• Ensure your apps are allowed to access the camera in Windows.
  • If you use an external webcam, ensure it’s connected properly to your computer or laptop.
  • Consider updating or reinstalling the camera drivers on your PC if the issue remains.

Try Basic Fixes

  • Test your webcam online: It’s a good idea to test the webcam by visiting a website like Webcam Test . This should help you determine whether the camera problem is specific to the app or program you’re using.
  • Disable the antivirus program: Some antivirus software includes a privacy setting that prevents apps from accessing the camera on Windows. To check for this possibility, disable your antivirus temporarily.
  • Install Windows updates: Issues with your webcam can also occur if you run an outdated or buggy Windows build. Check and install any pending Windows updates and see if that helps.

Fix 1: Run the Camera Troubleshooter

Windows offers a range of troubleshooters for diagnosing and fixing system-related issues. In this case, running the camera troubleshooter can help.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + S to open the search menu, type troubleshoot settings , and press Enter .

Troubleshoot Settings on Windows - 1

Step 2: Go to Other troubleshooters .

Other Troubleshooters on Windows 11 - 2

Step 3: Click the Run button next to the Camera and follow the on-screen instructions to run the tool.

Run Camera Troubleshooter on Windows 11 - 3

Fix 2: Check the Camera Connection

If you use an external webcam, ensure that it is connected properly. You can also switch to a different USB port to ensure the issue is not related to a malfunctioning port. Additionally, if your PC or external webcam has a physical on/off switch, verify it is in the correct position.

If reconnecting the camera does not help, try scanning your computer for hardware changes. To do so, use these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu. Type device manager in the box and press Enter .

Open Device Manager on Windows - 4

Step 2: Click the Scan for hardware changes icon at the top.

Scan for Hardware Changes on Windows - 5

Fix 3: Allow Apps to Access Camera

Another thing you should do is review app permissions on Windows and ensure that the app you use is allowed to access the camera. Here’s how to go about it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app and head to Privacy & security > Camera .

Camera Permissions on Windows 11 - 6

Step 2: Enable the toggle next to Camera access .

Enable or Disable Camera Access for Apps on Windows 11 - 7

Step 3: Ensure that the app you’re trying to use has camera access.

Control Camera Permissions on Windows 11 - 8

Fix 4: Re-Enable the Camera From the Device Manager

Disabling and re-enabling the camera driver can also help resolve any temporary issues preventing Windows from accessing the webcam. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Device Manager using the search menu.

Step 2: Expand Cameras , right-click on your webcam , and select Disable device .

Disable Camera on Windows 11 From Device Manager - 9

Step 3: Right-click on the webcam again and choose Enable device .

Fix 5: Update or Reinstall Camera Drivers

Since Windows relies on drivers on your PC to detect and work with the camera, this problem can also occur if those drivers are outdated or incompatible. To resolve this, you can try updating the driver to see if that resolves the issue.

Step 1: Open Device Manager using the search menu.

Step 2: Expand Cameras , right-click on your webcam , and select the Update driver option. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to finish updating the driver.

Update Camera Drivers on Windows 11 - 10

If the problem persists, the drivers may be corrupted . So, uninstall the drivers via Device Manager and restart your PC. Windows should install the missing drivers automatically when booting.

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