One of the most useful computer accessories when making a VoIP call is a webcam as it allows both parties to see each other. Although most webcams out in the market today are plug and play on your Windows 10 PC there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the webcam error code 0xa00f4243 in Windows 10.
What to do when you get the error code 0xa00f4243 when using the webcam
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and removes any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from another application using the webcam to outdated drivers. Listed below are the recommended troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Close apps with the task manager
If you get the error message “Close other apps… It looks like another app is using the camera already. If you need it, here’s the error code 0xA00F4243.” then the first thing you will want to do is to close the other apps that could be using the webcam.
- Right-click Windows 10’s taskbar and select Task Manager on the menu.
- Task Manager’s Processes tab lists apps and background services that are consuming system resources. Select all software listed under the Apps heading.
- Press the End task button to close the selected app.
- You should also close camera app services listed under Background processes. For example, you might find numerous Skype app services, such as Skype Bridge, under Background processes.
Check if the webcam error code 0xa00f4243 still occurs.
Reset the webcam
If the webcam is not working properly then you can reset this from the windows 10 setting.
- Click on the Start button then click on Settings
- Click on Apps
- Find the Camera app then click on the Advanced options
- Press the Reset button, and select Reset again to confirm.
Check if the webcam error code 0xa00f4243 issue still occurs.
Perform a clean boot
Since the webcam error code 0xa00f4243 is caused by a software conflict then a clean boot configured to exclude third-party software and services can fix the problem.
- Hold the Windows Key and press R
- Type msconfig and click OK in the Run dialog box.
- Choose the Services Tab, then put a check on Hide All Microsoft Services and select Disable All.
- Click Apply, and Click OK. This prompts you to restart; choose Restart Later.
- Hold the Windows Key and Press R.
- Type msconfig and click OK.
- Choose Start Up and select Open Task Manager.
- At the last field called Start-Up Impact disable all the ones with High Impact.
- Reboot your system and it will start up in the clean boot mode.
If the issue does not occur in clean boot then the problem could be caused by a software installed in your computer. Start by enabling one service at a time in the same manner and stop when the webcam error comes back. You should reinstall the service or application that is causing the problem.
To undo the clean boot
- Open Start
- Search for msconfig and click the top result to open the System Configuration experience.
- On the General tab, select the Normal startup option.
- Click the Services tab.
- Check the Hide all Microsoft services option.
- Click the Enable All button.
- Click the Startup tab.
- Click the Open Task Manager link.
- On the Startup tab, select each item and click the Enable button.
- Close Task Manager.
- Restart your computer.