Camera rapidly disconnects and reconnects in software

Symptoms

• Camera will connect and disconnect rapidly when in OBS
• Cameras will not reconnect to Camera or OBS Software
• Error messages can include:
  • Something Went Wrong, Error code 0xA00F4271 <MediaCaptureFailedEvent> (0xC00D3704 or 0xC00D3EA2)
  • Can’t start your camera, Error Code 0xA00F4241<CameraSwitchFailed> (0xC00DABE0)

Affects

• Windows 10

Root Cause

A recent windows patch has affected some machine’s power settings that control the USB cameras which disconnects them to save power. 

Fix

1. Open and run your Windows Update and confirm all updates are installed
2. Check cameras in Windows Camera and OBS and confirm if this solved it.  If not, continue to next step.
3. Open Control Panel
4. Open Power Options
5. Click Change plan settings next to your currently selected power plan
6. Click Change advanced power settings
7. Click the plus [+] next to USB Settings and then USB selective suspend
8. Change On Battery and Plugged in settings to Disabled
9. Click Ok and then restart computer