A GoPro makes a surprisingly good webcam. It has a sharp sensor, a wide field of view, and it can mount almost anywhere. On Windows 11, GoPro’s free GoPro Webcam app turns recent HERO cameras into a webcam over a single USB cable, and it works with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, OBS, and most other video apps. This guide covers which models work, how to set it up, and how to fix the common problems.
Quick answer
Update your GoPro’s firmware, install the GoPro Webcam app for Windows from GoPro’s website, connect the camera to your PC with a USB-C cable, and turn it on. Then open your video app and choose GoPro Camera as the camera.
Which GoPro models work as a webcam?
The GoPro Webcam app supports the HERO8 Black and newer, including the HERO9, HERO10, HERO11, HERO12, and HERO13 Black. Older cameras don’t support USB webcam mode. For those, you’ll need a capture card connected to the camera’s HDMI output, as covered later in this guide.
What you’ll need
- A supported GoPro with a charged battery or steady USB power.
- A USB-C cable that supports data. The cable that came with the camera works. Some charge-only cables won’t.
- A Windows 11 PC with a free USB port.
- A tripod, clamp, or mount to hold the camera at eye level.
Step 1: Update the GoPro firmware
Open the GoPro Quik app on your phone, connect to your camera, and install any available update. You can also update manually by downloading the firmware from GoPro’s support site and copying it to the camera’s microSD card. Webcam mode depends on recent firmware, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Install GoPro Webcam on Windows 11
- Go to GoPro’s website and download the GoPro Webcam desktop app for Windows.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Restart your PC if asked.
- Open GoPro Webcam. A GoPro icon appears in the system tray near the clock.
Step 3: Connect the camera
- Turn on the GoPro.
- Connect it to the PC with the USB-C cable.
- Wait a few seconds. The camera switches to USB mode, and the GoPro icon in the system tray shows a blue dot when connected.
- Right-click the tray icon and choose Show Preview to check the picture.
Step 4: Select the GoPro in your video app
- Open Zoom, Teams, Meet, or another app.
- Go to its video or camera settings.
- Choose GoPro Camera as the camera.
If the app was already open before you connected the GoPro, close it completely and reopen it so the camera appears in the list. The tray icon shows a red dot while the GoPro is streaming video.
Adjust the GoPro webcam settings
Right-click the tray icon to change options:
- Lens Mode: Choose Wide for the full view, Linear to remove the fisheye curve, or Narrow for a tighter frame. Linear or Narrow usually looks best on video calls.
- Resolution: Pick 1080p for the sharpest image or 720p if your connection or PC struggles.
- Mirror/flip: Flip the preview if text or your movements look reversed.
You can also change brightness and other image settings in some video apps. See how to adjust webcam settings for general tips.
Using an older GoPro with a capture card
If your camera is older than the HERO8, or you want lower delay, connect the GoPro’s HDMI output to a USB capture card and plug that into your PC. Windows sees the capture card as a webcam. Older HERO models have a micro-HDMI port, while newer models need GoPro’s Media Mod accessory for HDMI. Set the camera to show a clean output without on-screen icons if the option is available.
Troubleshooting
- GoPro Camera isn’t listed: Restart the video app. Make sure GoPro Webcam is running in the tray.
- Camera doesn’t connect: Try another USB port and a different USB-C cable. Avoid unpowered USB hubs.
- Black screen: Close other apps that might be using the camera, such as the Windows Camera app.
- Camera shuts off or gets hot: Keep it in a well-ventilated spot. For long sessions, steady USB power helps. GoPro’s support pages explain how to power the camera without a battery on models that support it.
- Still not working: Reinstall GoPro Webcam and update the firmware again.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GoPro Webcam app free?
Yes. It’s a free download from GoPro for supported cameras.
Can I record to the SD card while using webcam mode?
No. In webcam mode, the camera streams to your PC and doesn’t record to the card at the same time.
Should I use the GoPro’s microphone?
For calls, plan on using your PC’s microphone, a headset, or a USB mic. In your video app’s audio settings, choose that microphone separately from the GoPro camera.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.