hOW to set up computer camera as main camera

Question

How do I disable cell phone camera and use computer camera?

Answer 1

Dear Dennis Orr, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I understand you’d like to disable the cell phone camera and set your computer’s camera as the camera used for apps on Windows 11. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the Independent Advisor’s answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant information for this scenario. To make sure I can provide the correct recovery steps, please reply with the details below first. 

• Are you using a laptop or a desktop PC? 
• Is the camera you want to use built-in or an external USB webcam? 
• Which app is using the phone camera (Windows Camera app / Microsoft Teams / another app)? 
• Are you using Phone Link (Link to Windows) or any third‑party “phone-as-webcam” software? 

In the meantime, please try the steps below  

1. Confirm the computer webcam works in Windows 

• Open Start > search Camera > open the Camera app. 
• Check whether the video shows from your computer webcam. 

2. Check Windows 11 camera permissions 

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera. 
• Turn On: Camera access and Let apps access your camera 
• Ensure the affected app (Teams/Camera/Browser) is allowed if it appears in the list. 

3. Disable the phone/virtual camera device in Device Manager (if it appears) 

If Windows is detecting the phone camera (or a virtual camera driver), you can disable it on the PC: 

• Right-click Start > Device Manager 
• Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices) 
• Look for entries referencing Phone, Android, iPhone, Phone Link, or Virtual Camera 
• Right-click that device > Disable device 
• Restart your PC, then test again 

Important: Please do not disable Integrated Camera if that is the camera you want to use. 

While our initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope the steps above help you switch to your computer’s webcam smoothly and prevent your apps from automatically selecting the phone camera. Wishing you a seamless experience on Windows 11 with stable video during your calls and meetings. 

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Answer 2

Hi there! My name is David. It’s a pleasure to help you today.

Regarding your question, I can suggest checking the cameras available on your PC. Please do the following:

If you have Windows 11 > Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Cameras. There you will see the cameras connected to your PC. You should see the integrated camera if it’s a laptop and also your mobile phone’s camera. Click on your phone’s camera > click Disable > click “Yes.” This way only your PC’s camera should remain enabled.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/manage-cameras-with-camera-settings-in-windows-11-97997ed5-bb98-47b6-a13d-964106997757

However, in each application such as Teams, Zoom, or others, you can choose which camera you want to use from the application’s settings.

Let me know if the shared information has been helpful. Regards.