Surface Pro X webcam problems on video calls

Question

My webcam behaves very interestingly during video calls. On Zoom, it flickers, sometimes even in different colours. Sometimes you can see other people's cameras in my camera section. This doesn't happen when it's only me; as soon as people join, the camera starts to flicker again.

On Teams, the camera doesn't work at all. I start it, the picture is visible for one second and then, my picture is black.

The camera app works without problems. Windows and Zoom both have the newest update. What else could I try?

Answer 1

Hi Rahel (beckrah1)"),

Thank you for reaching Microsoft Community. We're sorry for the trouble this has caused you. Let me ask few questions to help us further isolate the issue.

Could you please clarify whether you mean the built-in camera or external webcam?

Did you use a web browser or the application?

May I know what version of Windows are you running?

Check your app permission. You might need to change one of your device's permissions.

Open Settings > Privacy and Security > Camera. Make sure Camera access and Lets apps access your camera are both turn on. If the settings are already turned on, turn the settings off then back on again. Choose which apps should have access. Only apps that were installed from the Microsoft Store will appear on this list.

If you're having problems with an app that you did not install from Microsoft Store, make sure that Let desktop apps access your camera is turned on. You can't turn off camera access for individual desktop apps. Internet browsers, like Microsoft Edge, and many video conferencing apps, like Microsoft Teams, are desktop apps that require this settings to be turned on.

If you're using the Zoom and Teams applications, you may try to uninstall and reinstall both apps and see if problem persist.

I hope to hear back from you.

Kind regards,

Lavenia

Answer 2

Hi Rahel (beckrah1)"),

We haven't heard from you in 72 hours, so we assume that your issue has already been resolved. We will not be monitoring this thread going forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Create a new question or start a discussion (microsoft.com)

Thank you for your understanding. 

Respectfully,

Lavenia

Answer 3

Dear Lavenia,

I am sorry to only answer now, I did not yet take time to un- and reinstall both apps.

I use the built-in camera as well as desktop apps for my meetings (since most apps in Microsoft Store are not compatible with the ARM system of the Surface Pro X).

My Windows version is Windows 11, version 22H2.

The desktop apps did and still do have acces to my camera. After reinstalling Zoom, it seems to work for a short period. I did not yet test the camera for a longer period.

However, in Teams, I still have the same problem. I start the camera, the picture is visible for one second and then, my picture is black.

Since the ARM processor has already caused me some problems, I usually first assume that an issue has something to do with the processor or the compatibility of some apps with this processor. As I recall, I had to download an older version of Zoom to get it to work at all. Now the latest version seems to work. Unfortunately, with Teams, I still don't know what the issue is.

If you have any other ideas, I would be grateful.

Rahel