built in camera is not working on windows 10

Question

Good morning. The camera on my laptop isn't working. I have tried different methods but it didn't work. I can only see a black screen and when clicking the camera button, an error code appears. Could someone help me with this one. Thanks

Answer 1

Hi Ruth. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

See fixes for the error:

https://windowsreport.com/windows-10-error-0xa0... (Avoid ad links!)

https://ugetfix.com/ask/how-to-fix-0xa00f4292-e... (Avoid ad links, especially avoid Reimage ad!!)

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

I'll give you all other possible fixes that are working for others for webcam problems. If you need help performing any steps I am standing by to help.

1. Try Updating the webcam driver from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page for your full model number, Serial Number, or Dell Service Tag number from sticker on PC.

In Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, compare all other drivers including Chipset, display, sound, etc to make sure you have the latest vs. the PC maker's Support Downloads web page.

Additionally on Webcam Driver tab see if Roll Back is available, if not try Update Driver, first Automatically, then Browse, then Let Me Pick to try all previously installed Drivers.

If these fail try to Uninstall the Driver, restart PC to reinstall.

2. Did you enable the Privacy setting to allow apps to use your webcam?

https://privacy.microsoft.com/windows-10-camera...

3. Try also these steps for when webcam isn't working:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13753/...

https://www.lifewire.com/fix-it-when-webcam-is-...

https://windowsreport.com/fix-laptop-camera-won... (Avoid ad links!)

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-common-c...

https://windows101tricks.com/camera-not-working...

https://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/webc...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rGy0U1Kpqo

4. Try resetting the Camera app at Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Camera > Advanced Options.
5. If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5486-uninst...

You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

6. If this was caused by a Version Update then you can roll it in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool explained here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...
7. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

8. If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

If there are any hurdles during install then these steps can overcome them: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Hello,

See if this fix helps you:

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-camera-not-working-in-windows-10

Let us know if this helps!

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.