Camera doesn't work in Windows
Applies To
Windows 11 Windows 10If your camera stops working, it can disrupt video calls, online meetings, and other activities that rely on camera. Common causes include missing drivers after a recent update, antivirus software blocking the camera, restrictive privacy settings, or issues with the app you're trying to use. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve camera problems effectively.
Run the Windows camera troubleshooter
If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated camera troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most camera problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to General troubleshooting steps.
Run the troubleshooter in Get Help
If the Camera troubleshooter in Get Help app is unable to resolve your issue, select your specific Camera problem from the Most common camera problems section below and follow the provided steps. If your issue is not listed, try the possible solutions listed.
General troubleshooting
Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the camera problem.
-
If you're using an external camera, ensure it is securely connected to the USB port. Check for any loose cords or cables and confirm all connections are properly plugged in.
-
To rule out hardware issues, test the camera on a different device.
Some laptops and portable devices have a physical switch or button that turns the camera on or off. When it's turned off, your device may not recognize that there's a camera installed, or it may cause your camera to show an image of a camera with a slash through it. If your laptop has a switch or button, make sure it's in the on position before using your camera.
Those switches or buttons may not be easy to find, so make sure you check all possible places. For example, it could be:
-
A button on the keyboard that's activated with the Fn key
-
A dedicated camera button on the keyboard
-
A sliding switch on the side of a laptop
-
A small slider for a shutter, built right into the camera
If you recently updated Windows 11, you might need to give apps permission to use the camera. In newer versions of Windows 11, some apps won't have default access to the camera.
Here's how to let your apps access the camera:
-
Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera .Allow access to the camera on this device
-
Make sure Camera access is turned on.
Note: If camera access for the device is turned off and greyed out, you'll need an administrator on the device to turn on camera access for you.
-
Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned on.
-
Choose which apps should have access. Only apps that were installed from the Microsoft Store will appear in this list.
If you're having problems with an app that you did not install from Microsoft Store, make sure that Let desktop apps access your camera is turned on. You can't turn off camera access for individual desktop apps. Internet browsers, like Microsoft Edge, and many video conferencing apps, like Microsoft Teams, are desktop apps that require this setting to be turned on.
For more information, visit Manage app permissions for camera in Windows.
Use the Camera app in Windows to check if the issue is specific to a certain app.
-
Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
-
If the camera works in one app but not another, the issue lies with the app settings.
-
Check for updates. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
-
If there are no updates for your camera, try to select Advanced options > Optional updates, and look for any driver updates for your camera. Allow available updates to install, then restart your device when it's ready.
-
-
Restart your PC. If you haven't restarted your device since the camera stopped working, you should do so. Select Start > Power > Restart . Waking up your device from sleep isn't the same thing as a restart.
-
Test your camera with the Camera app. Select Start , then choose Camera from your apps. If you're asked to allow access to the Camera, select Yes. If the camera works in the Camera app, the problem might be with the app you're trying to use. Open Camera
The camera troubleshooter might be able to fix camera problems automatically. To run the troubleshooter:
-
Select Start > Settings > System.
-
Scroll down and click Troubleshoot, then select Other troubleshooters.
-
Locate the Camera section and click the Run button to launch the camera troubleshooter
Some antivirus programs or firewalls might block camera access. Look for that settings and temporarily disable them and test your camera. For help, visit your antivirus software company’s website.
Try a different USB port and scan for hardware changes:
If you're using an external camera, try using it with a different USB port on your device first. If that doesn't work, or your camera is built in on your device, try this:
-
Select Start , type device manager, then select it from the search results.
-
Find your camera under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
-
If you can't find your camera, select the Action menu, then select Scan for hardware changes.
-
Wait for it to scan and reinstall updated drivers, restart your device, then open the Camera app again to test it.
-
If these steps don't fix your issue, continue to the next steps.
Roll back the camera driver:
If your camera stopped working after an update, try these steps:
-
In Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) on your camera, then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver, and then choose Yes. (Some drivers don’t provide this option. If your driver doesn’t have Roll Back Driver available, go ahead to the next fix.)
-
After the roll back is complete, restart your device, and then try opening the Camera app again.
-
If rolling back didn’t work or isn’t available, continue to the next steps.
Uninstall your camera driver and scan for hardware changes:
-
In Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) on your camera, and then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, then select Uninstall Device. Select the check box for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select OK.
-
In Device Manager, on the Action menu, select Scan for hardware changes.
-
Wait for it to scan and reinstall updated drivers, restart your PC, and then try opening the Camera app again.
Note: If your camera still doesn’t work, look for help on the camera manufacturer’s website.
Switch external USB camera to use UVC driver:
Most available USB webcams are UVC (standard USB Video Class) compatible cameras. They will work with the UVC driver that is included in Windows (the in-box UVC driver). If your webcam is not working correctly, swapping to the in-box UVC driver may resolve the issue. Please follow the steps below to change drivers (admin rights are required).
Note: The in-box UVC driver may not support all the features of your camera. For example, Windows Hello face recognition may no longer work if it was supported by the camera manufacturer's driver using custom USB extensions not supported by the in-box driver.
-
Select Start , type device manager, then select it from the search results.
-
Find the problem webcam from the list of devices shown in the Device Manager. It should appear either under Cameras or Imaging devices.
-
Right-click the webcam device and select Update driver.
-
Select Browse my computer for drivers.
-
Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
-
Select USB Video Device and then select Next to complete the driver update.
-
Select Close to acknowledge settings choices and go back to Device Manager. The webcam will now appear under the Cameras category in the Device Manager list.
Most common camera problems
Below, you will find the most common camera problems users have experienced, along with the error codes and the steps to troubleshoot them.
Error codes and their potential causes
The following list outlines error codes and potential causes associated with Windows camera. Click on the error code to view the detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve.
|
Error code |
Cause |
|---|---|
|
The system cannot detect the camera. |
|
|
Another app or process is using the camera. |
|
|
Access denied to the camera |
|
|
Camera access restricted by policy. |
|
|
Insufficient system resources to run the camera. |
|
|
Camera locked by security software |
|
|
Device detection error due to registry or hardware issue. |
|
|
Video start failed |
|
|
General error often due to hardware or driver failure. |
If the camera is not detected, it could be due to loose or disconnected hardware (for external cameras) or incorrect privacy settings. To resolve this:
Ensure that the camera is connected: If you're using an external camera, ensure it is securely connected to the USB port. Check for any loose cords or cables and confirm all connections are properly plugged in.
Enable camera in the Device manager: Select Start > Device Manager. Expand Cameras and right click on your camera from the list. If you see a Disable device option that means your camera is already enabled. If the camera is disabled, you'll see a Enable device option to enable the camera.
Check privacy settings for camera: Here's how you can let your apps access the camera:
If you're having problems with an app that you did not install from Microsoft Store, make sure that Let desktop apps access your camera is turned on. You can't turn off c1amera access for individual desktop apps. Internet browsers, like Microsoft Edge, and many video conferencing apps, like Microsoft Teams, are desktop apps that require this setting to be turned on.
For more information, visit Manage app permissions for camera in Windows.
-
Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera .Allow access to the camera on this device
-
Make sure Camera access is turned on.
Note: If camera access for the device is turned off and greyed out, you'll need an administrator on the device to turn on camera access for you.
-
Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned on.
-
Choose which apps should have access. Only apps that were installed from the Microsoft Store will appear in this list.
If the camera isn’t working in specific apps, it could be because another app is using the camera or due to restricted camera access. To resolve this issue:
Close all the apps that might be using camera:
-
Shut down any background apps that could be accessing the camera and causing conflicts.
-
Check Task Manager for apps using the camera and close them: Right click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. You'll see a list of apps that are running. Right-click on any app using the camera and select End Task to close it.
Check privacy settings for camera: Here's how you can let your apps access the camera:
-
Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera .
-
Make sure Camera access is turned on.
Note: If camera access for the device is turned off and greyed out, you'll need an administrator on the device to turn on camera access for you.
-
Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned on.
-
Choose which apps should have access. Only apps that were installed from the Microsoft Store will appear in this list.
If you're having problems with an app that you did not install from Microsoft Store, make sure that Let desktop apps access your camera is turned on. You can't turn off c1amera access for individual desktop apps. Internet browsers, like Microsoft Edge, and many video conferencing apps, like Microsoft Teams, are desktop apps that require this setting to be turned on.
For more information, visit Manage app permissions for camera in Windows.
Also, ensure antivirus or third-party security software is not blocking the camera.
-
Check the group policy settings (for enterprise users).
-
Contact your IT admin if policies are restricted.
-
Check privacy settings for camera: Here's how you can let your apps access the camera:
-
Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera .
-
Make sure Camera access is turned on.
Note: If camera access for the device is turned off and greyed out, you'll need an administrator on the device to turn on camera access for you.
-
Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned on.
-
Choose which apps should have access. Only apps that were installed from the Microsoft Store will appear in this list.
-
If you're having problems with an app that you did not install from Microsoft Store, make sure that Let desktop apps access your camera is turned on. You can't turn off c1amera access for individual desktop apps. Internet browsers, like Microsoft Edge, and many video conferencing apps, like Microsoft Teams, are desktop apps that require this setting to be turned on.
For more information, visit Manage app permissions for camera in Windows.
If your camera freezes or crashes or doesn't open, follow the below steps to resolve.
-
Close unnecessary apps to free up the memory.
-
Restart your computer.
-
Update the camera driver:
-
Select Start > Device Manager.
-
Expand Cameras section and look for your camera from the list.
-
Right-click on your camera and select Update driver.
-
Select Search automatically for drivers: Windows will search online for the latest driver and install it if available.
-
Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
-
Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall:
-
Open the antivirus or firewall application from the Start menu.
-
Look for an option to disable or pause protection, often found in the Settings, Tools, or Protection tab.
-
Select a duration for the temporary disable (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour).
-
Update your antivirus software.
Run the camera troubleshooter: The camera troubleshooter might be able to fix camera problems automatically. To run the troubleshooter:
-
Select Start > Settings > System.
-
Scroll down and click Troubleshoot, then select Other troubleshooters.
-
Locate the Camera section and click the Run button to launch the camera troubleshooter
Reinstall camera drivers:
-
Select Start > Device Manager.
-
Expand Cameras section and look for your camera from the list.
-
Right-click on your camera and select Uninstall device.
-
In the confirmation dialog, check the box for Delete the driver software for this device (if available).
-
Click Uninstall to remove the driver.
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Restart your PC after uninstalling the driver. Windows will attempt to reinstall the default driver automatically.
-
After restarting, Device Manager, right-click the camera and select Update driver.
-
Select Search automatically for drivers: Windows will search online for the latest driver and install it if available.
This is often due to outdated or incompatible drivers. To resolve:
Update the camera driver:
-
Select Start > Device Manager.
-
Expand Cameras section and look for your camera from the list.
-
Right-click on your camera and select Update driver.
-
Select Search automatically for drivers: Windows will search online for the latest driver and install it if available.
-
Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Check for Windows updates:
-
Check for updates. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
-
If there are no updates for your camera, try to select Advanced options > Optional updates, and look for any driver updates for your camera. Allow available updates to install, then restart your device when it's ready.
-
-
Restart your PC. If you haven't restarted your device since the camera stopped working, you should do so. Select Start > Power > Restart . Waking up your device from sleep isn't the same thing as a restart.
Test your camera in a different app: Use the Camera app in Windows to check if the issue is specific to a certain app.
-
Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
-
If the camera works in one app but not another, the issue lies with the app settings.
If you see a black screen or no video, it might be due to faulty camera hardware, outdated drivers, poor lighting or physical obstruction. To resolve this:
Update the camera driver:
-
Select Start > Device Manager.
-
Expand Cameras section and look for your camera from the list.
-
Right-click on your camera and select Update driver.
-
Select Search automatically for drivers: Windows will search online for the latest driver and install it if available.
-
Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Test your camera in a different app: Use the Camera app in Windows to check if the issue is specific to a certain app.
-
Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
-
If the camera works in one app but not another, the issue lies with the app settings.
Ensure the camera lens is clean and not blocked.
If you see a blurry or low-quality video, it might be due to poor camera resolution, dirty or damaged camera lens, or network issues during video calls. To resolve this:
-
Clean the camera lens.
-
Adjust resolution settings in the camera app or video conferencing app.
-
Ensure strong and stable internet connectivity.
Follow the below troubleshooting steps if your camera stopped working after updating to Windows.
Roll back the camera driver:
If your camera stopped working after an update, try these steps:
-
In Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) on your camera, then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver, and then choose Yes. (Some drivers don’t provide this option. If your driver doesn’t have Roll Back Driver available, go ahead to the next fix.)
-
After the roll back is complete, restart your device, and then try opening the Camera app again.
-
If rolling back didn’t work or isn’t available, continue to the next steps.
Uninstall your camera driver and scan for hardware changes:
-
In Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) on your camera, and then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, then select Uninstall Device. Select the check box for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select OK.
-
In Device Manager, on the Action menu, select Scan for hardware changes.
-
Wait for it to scan and reinstall updated drivers, restart your PC, and then try opening the Camera app again.
Note: If your camera still doesn’t work, look for help on the camera manufacturer’s website.
If your camera stops working, it can disrupt video calls, online meetings, and other activities that rely on camera. Common causes include missing drivers after a recent update, antivirus software blocking the camera, restrictive privacy settings, or issues with the app you're trying to use. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve camera problems effectively.
Run the Windows camera troubleshooter
If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated camera troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most camera problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to General troubleshooting steps.
Run the troubleshooter in Get Help
If the Camera troubleshooter in Get Help app is unable to resolve your issue, select your specific Camera problem from the Most common camera problems section below and follow the provided steps. If your issue is not listed, try the possible solutions listed.
General troubleshooting
Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the camera problem.
-
If you're using an external camera, ensure it is securely connected to the USB port. Check for any loose cords or cables and confirm all connections are properly plugged in.
-
To rule out hardware issues, test the camera on a different device.
Some laptops and portable devices have a physical switch or button that turns the camera on or off. When turned off, your device won't recognize that there's a camera installed, or may cause your camera to show an image of a camera with a slash through it. If your computer has a switch or button, make sure it's in the on position before using your camera.
Those switches or buttons may not be easy to find, so make sure you check all possible places. For example, it could be:
-
A sliding switch on the side of a laptop
-
A button on a keyboard with a camera icon
-
A small slider for a shutter, built right into the camera
If you recently updated Windows 10, you might need to give apps permission to use the camera. In newer versions of Windows 10, some apps don’t have default access to the camera.
To let your device access the camera, select Start , then select Settings > Privacy > Camera . In Allow access to the camera on this device, if Camera access for this device is turned off, select Change and turn on Camera access for this device.
Allow access to the camera on this device
Note: If camera access for the device is turned off and you can't select Change, you'll need an administrator on the device to turn on camera access for you.
Before any app can access your camera, make sure camera access is turned on for apps in your user account. Make sure that Allow apps to access your camera is turned on.
After allowing access to the camera, go to Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera and turn on camera access for the apps you want. Only apps installed from the Microsoft Store will show in this list.
If you installed the app from the internet, a disc, a USB drive, or your IT administrator installed the app for you, it might not be a Microsoft Store app. To check, go to Allow desktop apps to access your camera and make sure it's turned on. Internet browsers (like Microsoft Edge) and many video conferencing apps (like Microsoft Teams) are desktop apps that require this setting to be turned on.
For more information, visit Manage app permissions for camera in Windows.
Use the Camera app in Windows to check if the issue is specific to a certain app.
-
Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
-
If the camera works in one app but not another, the issue lies with the app settings.
-
Check for updates. Select Start , then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. If you see the option to View optional updates, select it to see if there are updates available for your camera. Allow available updates to install, then restart your device when it's ready.
-
Restart your PC. If you haven't restarted your device since the camera stopped working, you should do so. Select Start , then select Power > Restart. Waking up your device from sleep isn't the same thing as a restart.
-
Test your camera with the Camera app. Select Start , then choose Camera from the list of apps. If you're asked to allow access to the Camera, select Yes. If the camera works in the Camera app, the problem might be with the app you're trying to use. Open Camera
-
Select Start > Settings > Update & security.
-
From the left-hand menu, select Troubleshoot.
-
Go to Find and fix other problems section and click on Camera and then select Run the troubleshooter.
Some antivirus programs or firewalls might block camera access. Look for that settings and temporarily disable them and test your camera. For help, visit your antivirus software company’s website.
Try a different USB port and scan for hardware changes:
If you're using an external camera, try using it with a different USB port on your device first. If that doesn't work, or your camera is built in on your device, try this:
-
In Search on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the search results.
-
Find your camera under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
-
If you can't find your camera, select the Action menu, then select Scan for hardware changes.
-
Wait for it to scan and reinstall updated drivers, restart your device, then try opening the Camera app again.
-
If these steps don't fix your issue, continue to the next steps.
Check for an incompatible camera driver:
Some older cameras that were designed for older devices aren't compatible with Windows 10. Here's how to check if your camera is compatible:
-
In Device Manager, look for your camera under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
-
Right-click (or press and hold) on the name of your camera, and then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, select the Driver Details button, and look for a file name that includes stream.sys. If it’s there, your camera was designed before Windows 7 and you'll have to replace it with a newer camera.
-
If you don't find a file name that includes stream.sys, continue to the next steps.
Roll back the camera driver:
If your camera stopped working after an update, try these steps:
-
In Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) on your camera, and then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver, and then choose Yes. (Some drivers don’t provide this option. If your driver doesn’t have Roll Back Driver available, go ahead to the next fix.)
-
After the roll back is complete, restart your device, and then try opening the Camera app again.
-
If rolling back didn’t work or isn’t available, continue to the next steps.
Uninstall your camera driver and scan for hardware changes:
-
In Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) on your camera, and then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, then select Uninstall Device. Select the check box for Delete the driver software for this device, then select OK.
-
In Device Manager, on the Action menu, select Scan for hardware changes.
-
Wait for it to scan and reinstall updated drivers, restart your PC, and then try opening the Camera app again.
Note: If your camera still doesn’t work, look for help on the camera manufacturer’s website.
Switch to UVC driver
Most available USB webcams are UVC (standard USB Video Class) compatible cameras. They will work with the UVC driver that is included in Windows (the in-box UVC driver). If your webcam is not working correctly, swapping to the in-box UVC driver may resolve the issue. Please follow the steps below to change drivers (admin rights are required).
Note: The in-box UVC driver may not support all the features of your camera. For example, Windows Hello face recognition may no longer work if it was supported by the camera manufacturer's driver using custom USB extensions not supported by the in-box driver.
-
In Search on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the search results.
-
Find the problem webcam from the list of devices shown in the Device Manager. It should appear either under Cameras or Imaging devices.
-
Right-click the webcam device with your mouse and select Update driver.
-
Select Browse my computer for drivers.
-
Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
-
Select USB Video Device and then select Next to complete the driver update.
-
Select Close to acknowledge settings choices and go back to Device Manager. The webcam will now appear under the Cameras category in the Device Manager list.
Most common camera problems
Below, you'll find the most common camera problems users have experienced, along with the error codes and the steps to troubleshoot them.
Error codes and their potential causes
The following list outlines error codes and potential causes associated with Windows camera. Click on the error code to view the detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve.
|
Error code |
Cause |
|---|---|
|
The system cannot detect the camera. |
|
|
Another app or process is using the camera. |
|
|
Access denied to the camera |
|
|
Camera access restricted by policy. |
|
|
Insufficient system resources to run the camera. |
|
|
Camera locked by security software |
|
|
Device detection error due to registry or hardware issue. |
|
|
Video start failed |
|
|
General error often due to hardware or driver failure. |
If the camera is not detected, it could be due to loose or disconnected hardware (for external cameras) or incorrect privacy settings. To resolve this:
Ensure that the camera is connected: If you're using an external camera, ensure it is securely connected to the USB port. Check for any loose cords or cables and confirm all connections are properly plugged in.
Enable camera in the Device manager: Select Start > Device Manager. Expand Cameras and right click on your camera from the list. If you see a Disable device option that means your camera is already enabled. If the camera is disabled, you'll see a Enable device option to enable the camera.
Check privacy settings for camera: Here's how you can let your apps access the camera:
If you recently updated Windows 10, you might need to give apps permission to use the camera. In newer versions of Windows 10, some apps don’t have default access to the camera.
To let your device access the camera, select Start , then select Settings > Privacy > Camera . In Allow access to the camera on this device, if Camera access for this device is turned off, select Change and turn on Camera access for this device.
Allow access to the camera on this device
Note: If camera access for the device is turned off and you can't select Change, you'll need an administrator on the device to turn on camera access for you.
Before any app can access your camera, make sure camera access is turned on for apps in your user account. Make sure that Allow apps to access your camera is turned on.
After allowing access to the camera, go to Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera and turn on camera access for the apps you want. Only apps installed from the Microsoft Store will show in this list.
If you installed the app from the internet, a disc, a USB drive, or your IT administrator installed the app for you, it might not be a Microsoft Store app. To check, go to Allow desktop apps to access your camera and make sure it's turned on. Internet browsers (like Microsoft Edge) and many video conferencing apps (like Microsoft Teams) are desktop apps that require this setting to be turned on.
For more information, visit Manage app permissions for camera in Windows.
If the camera isn’t working in specific apps, it could be because another app is using the camera or due to restricted camera access. To resolve this issue:
Close all the apps that might be using camera:
-
Shut down any background apps that could be accessing the camera and causing conflicts.
-
Check Task Manager for apps using the camera and close them: Right click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. You'll see a list of apps that are running. Right-click on any app using the camera and select End Task to close it.
Check privacy settings for camera: Here's how you can let your apps access the camera:
If you recently updated Windows 10, you might need to give apps permission to use the camera. In newer versions of Windows 10, some apps don’t have default access to the camera.
To let your device access the camera, select Start , then select Settings > Privacy > Camera . In Allow access to the camera on this device, if Camera access for this device is turned off, select Change and turn on Camera access for this device.
Allow access to the camera on this device
Note: If camera access for the device is turned off and you can't select Change, you'll need an administrator on the device to turn on camera access for you.
Before any app can access your camera, make sure camera access is turned on for apps in your user account. Make sure that Allow apps to access your camera is turned on.
After allowing access to the camera, go to Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera and turn on camera access for the apps you want. Only apps installed from the Microsoft Store will show in this list.
If you installed the app from the internet, a disc, a USB drive, or your IT administrator installed the app for you, it might not be a Microsoft Store app. To check, go to Allow desktop apps to access your camera and make sure it's turned on. Internet browsers (like Microsoft Edge) and many video conferencing apps (like Microsoft Teams) are desktop apps that require this setting to be turned on.
For more information, visit Manage app permissions for camera in Windows.
Also, ensure antivirus or third-party security software is not blocking the camera.
-
Check the group policy settings (for enterprise users).
-
Contact your IT admin if policies are restricted.
Check privacy settings for camera:
If you recently updated Windows 10, you might need to give apps permission to use the camera. In newer versions of Windows 10, some apps don’t have default access to the camera.
To let your device access the camera, select Start , then select Settings > Privacy > Camera . In Allow access to the camera on this device, if Camera access for this device is turned off, select Change and turn on Camera access for this device.
Allow access to the camera on this device
Note: If camera access for the device is turned off and you can't select Change, you'll need an administrator on the device to turn on camera access for you.
Before any app can access your camera, make sure camera access is turned on for apps in your user account. Make sure that Allow apps to access your camera is turned on.
After allowing access to the camera, go to Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera and turn on camera access for the apps you want. Only apps installed from the Microsoft Store will show in this list.
If you installed the app from the internet, a disc, a USB drive, or your IT administrator installed the app for you, it might not be a Microsoft Store app. To check, go to Allow desktop apps to access your camera and make sure it's turned on. Internet browsers (like Microsoft Edge) and many video conferencing apps (like Microsoft Teams) are desktop apps that require this setting to be turned on.
For more information, visit Manage app permissions for camera in Windows.
If your camera freezes or crashes or doesn't open, follow the below steps to resolve.
-
Close unnecessary apps to free up the memory.
-
Restart your computer.
-
Update the camera driver:
-
Select Start > Device Manager.
-
Expand Cameras section and look for your camera from the list.
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Right-click on your camera and select Update driver.
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Select Search automatically for drivers: Windows will search online for the latest driver and install it if available.
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Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
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Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall:
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Open the antivirus or firewall application from the Start menu.
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Look for an option to disable or pause protection, often found in the Settings, Tools, or Protection tab.
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Select a duration for the temporary disable (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour).
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Update your antivirus software.
Run the camera troubleshooter: The camera troubleshooter might be able to fix camera problems automatically. To run the troubleshooter:
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Select Start > Settings > Update & security.
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From the left-hand menu, select Troubleshoot.
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Go to Find and fix other problems section and click on Camera and then select Run the troubleshooter.
Reinstall camera drivers:
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Select Start > Device Manager.
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Expand Cameras section and look for your camera from the list.
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Right-click on your camera and select Uninstall device.
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In the confirmation dialog, check the box for Delete the driver software for this device (if available).
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Click Uninstall to remove the driver.
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Restart your PC after uninstalling the driver. Windows will attempt to reinstall the default driver automatically.
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After restarting, Device Manager, right-click the camera and select Update driver.
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Select Search automatically for drivers: Windows will search online for the latest driver and install it if available.
This is often due to outdated or incompatible drivers. To resolve:
Update the camera driver:
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Select Start > Device Manager.
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Expand Cameras section and look for your camera from the list.
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Right-click on your camera and select Update driver.
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Select Search automatically for drivers: Windows will search online for the latest driver and install it if available.
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Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Check for Windows updates:
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Check for updates. Select Start , then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. If you see the option to View optional updates, select it to see if there are updates available for your camera. Allow available updates to install, then restart your device when it's ready.
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Restart your PC. If you haven't restarted your device since the camera stopped working, you should do so. Select Start , then select Power > Restart. Waking up your device from sleep isn't the same thing as a restart.
Test your camera in a different app: Use the Camera app in Windows to check if the issue is specific to a certain app.
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Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
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If the camera works in one app but not another, the issue lies with the app settings.
If you see a black screen or no video, it might be due to faulty camera hardware, outdated drivers, poor lighting or physical obstruction. To resolve this:
Update the camera driver:
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Select Start > Device Manager.
-
Expand Cameras section and look for your camera from the list.
-
Right-click on your camera and select Update driver.
-
Select Search automatically for drivers: Windows will search online for the latest driver and install it if available.
-
Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Test your camera in a different app: Use the Camera app in Windows to check if the issue is specific to a certain app.
-
Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
-
If the camera works in one app but not another, the issue lies with the app settings.
Ensure the camera lens is clean and not blocked.
If you see a blurry or low-quality video, it might be due to poor camera resolution, dirty or damaged camera lens, or network issues during video calls. To resolve this:
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Clean the camera lens.
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Adjust resolution settings in the camera app or video conferencing app.
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Ensure strong and stable internet connectivity.
Follow the below troubleshooting steps if your camera stopped working after updating to Windows.
Roll back the camera driver:
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In Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) on your camera, and then select Properties.
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Select the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver, and then choose Yes. (Some drivers don’t provide this option. If your driver doesn’t have Roll Back Driver available, go ahead to the next fix.)
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After the roll back is complete, restart your device, and then try opening the Camera app again.
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If rolling back didn’t work or isn’t available, continue to the next steps.
Uninstall your camera driver and scan for hardware changes:
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In Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) on your camera, and then select Properties.
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Select the Driver tab, then select Uninstall Device. Select the check box for Delete the driver software for this device, then select OK.
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Note: If your camera still doesn’t work, look for help on the camera manufacturer’s website.
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In Device Manager, on the Action menu, select Scan for hardware changes.
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Wait for it to scan and reinstall updated drivers, restart your PC, and then try opening the Camera app again.
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