Camera not working? Windows 11 fixes start with the hardware: open the privacy shutter, press any camera key (often Fn plus a function key), and check the cable on an external webcam.
Then go to Settings → Privacy & security → Camera and turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera. If it’s still dead, update Windows, then roll back or reinstall the camera driver.
A webcam that shows a black box, a crossed-out icon or a “no camera found” message is rarely broken. Most of the time something is covering it, switching it off, or blocking apps from using it. Test it first with our free webcam test so you know whether it fails everywhere or only in one app.
Camera not working? Windows 11 causes to check first
- A shutter or switch is off. Many laptops have a sliding cover, a side switch or a camera key.
- Privacy settings are blocking apps. There are separate switches for Store apps and desktop apps such as browsers and Zoom.
- Another app is holding the camera. If a different app has it open, the one you want may show a blank screen.
- The app is set to a different camera, such as a virtual camera or an old webcam.
- A driver problem, often after an update.
- Security software blocking camera access.
1. Check the shutter, camera key and cable
Microsoft’s support page lists the physical controls to look for. Menu names and key locations differ by laptop model.
- A camera key on the keyboard, often used with the Fn key.
- A dedicated camera button on the keyboard.
- A sliding switch on the side of the laptop.
- A small shutter slider built into the camera bezel. If you see a dot or stripe over the lens, slide it open.
For an external webcam, unplug it and plug it into a different USB port. Try it on another computer too. If it fails there, the webcam is the problem.
2. Turn on camera access
- Select Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera.
- Turn on Camera access.
- Turn on Let apps access your camera, and check that your app is on in the list below.
- Turn on Let desktop apps access your camera. Microsoft notes that browsers and apps like Teams count as desktop apps.
If Camera access is greyed out and can’t be changed, Microsoft says an administrator on the device needs to change it. On a work or school PC, that’s your IT team.
3. Test in the Camera app
Select Start, then open the Camera app. If you see yourself there, Windows and the driver are fine and the problem is in your video app. If the Camera app fails too, keep going with the steps below.
4. Close other apps and pick the right camera in your app
Close every app that might use the camera, including ones running in the system tray, then reopen the app you need. In Teams, Zoom, Google Meet or Discord, open the video settings and choose your real webcam from the list. Virtual camera tools can show up as a separate camera and may be selected by mistake. In a browser, select the icon in the address bar and allow the camera for that site.
5. Install Windows updates and restart
- Select Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
- Select Advanced options → Optional updates and install any camera driver updates listed there.
- Restart from Start → Power → Restart. Microsoft points out that waking the PC from sleep isn’t the same as a restart.
6. Check your antivirus
Some security apps have a webcam protection setting that blocks camera access. Look in your antivirus settings for camera or privacy options. Microsoft suggests checking the security vendor’s website for known camera issues.
7. Roll back the camera driver
If the camera stopped working after an update, rolling back the driver can help.
- Select Start, type device manager and open it.
- Find your camera under Cameras, Imaging devices or Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click it and select Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver, then Yes. If the button is greyed out, there’s no older driver to go back to.
- Restart the PC and test again.
8. Uninstall the driver and scan for hardware changes
- In Device Manager, right-click the camera and select Properties → Driver → Uninstall Device.
- Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device and select OK.
- Open the Action menu and select Scan for hardware changes. Windows reinstalls the camera.
9. Switch to the built-in USB video driver
Most USB webcams can also run on Windows’ standard driver. Microsoft’s steps:
- In Device Manager, right-click the camera and select Update driver.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers → Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
- Choose USB Video Device and select Next.
10. Run the camera troubleshooter
Go to Start → Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters and select Run next to Camera. Follow the prompts in the Get Help app and apply any fixes it suggests.
If it still doesn’t work
- Works in the Camera app, not in calls: the problem is the app’s settings or permission. Update or reinstall that app.
- Camera isn’t listed in Device Manager at all: on a laptop, check for a camera switch in the laptop maker’s settings app, then contact the manufacturer. On a desktop, try another USB port or cable.
- Camera light turns on when you’re not using it: see which apps have used it recently in Privacy & security → Camera, and read our guide on signs your device has been hacked if something looks wrong.
Your mic might need attention too. Check it with our mic test, or browse more fixes in the Windows section.
Related guide: Microphone Not Working on Windows 11? 9 Fixes That Work.
FAQ
Why does my laptop camera show a black screen?
Usually a privacy shutter is closed, a camera key has turned it off, or another app is using it. Open the shutter, press the camera key, and close other apps.
How do I turn on my camera in Windows 11?
Open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera and turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera. Then test it in the Camera app.
Why does my camera work in the Camera app but not in Zoom or Teams?
The app is set to a different camera or doesn’t have permission. Pick your webcam in the app’s video settings and check that desktop app access is on.
Can antivirus block my webcam?
Yes. Some security apps include webcam protection. Check its settings and allow the app you want to use.
