Recent Windows 10 update causes problems for webcam users

The recently released Windows 10 Anniversary Update seems to be causing problems for many webcam users. With the removal of support for video encoding via mjpeg and h.264, many webcams can no longer transmit images.

Millions of people seem to be affected by webcam problems as many webcams use mjpeg or h.264. Specifically, it seems to be USB cameras that no longer have the ability to use these codecs. Microsoft responded to a developer support forum earlier this month, later saying it was working on a fix.

An update should be released next month that will make mjpeg available again. Microsoft is already testing the new software. However, support for h.264 doesn’t seem to be coming soon; this will have to wait longer and no release date is known. According to Microsoft, this will take longer because reintroducing h.264 is more complicated.

The reason for removing video encoding via mjpeg and h.264 on webcams is that Microsoft wanted to improve performance. After installing the Anniversary Update, it is possible that several applications want to access the webcam at the same time. Initially the plan was to force encoding via nv12 and yuy2.

Windows 10 Anniversary Update was released on August 2 and is free to all users of a device with Windows 10. The update includes Windows Ink, for working with a stylus on a touchscreen. Microsoft is also expanding support for the Hello biometric authentication system.