How to fix my laptop camera

Follow these steps in order, testing the camera after each step.

1. Check hardware and privacy switches
   • On many laptops a function key (for example F4 or a key with a camera icon) turns the webcam on/off. Press that key, or Fn + that key, once to enable the camera.
   • Check around the camera lens for a physical privacy slider and move it to open the lens.
2. Verify the camera is detected by Windows
   • Open Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices).
   • If the internal camera is missing or shows a warning icon, install the correct driver from the laptop manufacturer’s support page and restart the PC.
3. Test in the Camera app
   • Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
   • If the camera works here but not in other apps, adjust the camera settings inside the specific app.
4. Update Windows and camera drivers
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If available, select Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera or driver updates.
   • Restart the PC, then test the camera again.
5. Run the camera troubleshooter
   • Open Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Camera and select Run to let Windows detect and fix issues automatically.
6. Check antivirus or firewall
   • Open the installed antivirus or security suite.
   • Temporarily disable camera/webcam protection or real‑time protection, then test the Camera app.
   • Re‑enable protection immediately after testing.

If the camera still shows “NoCamerasAreAttached” and does not appear in Device Manager even after installing the manufacturer’s driver and checking function keys/privacy switches, the internal webcam hardware is likely faulty and requires service or use of an external USB camera.

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
• On desktop Teams, my camera and screen sharing look as if they work fine, but they do not - Microsoft Q&A
• Camera fails in Teams - Microsoft Q&A
• Issue when going to a live teams meeting - Microsoft Q&A