My installed camera is not working

Question

The installed camera's light is blinking, but the system is not recognising the camera drivers.

Answer 1

If you open the Camera app, what does it say? Any error message? Or is it just a black screen? Any additional information would be helpful if you don't mind.

Most camera issues can be due to a physical privacy cover covering the lens. Make sure that's not the case.

Otherwise there is usually a physical button/key/switch you can use to turn the camera on or off. For example, most Lenovo uses F8 or Fn+F8, or a switch above the lens, HP has a camera key or a button on the side of the laptop, MSI uses F6 or Fn+F6, etc.

If you are not sure, tell me what the camera app says/shows, and then please hold down Windows + R keys, type in msinfo32.exe and hit enter. Then share a screenshot of the System Information window. Thanks!

Answer 2

Dear Navneet Kaur Navneet Kaur, 

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

I understand how disruptive this can be, especially when the camera LED is active but you can’t use the device. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in both the AI generated answer and the Independent Advisor’s answer on your thread. Those replies typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow down, could you please share a bit more information first? 

• Is this an integrated laptop camera or an external USB webcam? 
• Did this start after an update or any recent change (new app, security software, docking station, etc.)? 
• In Settings, do you see the camera listed here: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras 
• If possible, please share a screenshot of that page. 

In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try: 

1. Check whether Windows is allowing “Desktop apps” to access the camera  

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera 
• Scroll down and ensure Let desktop apps access your camera is On 
• Re-test with the app you’re using (Teams/browser/Camera app) 

2. Repair/Reset the built-in Camera app 

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps 
• Find Camera > select Advanced options 
• Click Repair first > test 
• If it still fails, click Reset > test again 

3. Restart the camera service  

• Press Windows + R, type: services.msc and press Enter 
• Find Windows Camera Frame Server 
• Right-click > Restart 
• Try your camera again in the affected app 

4. Check Optional driver updates 

• Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates 
• Expand Driver updates 
• If you see any camera/imaging-related driver offered, install it 
• Restart the PC and test again

5. Run Windows system repair commands  

• Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal then run as Administrator 
• Run these commands one by one: sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
• Restart the PC after completion and test the camera again. 

While my 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 these steps help Windows detect your camera correctly again and stop the blinking light behavior. Wishing you a smooth experience getting your camera back up and running so you can return to your calls and work with minimal interruption. 

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Answer 3

If your installed camera's light is blinking but the system is not recognizing the camera drivers, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Camera Connection: Ensure that the camera is properly connected to your computer. If it's an external camera, try unplugging and replugging it.
2. Update Camera Drivers: Go to the support page for your laptop or camera manufacturer and download the latest version of the camera drivers. Reinstalling the drivers can often resolve recognition issues.
3. Device Manager: Open Device Manager on your Windows system and check if the camera is listed under "Imaging devices". If it has a warning icon, right-click on it and select "Update driver" or "Uninstall device" and then restart your computer to reinstall it automatically.
4. Privacy Settings: Check if any privacy settings are blocking the camera. Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and ensure that access to the camera is allowed for your apps.
5. Troubleshoot: Use the built-in troubleshooting tool in Windows. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, and select the camera option to run the troubleshooter.

These steps should help in resolving the issue with your camera not being recognized by the system.

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References:

• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A
• Installing a PTP Camera