Share via

Camera shows black screen windows 11

Reported
Anonymous
2024-01-01T07:57:03+00:00

Hi, so my camera shows a black screen in every application; Google Meet, zoom, discord, etc.

I have tried absolutely everything.

uninstalling the camera by writing commands in PowerShell.

uninstalling the driver and updating the driver (with auto recommendations and directly from the manufacturer).

I have also reinstalled it in compatibility mode, uninstalled third-party antivirus software and I've reset the camera, repaired the camera, changed privacy settings, and troubleshooted it.

I even resorted to restarting my entire laptop entirely (although when I restarted it, I did so keeping my files).

Note: An error message on Google Meet tells me it's because my camera might be "blocked" or that some other app is using it but that's not the case.

I've noticed other people with this issue in Windows 10/11 aren't able to solve it either when updating the drivers doesn't work.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

12 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-18T15:41:14+00:00

    Dude I have the same EXACT problem and I did everything you did 5 TIMES....then I saw somewhere that some laptops have a little tiny slider-type switch on the side to close/cover the camera so I looked and looked and couldn't find one on my Lenovo....then I wondered why there was a little groove in the top portion of the laptop just above the camera so I slid my finger left and right to see if it would slide and it did and now my camera works. It's a little tiny slide switch that blocks the camera. I must have inadvertently bumped it somehow as you probably did too. For chrissake why isn't this more known? All the **** you read and spend hours trying things and I searched for days until I found a comment about a little switch. My god. Good luck, if you see this let me know how you make ******@gmail.com.

    0 comments
  2. DaveM121 869K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-01T08:29:11+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    1

    Look at the function keys (F1 - F12) on your keyboard, if one of them has a camera icon, press that key or Fn + that key to unlock the webcam.

    2

    If that was not the problem, look at the camera lens above your screen, is there a privacy slider that needs to be opened to access the webcam?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-13T20:19:29+00:00

    I am in my 70's and tried everything then read this. The switch is so small and does not move if you just rub your fingers across it so you don't find it. I needed a 100 watt bulb and my reading glasses and magnifier to find and fix it with my fingernail!

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-04-04T15:16:53+00:00

    OMG! This is exactly the answer I needed. I've been working on the black screen for two days and you are the ONLY person to help me. This should be the first thing on the list of solutions. THANK YOU!

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-04-02T20:25:13+00:00

    Thanks for your comment! It was super helpful for me as I am struggling to send my laptop to the PC repair store and get it fixed. Today I have an important meeting. With the camera on, it would be great.

    0 comments