How to get camera functioning again

Question

After installing an antivirus software, my camera stopped functioning. I've tried all the steps listed here, through step 5: https://windowsforum.com/threads/fix-your-windows-camera-issues-a-step-by-step-troubleshooting-guide.343701/

I'm hesitant to uninstall the camera- not sure if that would help or harm.

Christina

Answer 1

Hi Christina Hildebrandt,

Some Antivirus software block camera access as a privacy protection.

You may see your antivirus software in this list and the setting for camera access: Antivirus Blocking Camera: 8 Ways to Fix.

Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

If your Antivirus software is not in the list, it might be in its settings, or you may contact them for further assistance.

If you have difficulty finding it, please give me the Antivirus software that you have installed.

I hope that above information is helpful to you.

Answer 2

Hi,

The antivirus might be blocking the Camera. Could you please specify the error code you get while opening the Camera app?

Please supply the following Information.

Right-click the Start button and Choose the Run option

Type in msinfo32

Press enter.

Take a screenshot of the System Summary window and post it in the next reply.

I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

Answer 3

Since the issue started after installing antivirus software and steps up through Windows Update are already done, focus on camera access blocking and then driver repair.

1. Check if antivirus is blocking the camera
   • Open the antivirus app.
   • Look in Settings / Privacy / Webcam (names vary) for any option that controls camera/webcam access.
   • If there is a per‑app list, ensure Camera, Microsoft Teams, or any app being used is allowed.
   • Temporarily disable the antivirus protection and test the camera again.
   • If the camera works with antivirus disabled, re‑enable protection and adjust its webcam/privacy settings so it no longer blocks the camera.
   This aligns with the guidance that some antivirus or firewalls can block camera access and should be checked or temporarily disabled to test the camera.
2. Test the camera in the built‑in Camera app
   • Select Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
   • If it works in Camera but not in other apps, the problem is with those apps’ settings (e.g., they may be denied camera permission inside the antivirus or Windows privacy settings).
3. Run the Camera troubleshooter
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Camera and select Run.
   • Apply any fixes it suggests and test again.
4. Safely reinstall the camera driver (this is generally safe and reversible)
   • Select Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras and locate the camera.
   • Right‑click the camera and select Uninstall device.
   • If available, check Delete the driver software for this device, then select Uninstall.
   • Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall a default driver automatically.
   • After restart, go back to Device Manager, right‑click the camera, and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
   • Restart once more and test the camera in the Camera app.
5. If there is a specific error code
   • For errors like 0xA00F4246 or 0x800706BE (camera locked by security software), again temporarily disable antivirus/firewall and update the antivirus.
   • For device detection errors such as 0x80070490 or 0x80004003/005, run the camera troubleshooter as above and then reinstall the camera driver using the steps in section 4.

Uninstalling the camera device in Device Manager does not remove the physical camera; Windows will reinstall the driver on reboot. The main risk is temporary loss of camera functionality until the driver reinstalls, which is usually resolved by the restart.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A