Problem with camera

Question

My camera does not work on Zoom. How can I see if the camera is working properly or where the problem lies?

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

May I know what troubleshooting steps have you already taken? This will help me avoid recommending them again.

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If you haven't tried anything yet please start by:

• While you’re in the meeting in Zoom, click the arrow next to Start/Stop Video and choose Video Settings.
• If your device has more than one camera, you’ll see them listed under Camera. Click the drop-down menu and try selecting a different camera to see if that resolves the issue.
• Sometimes Zoom simply selects the wrong camera by default, especially if you have a virtual camera or external camera connected.

If issue still persists, check Windows Camera Permissions:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera
• Make sure Camera access is turned On
• Turn On Let apps access your camera
• Scroll down and confirm Zoom (or the meeting app you’re using) is allowed.

For more troubleshooting steps please see "Camera doesn't work in Windows" https://support.microsoft.com/windows/camera-doesn-t-work-in-windows-32adb016-b29c-a928-0073-53d31da0dad5

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If the issue persists, please provide more details by answering my questions.

Click "Add comment" below to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

Use Windows to test whether the camera works independently of Zoom, then narrow down where the problem is.

1. Check if the camera works in Windows
   1. Select Start > Camera.
   2. If the preview shows video, the camera and driver are basically working and the issue is likely with Zoom’s settings.
   3. If the preview is a black screen or error, continue with the steps below.
2. Test in another app
   1. Open another app that uses the camera (for example, the built‑in Camera app as above, or another video app).
   2. If the camera works in one app but not in Zoom, the problem lies with Zoom’s camera settings or permissions.
3. Check for Windows and driver updates
   1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. If View optional updates or Advanced options > Optional updates is available, select it and install any camera or driver updates.
   3. Restart the PC after updates.
4. Update the camera driver
   1. Select Start > Device Manager.
   2. Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices) and locate the camera.
   3. Right‑click the camera > Update driver.
   4. Select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install any found driver.
   5. Restart the PC and test again with the Camera app.
5. If the camera shows black screen or no video
   1. Ensure the camera lens is not covered and any physical privacy shutter is open.
   2. Check lighting conditions.
   3. If still black, repeat the driver update steps above.
6. If the webcam still misbehaves, try reinstalling or switching drivers
   1. In Device Manager, right‑click the camera > Properties > Driver tab.
   2. Choose Uninstall Device and select Delete the driver software for this device if available, then OK.
   3. In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes to let Windows reinstall the driver.
   4. If problems persist and the camera is a USB webcam, switch to the in‑box UVC driver:
      • Right‑click the webcam > Update driver.
      • Select Browse my computer for drivers.
      • Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
      • Choose USB Video Device > Next, then close and test again.
7. If the camera works in Windows but not in Zoom
   1. Since the hardware and driver are working, check Zoom’s video settings (select the correct camera, disable any conflicting virtual camera, and ensure no other app is exclusively using the camera).

If the camera still does not work anywhere after these steps, the issue may be with the camera hardware itself; in that case, check the device manufacturer’s support page.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A
• Camera fails in Teams - Microsoft Q&A
• my camera is not listed under device manager camera is not listed and it's not under imaging devices - Microsoft Q&A
• avshws of Windows-driver-samples can not be started - Microsoft Q&A