Steam Client Webhelper using my Webcam

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Apokalyxio Dec 9, 2021 @ 12:49pm

Even though I have "Broadcasting disabled" this application (Steam Client Webhelper) tries to access my webcam according to my Kaspersky notification.

According to another thread this seems to be an ongoing issue since at least 2019:

https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/1755771741308246138/

The only thing that was suggested in the above thread was to disable Broadcasting. But since I've had that option disabled for a long time I do wonder for what obscure reason the application still wants to access my webcam.

Other than explanations I'd love to hear recommendations to prevent the application from trying to access my webcam. (I have a webcam shutter, so I don't mind too much but it's still weird)

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Showing 1-5 of 5 comments

Mad Scientist Dec 9, 2021 @ 12:54pm

If you're using steams voice communications it will ask you to allow anything seen as a microphone to be selected for that purpose. Most webcams have microphones built into them, so... the question is what your default recording device is, which should be a dedicated microphone, and thus the first thing it asks you for permission.

Apokalyxio Dec 9, 2021 @ 1:12pm

I have specifically disabled my Webcam microphone (Win10 Sound Control Panel -> rightclicked disable) because it has pretty bad quality. As such every app I've checked so far doesn't even show the webcam microphone as an option.

I haven't changed this setting for at least 6 months either. So while that's still a possibility I kind of doubt that this is the reason.

crunchyfrog Dec 9, 2021 @ 4:31pm

Originally posted by Apokalyxio:
I have specifically disabled my Webcam microphone (Win10 Sound Control Panel -> rightclicked disable) because it has pretty bad quality. As such every app I've checked so far doesn't even show the webcam microphone as an option.

I haven't changed this setting for at least 6 months either. So while that's still a possibility I kind of doubt that this is the reason.

Frankly, I'd double check. If you're using Windows 10, it has a nasty habit of downloading updates and resetting things without telling you.