Before you start
- Look for a physical webcam shutter, side switch or keyboard camera key.
- For a USB webcam, reseat the cable and try another USB port.
Enable camera permissions
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera. Turn on Camera access and Let apps access your camera. For non-Store desktop apps, also enable Let desktop apps access your camera.
Test the Windows Camera app
Open the Camera app. If it works there but not in another app, focus on that app’s camera selection and permissions.
Run the Camera troubleshooter
Open the Get Help app and run the Camera troubleshooter.
If it broke after an update, try driver rollback
Open Device Manager > Cameras (or Imaging devices), right-click the camera > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver, if that button is available. Restart and test.
Reinstall the camera device
If rollback is unavailable or fails, uninstall the camera in Device Manager, then use Action > Scan for hardware changes or restart Windows to redetect it. Install the latest manufacturer driver if needed.
Microsoft source
This guide is independently written and condensed from current Microsoft Support guidance. If your Windows build differs or the problem persists, use the official source for the full decision tree.
Open Microsoft Support ↗