How to Fix Windows Camera Not Working

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Check camera privacy settings

   Open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera. Toggle 'Camera access' to On. Scroll down and ensure 'Let apps access your camera' is enabled. If using a specific app, verify it appears in the list below and is toggled on.

   Note: Desktop apps like Zoom or Skype require 'Let desktop apps access your camera' to be enabled separately.
2. 2 min

   Close conflicting applications

   Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Look for applications that might be using your camera (Skype, Teams, OBS, etc.) and click 'End task' on any you're not actively using. Only one application can typically access the camera at a time.

   Note: Some apps continue running in the background after closing. Check the system tray for hidden camera-using applications.
3. 3 min

   Update camera drivers

   Right-click Start button and select 'Device Manager'. Expand 'Cameras' or 'Imaging devices'. Right-click your camera device and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers' and let Windows install any available updates.

   Note: If the camera appears with a yellow warning triangle, right-click it and select 'Uninstall device', then restart your computer to reinstall drivers.
4. 2 min

   Run the camera troubleshooter

   Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find 'Camera' and click 'Run'. Follow the on-screen prompts as Windows automatically detects and attempts to fix camera issues.

5. 2 min

   Reset the Camera app

   Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Search for 'Camera' and click the three dots next to it. Select 'Advanced options', then click 'Reset'. This clears the app's data and returns it to default settings.

   Note: Resetting will clear any custom camera settings you've configured.
6. 3 min

   Check for Windows updates

   Open Settings > Windows Update and click 'Check for updates'. Install any available updates and restart your computer. Newer Windows versions often include camera driver improvements and compatibility fixes.

   Note: Optional updates may contain additional camera drivers. Click 'Advanced options' > 'Optional updates' to check.
7. 2 min

   Verify physical camera connection

   For external webcams, unplug the USB cable and reconnect it to a different USB port. For built-in cameras, check if a physical privacy shutter is covering the lens. Restart your computer after reconnecting external cameras.

   Note: USB 3.0 ports (usually blue) provide better performance for high-resolution webcams than USB 2.0 ports.