The camera preview is stuck on Starting camera

Give it a few seconds on first launch, then click the window so it is focused. If it stays stuck, another app may be using the camera, or permission may be denied; check the camera permission steps above.

ScreenGuardian checks for updates and can install them for you, with signed update files so you are always getting a genuine build. You can also download the latest version from the download page any time.

How do I send a bug report?

In the app, open Help, then Send feedback. You can attach a screenshot and the log in one click, and it goes straight to the developer. Email works too.

Using the app

Troubleshooting

Q: The camera is not found or the live view is blank

Another app may be holding the camera; close video calls or recorders and try again. On macOS, check System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Camera, and make sure ScreenGuardian is enabled. If you have more than one camera, pick the right one in settings.

Q: macOS says the app is damaged or cannot be opened

Early macOS builds may not be notarized yet, so macOS quarantines them. Follow the macOS quarantine helper on the download page. ScreenGuardian never runs that step for you or hides it in the installer. Only use it for a build downloaded from this website.

Q: Windows shows a warning when I run the installer

Newer apps that are not yet widely distributed can trip a first-run warning. Confirm only if you downloaded the file from this website. The installer also adds a First Run Guide to the Start menu.

Most issues come down to camera access or a first-run security prompt. Here are the common ones and how to clear them. If none of these help, open Help, then Send feedback in the app, or email [email protected].

Camera not found or blank live view

Only one app can use the camera at a time on many systems, so close any video call or screen recorder and try again. On macOS, open System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Camera, and make sure ScreenGuardian is turned on. If you have more than one camera, choose the right one in settings.

macOS: "app is damaged or cannot be opened"

Early builds may not be notarized yet, so macOS quarantines them. Follow the macOS quarantine helper on the download page. ScreenGuardian never runs that step automatically or hides it in the installer, and you should only use it for a build downloaded from this website.

Windows: first-run warning

A newer app that is not yet widely distributed can trip a first-run warning. Confirm only if you downloaded the file from this website. The installer adds a First Run Guide to the Start menu to help you get going.

Preview stuck on "Starting camera"

On first launch give it a few seconds, then click the window so it is focused. If it stays stuck, another app is probably using the camera, or permission was denied; work through the camera steps above.

Updates

ScreenGuardian checks for updates and can install them for you, using signed update files so you always get a genuine build. You can also grab the latest version from the download page whenever you like.

Still stuck?

Send a report from Help, then Send feedback in the app, it can attach a screenshot and the log in one click, so we can see what happened. You can also reach [email protected] or visit Support.