Applicable To
- USB2-MICRO-250X
If the microscope is connected but no image appears, or you receive a message that another application is using the camera, the issue may be related to camera permissions or another application currently accessing the camera.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Close other applications that may be using a camera.
Completely close video conferencing applications, camera applications, browser tabs, or other software that may be accessing a camera.
After closing these applications, reopen the application you want to use with the microscope.
- Disconnect and reconnect the microscope.
Disconnect the USB2-MICRO-250X from the computer, wait a few seconds, and reconnect it.
When possible, connect the microscope directly to a USB port on the computer rather than through a USB hub while troubleshooting.
- Confirm camera access in Windows 11.
In Windows 11, open:
Settings > Privacy & security > Camera
Confirm that the following options are enabled:
- Camera access
- Let apps access your camera
- Let desktop apps access your camera, if you are using a desktop application
Microsoft provides additional information about camera privacy settings here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/windows-camera-microphone-and-privacy
- Confirm camera access in macOS.
On macOS, open:
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera
If you are using a third-party application, confirm that camera access is enabled for that application. You may need to quit and reopen the application after changing the permission.
Apple provides additional information about camera permissions here:
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/control-access-to-the-camera-on-mac-mchlf6d108da/mac
- Confirm that the operating system detects the microscope.
On Windows 11, open Device Manager and expand Cameras. Look for the microscope in the list of connected camera devices.
On macOS, open System Information, select USB, and look for a device listed as Digital Microscope.
- Test the microscope in another camera-capable application.
If the microscope works in another application, the USB connection and microscope hardware are functioning, and the issue is likely specific to the original application's camera selection or permissions.
- Restart the computer.
If another application or background process is still holding access to the camera, restarting the computer can release that connection and allow the microscope to be accessed again.
Expected Result
The operating system should detect the microscope and display a live image when selected in a compatible camera application.
If the Issue Persists
If the operating system detects the microscope but it still doesn't display an image in multiple camera applications, contact Plugable Support at support@plugable.com.
If the operating system does not detect the microscope at all, the issue may be related to the USB connection, USB port, adapter, or microscope hardware.
