31T12:33:35+00:00

    Hi there. I  am having the same problem. I have an ASUS and the microphone is on.  It happens with Facebook on my laptop only. I did all of what the gentleman did above and everything you recommended. I have used various web platforms and  reset my computer, to no avail. Can you help please? This is driving me crazy.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T17:08:44+00:00

    Hi MC,

    Here is a solution that has worked for me. I've found it by trial and error.

    Steps:

    1. Open Messenger app.
    2. Select the person that you want to speak to.
    3. Now, this step is extremely important: Start a voice-only chat, the video chat will be enabled in the next step.
    4. After the voice-only chat connection is established and you are able to hear the other person's voice, then and only then click on the camera to switch to the video chat.

    This solution has and is still working perfectly for me and I hope that it works for you. Try it and let me know if you had any luck with this solution.

    Additional Information:

    I am using the Facebook Messenger app version 440.9.118.0 on Windows 10 Home Single Language version 1909 OS build 18363.752

    Best Regards

    Walid Abdelkader

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T21:19:51+00:00

    That did not work for me.  It wouldn't allow me to click the camera button once I established the voice.  Arghhh

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T21:50:13+00:00

    Is there any other software that is accessing the camera at the same time along with the messenger?

    Also, make sure that the messager app has permissions to access both of the microphone and the camera, you will find these settings under Settings -> Privacy.

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T23:07:30+00:00

    Thanks for the prompt response. The app has permission but I don't know how to check if any other program has access. It used to work and not it is giving me the error.  How can I see what else is accessing the microphone?

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