how do I get my camera to take a picture on my computer?

Question

I am trying to take my photo for a passport but the computer will not take and save my photo

Answer 1

Passport photos must comply with strict rules. You are better off to have the photos taken by a photographer who is familiar with the requirements.

Answer 2

Follow these steps in order until the camera can take and save a picture.

1. Check the camera hardware

• If using a laptop, look for a physical camera switch, key, or shutter:
  • A sliding switch on the side of the laptop
  • A key on the keyboard with a camera icon (sometimes used with the Fn key)
  • A small slider right on the camera lens that opens/closes a privacy shutter
• Make sure this switch or slider is set to ON/open.

2. Run the Camera app and try a test photo

• Select Start and type Camera, then open the Camera app.
• If the preview is visible, select the camera button in the app to take a picture.
• If the app shows an error that the Camera Roll is missing (0xA00F4275) or it won’t save the picture, continue with the next steps.

3. Confirm where new photos are being saved
4. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
5. In Windows 11, select Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.
6. Under New photos and videos will save to, check the drive listed (for example, This PC (C:)).
7. Select that drive, choose another available location, select Apply, then change it back to the original location or This PC (C:), and select Apply again.
8. Open the Camera app again and try taking a picture.
9. Create a new Camera Roll folder (if saving still fails)
10. Select Start > File Explorer.
11. In File Explorer, select This PC, then open your OS disk (usually OSDisk (C:)).
12. Create the folder:
    • In Windows 11: select New > Folder, and name it Camera Roll.
13. Right-click the Camera Roll folder just created and select Include in library > Camera Roll (in Windows 11, select Show more options first to see this).
14. Open the Camera app and try taking a picture again.
15. Check permissions on the Camera Roll folder
16. In File Explorer, open Pictures.
17. Right-click Camera Roll and select Properties.
18. Go to the Security tab.
19. Under Group or user names, select the account currently signed in.
20. In the permissions box, make sure Write has Allow checked.
21. Select OK, then try taking and saving a picture again in the Camera app.

If the camera preview is still black or not working at all (not just failing to save), also check the physical camera switch or button again and, if needed, follow the general camera troubleshooting steps in the camera support article.

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References:

• Fix a missing Camera Roll in Windows
• Camera doesn't work in Windows