Make "Windows 10 Turn on or Off Camera feature" available in Windows 7

[iko22]

Make "Windows 10 Turn on or Off Camera feature" available in Windows 7

This is the policy setting in Windows 10. It enables or prevents applications and utilities from using the camera device.

More on the windows 10 feature, see Turn off or on Camera in Windows 10​

How would you go about doing this in Windows 7. Via Elevated Command Prompt or GUI procedure?

 

[torchwood]

Hi Iko,
just go to device manager Dissable it.

Roy

 

[marsmimar]

Device Manager > disable driver.



EDIT: Sorry, Roy. Slow typist here.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
I don't show the listing so when did it show up or lead you to believe it is an issue in win-7 ?

 

[Callender]

I just use this to selectively enable/ disable the driver.

WebCam On-Off v1.2

​

I just launch it from a shortcut when required.

 

[iko22]

Thanks everyone for the uploads . Doesn't quite help. I think I was really looking for something that could prevent/enable stills cameras or media card readers connection from being detected by utilities or applications. Preferably without knowing what camera driver is connected.

If I had to resort to enabling/disabling each camera driver via device manager that wouldn't be the effect I was after. Maybe it would toggle a USB event or Message Queue event ?

I didn't mean uniquely Webcam I can say that for sure.

 

[iko22]

I just use this to selectively enable/ disable the driver.

WebCam On-Off v1.2

View attachment 397619​

I just launch it from a shortcut when required.

Thanks Callender, maybe I can look at that link later on.

 

[iko22]

Seems there is a difference between Auto Play and Auto Run. If autorun is disabled then autoplay does not respond to a device connected by peripheral lead, nor would other utilities detect the presence of the camera device?

 

[rvcjew]

No it would still see the device unless it is disabled as stated in the device manger as auto play is just a set of rules to either do nothing or import pictures or just open a usb stick ect, it is the list that pops up when you put in a device that uses media. Disabling it just makes it not come up for new devices and not do the saved settings for old devices. A program like skype for instance will still see a webcam ect. If you can see the device in devices and printers it can be seen by all other applications.

Malcolm

 

[Callender]

If you want to know which programs are accessing your webcam you can run this:

Who Stalks My Cam​

Also in the past I messed about with PrivacyFence. You can set it up to monitor protected file types and determine applications/ processes that can access or modify them. I have to say that understanding how to use it along with configuration is a huge issue. If an application tries to access a protected file type you will be notified with option to block.

I don't currently have it installed but here's some screenshots anyway.

List of protected file types and trusted applications:

Add file type to protected list:

NOTE: This is really only suitable for advanced users. You'd need a system image backup that you can restore before installing PrivacyFence. Also the installer must be run with admin rights (right click and run as admin)

Fortres Grand: Privacy Fence - Active Privacy Protection and Forensics

 

[iko22]

No it would still see the device unless it is disabled as stated in the device manger as auto play is just a set of rules to either do nothing or import pictures or just open a usb stick ect, it is the list that pops up when you put in a device that uses media. Disabling it just makes it not come up for new devices and not do the saved settings for old devices. A program like skype for instance will still see a webcam ect. If you can see the device in devices and printers it can be seen by all other applications.

Malcolm

Oh okay, that is Auto Play. I'm happy with Auto Play in the various Operating System versions. Maybe Autoruns can override Autoplay rules? Could be autorun is what I am seeking to find more about? Would that resolve the particular question that I have raised?

What if say for example, SLR device had been added to devices and printers while devices was enabled in Operating System? Then afterwards disabled. Perhaps by auto run. Would then the SLR still show in devices and printers, yet not seen by other applications and utilities?

 

[rvcjew]

Neither Autorun nor Autoplay will enable or disable devices, these are the differences.

What is the Difference Between AutoRun and AutoPlay? (SamLogic CD-Menu Creator - Article)

Malcolm