Camera displaying a black screen

Question

Hello, my camera is not working during the exam setup. It only shows a blank/black screen even after allowing camera permissions and restarting the application. Could you please assist me in resolving this issue?

Answer 1

Open the built-in Camera app in Windows, is your webcam working in that app?

1

If not:

Look at the function keys (F1 - F12) on your keyboard, if one of them has a camera icon, press that key or Fn + that key to unlock the webcam.

If that was not the problem, look at the camera lens above your screen, is there a small privacy slider that needs to be opened to access the webcam?

3

If the webcam is working in the Camera app, but not for an exam, have you installed something like the Lockdown browser for the exam, and are you using some specific app for the exam that requires use of the webcam.

Answer 2

Follow these steps in order, testing the camera after each step using the Windows Camera app (Start > Camera):

1. Check for a physical camera switch or key
   • Look for a function key (F1–F12) with a camera icon and press it, or press Fn + that key.
   • Check the bezel above the screen for a small privacy slider/shutter over the lens and slide it open.
2. Verify camera privacy settings in Windows
   • Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
   • Ensure “Camera access” is turned on.
   • Ensure “Let apps access your camera” is turned on.
   • Under “Choose which apps can access your camera,” make sure the browser/exam app (or “Allow desktop apps to access your camera”) is turned on.
3. Test in another app
   • Open Start > Camera and confirm if the preview works.
   • If the camera works here but not in the exam app, the problem is with that app’s settings; ensure it is allowed to use the camera and that no other app is using it at the same time.
4. Update the camera driver
   • Right‑click Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras.
   • Right‑click the camera device > Update driver.
   • Select “Search automatically for drivers.”
   • Restart the PC after the update completes.
5. Check for Windows updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If available, also go to Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera or driver updates.
   • Restart the PC after updates.
6. Run the Camera troubleshooter
   • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find “Camera” and select Run.
7. Check antivirus/firewall
   • Open the antivirus/firewall app and look for any camera/webcam protection setting.
   • Temporarily disable it and test the camera again. Re‑enable protection afterward.

If the Camera app still shows a black screen after all these steps, the issue is likely hardware (faulty camera module or connection), and the device manufacturer’s support should be contacted.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A When I open camera I can not see my face ,just a black image
• Camera device is not enabled - Microsoft Q&A How can I overcome the issue of not beeing able to use my laptop camera. The settings indicate use of function key 10 but this do not help. The message: "Your camera is reporting that it is blocked or turned off by a switch or button on your device...."