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How to turn camera on

Grace Gonzales 0 Reputation points
2026-02-25T20:10:41.5766667+00:00

I have checked settings several times and restarted my laptop. The light for the camera will turn on but it just shows a black screen.

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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  1. Sin-D 10,135 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-02-28T04:09:29.33+00:00

    Hi Grace Gonzales,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that your laptop camera indicator turns on, but the camera only shows a black screen even after checking settings and restarting.

    Please make sure you already tried the Q&A Assist steps. In addition, please try the following.

    To help narrow this down:

    1, Does the black screen occur only in the Windows Camera app, or also in other apps such as Teams or Zoom?

    2, Which Windows version are you currently using (for example, Windows 10 or Windows 11)?

    In the meantime, you can try these steps:

    1, Reset the Camera app

    • Open Settings
    • Go to Apps
    • Select Installed apps
    • Find Camera
    • Select Advanced options
    • Click Repair, then Reset

    2, Check camera access permissions

    • Open Settings
    • Go to Privacy & security
    • Select Camera
    • Make sure Camera access and Let apps access your camera are turned on

    3, Disable and re‑enable the camera device

    • Right‑click Start and select Device Manager
    • Expand Cameras
    • Right‑click your camera device and choose Disable device
    • Restart the computer
    • Return to Device Manager and enable the device again

    4, Update the camera driver from Device Manager

    • Open Device Manager
    • Expand Cameras
    • Right‑click the camera and select Update driver
    • Choose Search automatically for drivers

    5, Test with a new local user account

    • Open Settings
    • Go to Accounts
    • Select Other users
    • Add a new local user
    • Sign in with the new account and test the camera

    6, Check for pending Windows updates

    • Open Settings
    • Go to Windows Update
    • Install any available updates and restart the device

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.  

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  2. EmilyS726 236.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-25T20:50:51.85+00:00

    Most camera issues can be due to a physical privacy cover covering the lens. Make sure that's not the case.

    Otherwise there is usually a physical button/key/switch you can use to turn the camera on or off. For example, most Lenovo uses F8 or Fn+F8, or a switch above the lens, HP has a camera key or a button on the side of the laptop, MSI uses F6 or Fn+F6, etc.

    If you are not sure, tell me the brand and model of your computer, and I can find out more specific what to press or open.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-02-25T20:10:47.2533333+00:00

    To turn on your camera and resolve the issue of it showing a black screen, you can try the following steps:

    1. Check Function Keys: Look at the function keys (F1 - F12) on your keyboard. If one of them has a camera icon, press that key or use Fn + that key to unlock the webcam.
    2. Privacy Slider: Check if there is a small privacy slider on your camera lens that needs to be opened to access the webcam.
    3. Camera Settings: Go to the camera settings page on your device. Here, you can select the camera from the Connected cameras list to view its settings and ensure it is enabled. If necessary, you can also troubleshoot the camera from this settings page.
    4. Driver Reinstallation: If the camera is still not functioning, visit the support page for your laptop on the manufacturer's website and download the latest version of the webcam drivers to reinstall them.
    5. Check for Conflicts: Ensure that no other applications are using the camera, as this can sometimes cause it to display a black screen.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your device manufacturer for further assistance.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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