How to Use Your GoPro as a Webcam in Windows

In July of this year, the GoPro released an update to use action cameras as webcam on macOS computers.

Now, the new feature has gained compatibility for Windows computers, allowing users to conduct immersive, high-definition video calls using the camera as a webcam.

The program GoPro Webcam has compatibility via Google Chrome and apps for Zoom, Webex, Slack, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype and Facebook Rooms. Cameras older than HERO8 Black models can be used as a webcam on computers, but they have some configuration limitations.

For live streams on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and Vimeo, the company has made it available since 2019, for GoPro MAX, HERO 8 Black, HERO 7 Black cameras resource within the GoPro App (iOS and Android) that allows the realization of lives directly from the user's profile on these platforms with resolutions of 480p, 720p or 1080p (only available on HERO8 Black and MAX).

To use your GoPro as a webcam for your Windows computer, check out this complete walkthrough.

How to Use a GoPro as a Webcam in Windows

Update your camera

1. You can update your camera via the GoPro App or manually by performing the firmware download e following the update instructions.
2. Insert the camera's microSD card into the computer using a microSD card adapter or the built-in reader.

3. In the “Downloads” folder on your computer, locate the Update.zip file.
Right-click on the file, select “Extract All” and then “Save”.

4. You will now see the “UPDATE” folder, drag it to your microSD card listed as “Unnamed”.
You must move the extracted folder from the zip file. If you see folders with numbers at the end, like UPDATE(1), don't take it to your microSD card. Repeat the entire process of downloading and extracting the original file.

5. Safely remove the microSD card from the computer, insert it into the camera and install the update on your camera.

Installing the GoPro Webcam on Your Computer

1. Obtain your GoPro Webcam  and follow the steps to install the software on your Windows computer.

2. You will see a new GoPro icon on your toolbar.

3. Connect your camera to your computer via USB cable (you can use the one that came with your GoPro). For best results, it is recommended to connect the camera to a USB 3.0 port.
The camera will be in USB mode.

Configuring Webcam on Windows

1. To open the webcam settings, click on the installed program icon on your taskbar and select “Show Preview”. This feature allows you to have a wide view of your field of view before starting your video call or live stream, and you can choose to have a mirrored or inverted image.

2. To use the webcam on a platform like Zoom, go to the camera settings and select the GoPro Camera as the camera of choice.
Important: if the video calling app you are going to use is already open, you may have to restart it for the configuration to work.

3. The camera will then be in webcam mode.

4. And a red notification on the program icon on the computer's toolbar will indicate that the camera is recording.

For now, you can choose HD (720p) or Full HD (1080p) resolutions and have the image mirrored or inverted in your stream. The company indicates that in the future you will be able to use the camera with a more open or closed angle and that, probably, new cameras should receive the webcam feature.

Source: GoPro