Camera is not working.

Question

My camera is not working. I have updated the drivers, given various permissions in settings, but still it is not working. Only a black screen is visible in the application

Answer 1

Try reinstall the driver, see if that helps.

If issue still persists, make sure Camera hardware is working.

Answer 2

Follow these steps to troubleshoot the black screen issue with the camera in Windows 11:

1. Test the camera in the Windows Camera app
   • Select Start > Camera.
   • Check if the preview works.
   • If the camera works here but not in another app, adjust that app’s camera/video settings (the issue is with the app, not Windows).
2. Check for Windows updates (including optional driver updates)
   • Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If available, select Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera-related driver updates.
   • Restart the PC after updates complete.
3. Update the camera driver
   • Select Start > type Device Manager > open Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices / Sound, video and game controllers).
   • Right-click the camera > Update driver.
   • Select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install any found driver.
   • Restart the PC and test again.
4. Check for physical/optical issues
   • Ensure the camera lens is not covered (privacy shutter/slider) and is clean.
   • If using an external USB camera, try a different USB port.
5. Roll back the camera driver (if the issue started after an update)
   • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties.
   • Go to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver (if available), then choose Yes.
   • Restart the device and test the Camera app.
6. Reinstall the camera driver
   • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties.
   • Go to the Driver tab > Uninstall Device.
   • Select the checkbox to Delete/Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select OK.
   • In Device Manager, open the Action menu > Scan for hardware changes.
   • Wait for Windows to reinstall the driver, restart the PC, and test the Camera app.

If the camera still shows only a black screen after these steps, the issue may be with faulty camera hardware or an incompatible/very old camera, and the manufacturer’s support site should be consulted.

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References:

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