Dear @Dixie-Lee Cowan,
Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.
We apologize for any inconvenience you may encounter when using our services/ products. Based on your description, kindly try these following steps:
Confirm Windows sees the webcam
- Press Win + X > Device Manager > expand Cameras (or Imaging devices).
- If your webcam appears with a warning icon, right‑click > Update driver or Enable device.
Allow apps to use the camera
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera
- Turn “Camera access” On.
- Turn “Let desktop apps access your camera” On.
- Toggle Off > On once to refresh permissions.
Reinstall the webcam driver
- In Device Manager > right‑click the webcam > Uninstall device > check Delete the driver software if shown.
- Unplug the webcam, reboot, then plug it back in to reinstall the inbox UVC driver.
- Run Windows Update to pull any camera/USB controller fixes.
- If Windows finds nothing and the webcam is from a known brand (e.g., Logitech/Microsoft), install the manufacturer’s driver or utility (optional, but can help).
Camera permissions refresh & app repair
- Navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Camera > three dot (...) > Advanced options > Repair/Reset.
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