Can’t start your camera error code 0xA00F429F <WindowsShowFailed> 0x80070057

Question

Can’t start your camera error code 0xA00F429F <WindowsShowFailed> 0x80070057

Anonymous 30

I can't start my camera. It shows error code 0xA00F429F <WindowsShowFailed> 0x80070057

I've checked the drivers & Windows Updates and it says that all are already updated, so how can I fix this issue ?

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2 answers

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Answer 1

Henry Mai 8,225 Independent Advisor

Hello Bhavani, I am Henry and want to help you with this issue.

That error usually means the camera driver or permissions are blocked, even if updates look fine. Please try these steps:

Step 1: Check Camera Privacy Permissions

Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
Ensure "Camera access" is turned On.
Ensure "Let apps access your camera" is also turned On.

Step 2: Test if the Camera Works Elsewhere (Isolates the Problem)

Open a web browser (like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
Go to a webcam testing website, such as https://webcammictest.com/.
Allow the site to access your camera.
If your camera works here, the problem is only with the Windows Camera app. Proceed to Step 4.
If your camera does not work here, the problem is system-wide. Proceed to Step 3, which is the most likely fix.

Step 3: This step will remove the corrupted driver and force Windows to install a fresh, working copy.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the "Cameras" or "Imaging devices" section.
Right-click your webcam and select "Uninstall device".
If you see a checkbox that says "Delete the driver software for this device," please check it.
After it's uninstalled, restart your computer. Windows will automatically rediscover the camera and install a clean driver.Here is a step-by-step plan that resolves this issue in most cases. Please try these in order.

Step 4: If your camera worked in the browser test but not in the Camera app, follow these steps.

Reset the App: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find "Camera," click the three dots (...), select Advanced options, and click Reset.
Run the Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find and Run the troubleshooter for "Camera".

I hope this information and these keywords help point you in the right direction for your research. Let me know how it goes, and if this answer helps, feel free to hit “Accept Answer” so others can benefit too

Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-09-18T08:22:01.5466667+00:00

Hello Henry Mai,

Thanks for your help...!

Please help me, how to find the below error codes in Event Viewer ? I have tried but no luck

Error code 0xA00F429F <WindowsShowFailed> 0x80070057

What is the root cause of the issue and this issue recently started is there any Windows updates related issue ?
Henry Mai 8,225 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-09-18T15:08:32.2+00:00
How to Find These Error Codes in Event Viewer

Where to actually look in Event Viewer: When a driver fails, Windows logs events related to hardware and drivers. Instead of searching for the error code, look for error or warning events that happened at the exact time you tried to start the camera.

Windows Logs > System: Look for errors from sources like Kernel-PnP or any source with your camera's name in it.

Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Kernel-PnP > Device: This log specifically tracks Plug and Play events, including driver installation and hardware start-up failures.

What is the Root Cause of the Issue?

The root cause is that the application (e.g., the Camera app or your browser) sent a command to the camera driver, but a parameter in that command was invalid or incorrect.

Think of it like this: The command is "turn on," but the instructions on how to turn on are corrupted. This "parameter is incorrect" (0x80070057) error can be caused by several things, which is why the troubleshooting steps are designed to fix each one:

Corrupted Driver: The driver file itself is damaged. When the app tells it to start, the driver tries to load its own corrupted settings (invalid parameters) into memory, causing it to crash. This is why the clean reinstall (Step 3) is the most effective fix.

Permission Block: The "parameter" for access is set to "denied." The app tries to open the camera, but the system stops it, leading to a failure. This is why checking privacy settings (Step 1) is the first step.

Corrupted App Configuration: The Camera app's own settings are corrupted. It sends a bad command to a perfectly good driver, causing the driver to reject the invalid parameter. This is why resetting the app (Step 4) can work.

Is This Issue Related to Windows Updates?

Yes. This issue is very often triggered by a Windows Update. Here’s how:

Driver Overwrite: The most common cause is that a Windows Update includes a new, generic camera driver from Microsoft. This new driver might be technically "newer," so it automatically replaces the specific, stable driver provided by your computer's manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo). This new generic driver may not be fully compatible with your specific hardware, leading to the "invalid parameter" error.

Security Changes: An update can tighten security policies or change how the operating system handles driver permissions, causing a previously working driver to be blocked.

Dependency Conflict: The update might change a core system file (a DLL) that the camera driver relies on. When the old driver tries to use the new DLL, the communication fails, causing a crash.
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-09-19T07:35:07.4933333+00:00

Hello Henry Mai,

Thanks for clarification and information.

so now Microsoft fix this issue and they will release in next patch Out-of-band ?
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-09-22T11:21:21.3133333+00:00

Hello Henry Mai,

As you suggested above, Again we re-occurring the issue after 1 (or) 2 days "Can’t start your camera error code 0xA00F429F <WindowsShowFailed> 0x80070057".
Deng Jinyu 0 Reputation points

2025-10-11T09:52:10.3733333+00:00

Hi, Anonymous may I know what is the status of this issue? How did you re-occur this issue?
Pushparaj Yadav 10 Reputation points

2025-10-16T18:43:44.4166667+00:00

Dear Microsoft Support Team,

I’m writing to report that the camera on my laptop is still not working. I’ve tried basic troubleshooting steps, including checking privacy settings, updating drivers, and restarting the system, but the issue persists.

Please advise on the next steps to resolve this. I rely on the camera for work and communication, so a quick solution would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Pushparaj Yadav
Jakub 5 Reputation points

2025-10-17T20:26:59.2033333+00:00

I have the same issue. In my case, uninstalling driver and installing it again helps, but after PC restart the issue appears again.
Michal Lis 5 Reputation points

2025-11-24T19:50:58.7066667+00:00

I’m having the same problem. I went through all the steps described here, but it’s still not working. I even reinstalled the system, but that didn’t help. I tested the camera on Ubuntu (booted from a USB drive) and it worked fine, so it’s definitely not a hardware issue.
FlorianMA 0 Reputation points

2026-01-22T15:11:29.1466667+00:00

great, thank you.
LYNX Therealone 0 Reputation points

2026-05-25T11:58:46.1833333+00:00

Same error codes, camera is on and working but won't take photo or video tried ALL things told here to try ...NOTHING. 2 different laptops, one a Lenovo, oner a Dell, both on Win 11 exact same issue. Microsoft need to stop ignoring this and FIX IT!🤬
Deng Jinyu 0 Reputation points

2026-05-26T01:34:21.2633333+00:00

We fixed it with re-install Windows 11. You can not use other way to fix it. :)

Answer 2

Michal Lis 5

I've found an answer for my Asus tuf gaming 16.

I had this error in event viewer:

User's image

So I downloaded and installed this and it works fine

https://www.asus.com/supportonly/armoury%20crate/helpdesk_download/

Jagt, A. van der (Alexander) 0 Reputation points

2025-12-02T09:42:41.9566667+00:00

This actually did the trick.
Thanks so much!