My laptop camera does not work.

Question

Whenever i open my camera, it shows a camera icon with a slash.

Answer 1

Please refer suggestions in this support article: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/camera-doesn-t-work-in-windows-32adb016-b29c-a928-0073-53d31da0dad5

Answer 2

1

Look at the function keys (F1 - F12) on your keyboard, if one of them has a camera icon, press that key or Fn + that key to unlock the webcam.

2

If that was not the problem, look at the camera lens above your screen, is there a small privacy slider that needs to be opened to access the webcam?

3

If the webcam is still not working, go to the support page for your laptop on the manufacturers website, then from there, download and re-install the version of webcam drivers they provide.

Answer 3

The camera icon with a slash usually means the camera is disabled by hardware or privacy settings.

Perform these checks in order:

1. Check for a physical camera switch or shutter
   • Look around the laptop for:
     • A sliding switch on the side of the laptop.
     • A button on the keyboard with a camera icon (may require holding the Fn key).
     • A small slider built into the camera area that covers/uncovers the lens.
   • Make sure any such switch/slider is set to on/open so the camera is not blocked.
2. Verify camera privacy settings in Windows 11
   1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera (or use the link: Allow access to the camera on this device).
   2. Under Allow access to the camera on this device, select Change and turn Camera access for this device On.
   3. Turn Allow apps to access your camera On.
   4. Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, turn On camera access for the apps that should use it.
   5. Under Allow desktop apps to access your camera, make sure this is On so browsers and apps like Teams can use the camera.
3. Test the camera in the Camera app
   1. Select Start > Camera.
   2. If prompted, allow access to the camera.
   3. If the preview works here but not in another app, adjust that app’s camera settings.
4. Update Windows and camera drivers
   1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. If available, go to Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera driver updates.
   3. Restart the PC.
   4. If the issue persists, open Start > Device Manager, expand Cameras, right‑click the camera, choose Update driver, then Search automatically for drivers, and restart again.

If after these steps the camera still shows the slashed icon in all apps, the issue is likely hardware-related and may require manufacturer support.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A