camera on computer won't work for video calls

Question

I'm having trouble getting my camera to work I ran the troubleshooter it says everything is fine yet when I go to video chat, it won't turn on any idea why that might be

Answer 1

If that is a built-in webcam on a laptop:

1

Look at the camera lens above your screen, is there a small privacy slider that needs to be opened to access the webcam?

2

If that was not the problem, 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.

3

If the webcam is still not working, click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

Answer 2

Check your settings and see what you have selected that can access your camera. See my image below. LogiCapture is my Logitech Camera.

Answer 3

Try these steps in order on Windows 11:

1. Check physical camera controls
   • If using a laptop, look for:
     • A function key with a camera icon (often needs Fn + that key).
     • A dedicated camera key.
     • A side switch or a small slider/shutter over the camera lens.
   • Make sure any switch/slider is set to open/on.
2. Test the camera in the Camera app
   • Select Start > Camera. If prompted, allow access.
   • If the camera works here but not in video chat, the issue is likely with the specific app.
3. Check Windows camera privacy settings
   • Open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera (or use this link: Allow access to the camera on this device).
   • Turn on Camera access for the device.
   • Turn on Allow apps to access your camera.
   • Under Let apps access your camera, enable the video chat app (for Microsoft Store apps).
   • Under Allow desktop apps to access your camera, make sure this is On so browsers and apps like Teams/Zoom can use it.
4. Close other apps that might be using the camera
   If the video app says the camera is in use or just won’t start:
   • Right-click the taskbar > Task Manager.
   • Close any app that might be using the camera (other meeting apps, Camera app, browser tabs with calls) by selecting it and choosing End task.
   • Try the video call again.
5. Update Windows and camera drivers
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install all updates.
   • Then select Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera/driver updates.
   • Restart the PC.
   • Test again in both the Camera app and the video chat app.
6. Run the Camera troubleshooter from Settings (in addition to Get Help)
   • Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Camera and select Run.

If the camera works in the Camera app but not in a specific video app after these steps, re‑check that app’s own settings to ensure the correct camera is selected and that it has permission to use the camera.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows