One of the more annoying quirks of Windows has been its restriction on using a single webcam across multiple applications simultaneously. Users have often had to rely on third-party software to work around this limitation, and the reasons behind it have been a mix of privacy concerns, security measures, and potential performance issues.
Fortunately, Microsoft is set to address this frustration with a new feature in the upcoming Windows 11 update, expected this fall. As reported by Windows Latest, the Multi-app Camera feature will enable users to stream webcam video to several applications at once.
While Multi-app Camera will permit simultaneous use, it will restrict settings adjustments to Windows 11’s central camera settings, meaning that changes to the webcam’s configuration—such as brightness—must be made there, rather than within each application. The update will also include Camera Basic Mode, designed to simplify the webcam’s features and facilitate easier troubleshooting.