camera is not working in Teams calls

Question

When in a Teams call the camera is not working, there is a box which states the camera cannot e used as it is being used on another device

Answer 1

Hi @webb, sarah, 

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.   

Regarding the issue where your camera cannot be used in Teams because it appears to be in use by another app. I’d like to ask a few quick questions to better understand the situation and assist you more effectively: 

1/ Do other apps (like Zoom, Webex, Camera app, or browser tabs) stay open while joining the call? 

2/ Has this issue started recently, or has it been happening for a while? 

3/ Does the camera work outside Teams (for example, in the built‑in Camera app)? 

4/ Are you using any external webcams or switching between multiple devices? 

5/ Have you try using Microsoft Teams on the web does the issue persist ? 

In the meantime could you check  

• Close all other apps that might be using your camera (like Skype or FaceTime). 
• If you’re using an external camera, try unplugging it and plugging it back in. 
• Try restarting your device. 

In Teams, go to Settings > Devices and make sure the correct camera is selected. 

Check that Microsoft Teams has permission to use your camera in your device’s privacy settings. 

 

You could refer to this article :My camera isn't working in Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support 

Thank you again for your time and understanding. While my initial response may not resolve the issue immediately, I’d like to gather more details about your situation so I can assist you more effectively.     

I really appreciate your patience, and I’m here to help. Looking forward to your response.        

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Answer 2

In Teams, this message usually means another app or process is already using the camera, or Windows privacy settings are blocking Teams.

Follow these steps on Windows:

1. Close other apps that might use the camera
   • Quit apps like Skype, Zoom, browser-based meeting tools, or the Windows Camera app.
   • Open Task Manager (right-click the taskbar > Task Manager) and end any app that might be using the camera.
2. Check Windows camera privacy settings
   • Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
   • Ensure Camera access is turned on.
   • Ensure Let apps access your camera is turned on.
   • Scroll down and make sure Let desktop apps access your camera is turned on, because Microsoft Teams is a desktop app and requires this setting.
3. Test the camera in another app
   • Open Start > Camera.
   • Confirm that the preview works. If it works in Camera but not in Teams, the issue is specific to Teams or its permissions.
4. Check for updates and restart
   • Install any pending Windows Update items, including optional updates for the camera.
   • Restart the device (not just wake from sleep) and try a Teams call again.
5. Teams-specific checks
   • Make sure the latest Teams app version is installed. Use Check for updates in Teams.
   • If using an external USB camera, unplug it and plug it back in, preferably to a different USB port, then reselect it in Teams device settings.

If the camera still reports it is in use elsewhere after these steps, run the Windows camera troubleshooter via Get Help using the Run the troubleshooter in Get Help link from the camera support article, then test again in Teams.

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References:

• My camera isn't working in Microsoft Teams
• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• Camera fails in Teams - Microsoft Q&A