camera access for zoom continuing ed class

Question

Recently tried to login to a Zoom class and camera access denied. Prompt read: "Your camera is being used by other apps. Close those apps and try again." I could not troubleshoot the issue. I tried turning the privacy settings on camera to off, then resetting. Still got same result. I am using Google Chrome as recommended for Zoom meeting and the integrated camera on my Lenovo laptop. Have used this in the past for same Zoom session and no issues. White light is on by the camera lens and the privacy lens cover is open. I'm stumped. Help appreciated. Thx.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

Kindly follow the steps provided by Q&A Assist. If the issue persists, check the camera settings and privacy from the Lenovo Vantage app:

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht500417-adjust-or-disable-integrated-camera-settings-with-lenovo-vantage-windows-10

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

If all fails, I suggest doing a system restore, wherein it will restore the PC to the way it was working properly. To do that, kindly follow the steps below:

Press the Windows key + R, then type in:

rstrui

Then hit OK.

Follow the prompts and select the time and date when the PC is working fine.

Follow the prompts again until it restores.

Answer 2

Follow these steps in Windows 10 to resolve the “camera is being used by other apps” issue when joining Zoom in Chrome:

1. Close apps that may be using the camera
   1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
   2. In Processes, look for apps that might use the camera (for example: Camera, Microsoft Teams, Skype, other video apps, browsers).
   3. Right-click each such app and select End task.
   4. Close and reopen Chrome, then rejoin the Zoom meeting.
2. Confirm Windows camera privacy settings
   1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
   2. Make sure Camera access is turned On.
   3. Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned On.
   4. Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, ensure any app you actually use with the camera is allowed.
   5. Scroll down to Allow desktop apps to access your camera and make sure this is On, because Chrome and Zoom are desktop apps.
3. Check that no policy or security software is blocking the camera
   1. In the same Camera settings page, if Camera access is turned off and greyed out, contact the device administrator to enable it.
   2. Check antivirus or third‑party security software and ensure it is not blocking camera access.
4. Try the built‑in Camera app
   1. Open Start and search for Camera.
   2. If the Camera app shows video correctly, the hardware is working and the issue is likely with another app still holding the camera or with browser/Zoom permissions.

After these steps, re-open Chrome, go to the Zoom meeting, and when prompted, allow the browser to use the camera.

---

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows