Webcam Not Functioning on Laptop – Request for Technical Support

Follow these steps in order, stopping if the camera starts working after any step.

1. Confirm physical camera controls

• Check the top of the screen for a small privacy slider over the lens and slide it open.
• Check the keyboard function keys (F1–F12) for a camera icon; if present, press that key, or press Fn + that key, to enable the webcam.
• Some laptops have a side switch or a dedicated camera key; make sure it is set to on.

2. Test the camera in the built-in Camera app

• Select Start > Camera.
• If prompted, allow access to the camera.
• If the preview works here but not in other apps, adjust the camera settings in those specific apps.

3. Restart and check for Windows updates

• Restart the laptop (not just wake from sleep): Start > Power > Restart.
• Then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
• If View optional updates appears, open it and install any available camera or driver updates.
• Restart again and test the Camera app.

4. Run the Windows camera troubleshooter

• Open the Get Help app and run the Camera troubleshooter using the Run the troubleshooter in Get Help link from the camera support article.
• Let it complete diagnostics and apply any fixes, then test the camera.

5. Check antivirus or security software

• Open the antivirus or security suite installed on the laptop.
• Look for any webcam protection or camera-blocking feature and temporarily disable it.
• Test the camera in the Camera app and in a video-calling app.

6. Reinstall the camera driver

• Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices) and right-click the webcam.
• Select Properties > Driver tab > Uninstall Device.
• Check Delete the driver software for this device, then select OK.
• In Device Manager, select the Action menu > Scan for hardware changes.
• Wait for Windows to reinstall the driver, then restart and test the camera.

7. Switch to the in-box UVC driver (for USB webcams)

• Open Device Manager and locate the problem webcam under Cameras or Imaging devices.
• Right-click the webcam and select Update driver.
• Select Browse my computer for drivers.
• Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
• Choose USB Video Device, then select Next.
• After the update completes, close the dialog, restart, and test.
  • Note: The in-box UVC driver may not support all advanced features (for example, Windows Hello face recognition) that a manufacturer-specific driver provided.

8. If the camera still does not work

• Test the webcam on another device (for external USB cameras) to rule out hardware failure.
• If it fails on multiple devices, the camera hardware may be faulty.
• If it only fails on this laptop after all steps above, download and reinstall the latest webcam driver from the laptop manufacturer’s support site.

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