Camera is not working

Question

I turned off my laptop camera. I tried to turn the camera back on but error message appears - Can't start your Camera with code A00429F

Answer 1

Hi Nora Falconer,

Thanks for reaching out. I would suggest first going through the AI answer provided, as it already covers the most common checks for this issue and is a good starting point.

If you’re still seeing error 0xA00F429F after that, there are a couple of additional things worth trying, especially on Surface devices.

First, please check that the camera wasn’t disabled at the firmware level. Restart your device, then hold Volume Up + Power to enter Surface UEFI. From there, go to Devices > Camera and make sure it’s enabled, as this setting can override Windows even if everything looks correct in Settings.

Next, please check under Settings > Privacy & security > Camera that “Let desktop apps access your camera” is turned on, since some apps rely on this setting and may fail to start the camera if it’s disabled.

You can also try resetting the Camera app by going to Settings > Apps > Camera > Advanced options, then selecting Repair and Reset. If the app is stuck or not starting correctly, this usually helps.

If the issue continues, it may also help to fully close any apps that could be using the camera in the background (such as Teams or Zoom), then test again.

If you’re still having trouble after these steps, feel free to share what you see in Device Manager and I’ll be happy to take a closer look with you.

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Answer 2

Follow these steps to resolve error code 0xA00F429F (Can't start your camera):

1. Check the physical camera switch or key
   • Many laptops (including Surface devices) have a physical camera shutter or a function key that disables the camera.
   • Look for:
     • A function key (F1–F12) with a camera icon; press that key, or press Fn + that key.
     • A small slider/shutter built into the camera bezel above the screen; slide it open.
     • A sliding switch on the side of the laptop.
   • Make sure any shutter/switch is set to open/on.
2. Verify the camera works in the Windows Camera app
   • Select Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
   • If the camera works here but not in another app, the issue is with that app’s settings.
3. Check for Windows and driver updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If available, select Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera driver updates.
   • Restart the PC (Start > Power > Restart), then test the camera again using the Camera app.
4. Update or reinstall the camera driver
   • Open Device Manager (search for “device manager” from Start).
   • Expand Cameras and locate the laptop camera.
   • Right-click the camera and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
   • After updating, restart the PC.
   • If the problem persists:
     1. In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties > Driver tab > Uninstall Device.
     2. Select Delete the driver software for this device if available, then OK.
     3. In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the driver.
     4. Restart the PC and test the Camera app again.
5. Run the camera troubleshooter
   • On Windows 10/11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Camera and select Run.
6. Check antivirus/firewall
   • Some antivirus or firewall software can block camera access.
   • Open the antivirus app, look for camera/webcam protection, temporarily disable it, and test the camera.

If the camera still does not work after these steps, check the laptop manufacturer’s support page for a specific camera driver or hardware diagnostics.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• Camera doesn't work in Windows – Step 2. Check for a camera switch or a button on your device
• Camera doesn't work in Windows – Step 4. Test your camera in a different app
• Camera doesn't work in Windows – Step 5. Check for Windows update
• Camera doesn't work in Windows – Step 8. Check your hardware drivers
• Camera doesn't work in Windows – Error codes and their potential causes
• Camera device is not enabled - 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
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A