How to fix camera?

Question

My camera is quite broke, I can't really take video or scan QR. If I want to take photos, my screen is quite red. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi Kimi, 

I understand how inconvenient this can be, especially when the camera cannot record videos, scan QR codes, and the photo preview looks red.

To help narrow down whether this is caused by a software setting/driver issue or a possible hardware issue, could you please share a few more details? 

• Which Surface Pro model are you using? For example, Surface Pro 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or Surface Pro X. 
• Are you using Windows 10 or Windows 11? 
• Does this happen with the front camera, rear camera, or both? 
• When you open the built-in Camera app from Start > Camera, do you see the same red screen? 
• Do you receive any error code or message when trying to record video? 
• Is the whole Surface display red, or only the camera preview/photo? 
• Is this a personal device, or is it managed by your work/school organization? 

In the meantime, please try the steps below: 

First, please check the camera permissions: Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera, then make sure these options are turned on: Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera 

Then check whether the app you use for video or QR scanning has permission to use the camera. 

Next, please test the camera in the built-in Windows Camera app: Open Start > Camera and check whether the live preview works there. If the Camera app works normally but QR scanning or video does not work in another app, the issue may be related to that app’s camera permission or camera selection. 

Please check for Surface and Windows updates as well: Open the Surface app, go to Help & support, and check whether any updates are available. Then go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install any available updates, restart your Surface, and test the camera again. 

You can also run the camera troubleshooter: Open the Get Help app from Start, search for camera problem, and follow the on-screen steps. 

Please check for physical signs too: Make sure the camera lens is not covered, dirty, cracked, or blocked by a screen protector/case. You can gently clean the lens with a soft microfiber cloth and test again. 

If the built-in Camera app still shows a red image after the steps above, or if the camera cannot record/scan in multiple apps, this may indicate a hardware-related issue. In that case, you can check your Surface warranty and service options here: https://account.microsoft.com/devices 

After signing in, select your Surface device to view the warranty coverage and available service options. If the device is not listed, you can register it first. For a personal Surface device, you can start a service request from the same page. If this is a business or school-owned Surface, please check with your organization’s IT/admin team or use the Surface service options for Business and Education. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding.  

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Answer 2

Follow these steps on the Surface Pro to address both the red image and the camera not working for video/QR:

1. Change the display color profile (fixes red/pink face on Surface camera):
   1. Open Settings from the taskbar search.
   2. Go to System > Display.
   3. Under Color profile:
      • If it is set to Vivid, change it to sRGB.
      • If it is set to Enhanced, change it to sRGB.
   4. Test the camera again in the Camera app and in Teams or other apps.
2. Check that Windows and camera drivers are up to date:
   1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. Install all updates, including View optional updates if camera-related updates appear.
   3. Restart the Surface.
   4. Open Device Manager (search for device manager from Start).
   5. Expand Cameras.
   6. Right-click the Surface camera and select Update driver.
   7. Choose Search automatically for drivers and complete the process, then restart.
3. Verify camera privacy and app access (for video/QR not working):
   1. Open Settings > Privacy > Camera.
   2. Under Allow access to the camera on this device, select Change and turn Camera access for this device On.
   3. Ensure Allow apps to access your camera is On.
   4. In Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, turn on access for apps used for video/QR.
   5. Scroll to Allow desktop apps to access your camera and make sure it is On for desktop apps like browsers and Teams.
4. Test the camera in the built-in Camera app:
   1. Open Start > Camera.
   2. Confirm if live preview works and whether the color looks normal.
   3. If the camera works here but not in another app, adjust that app’s video settings (select the correct camera and resolution).
5. Check for physical or hardware issues:
   1. Make sure there is no privacy shutter or slider covering the camera.
   2. Clean the camera lens gently.
   3. If the image is still very red or the camera still fails for video/QR after the steps above, this may indicate a hardware problem and the device may need service.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A
• my camera is not listed under device manager camera is not listed and it's not under imaging devices - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I change settings to alter appearance of red skin? - Microsoft Q&A