Camera and video issue

Question

my camera is not working on my Dell laptop

the camera slide is open but can't use video says can't find camera

Answer 1

Greetings!

This is Tin, may I know when did the issue start? Is there any changes made before you got this issue?

Please send the make and model of your device. (Please press Windows key + R and type msinfo32 and hit enter, look for system model)

Let's try to manually download and install the camera driver from Dell website. I'll give you the link.

Will wait for your response.

Thanks,

Tin

Answer 2

Try these steps on the Dell laptop running Windows 11:

1. Check the physical camera controls
   • Ensure the camera shutter/slider above the screen is fully open.
   • Look for a camera key on the keyboard (often on the F-keys, e.g., F4/F8) and press it, or press Fn + that key, to enable the camera.
   • Some laptops also have a side switch for the camera; make sure it is in the On position.
2. Test the camera in the Camera app
   • Select Start > Camera and see if a preview appears.
   • If the camera works here but not in other apps, adjust the camera permissions/settings in those apps.
3. Check Device Manager for the camera
   • Select Start, type device manager, and open it.
   • Look under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers for the camera.
   • If it is missing, select Action > Scan for hardware changes and wait for Windows to detect and reinstall the camera.
   • Restart the PC and test the Camera app again.
4. Update or roll back the camera driver
   • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties > Driver.
   • To update: choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, then restart.
   • If the problem started after an update: in Driver, select Roll Back Driver (if available), confirm, restart, then test again.
5. Reinstall the camera driver
   • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties > Driver > Uninstall Device.
   • Check Delete/Attempt to remove the driver for this device and select OK.
   • In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
   • After reinstall completes, restart and open the Camera app.
6. Try the Windows camera troubleshooter
   • On Windows 11, run the automated camera troubleshooter in the Get Help app using Run the troubleshooter in Get Help from the camera support article.

If the camera still cannot be found after these steps, check the Dell support site for a specific camera driver for the laptop model or hardware diagnostics.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• Camera doesn't work in Windows – Error codes and their potential causes
• 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 8. Check your hardware drivers
• Windows 10 – Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - 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
• Camera device is not enabled - Microsoft Q&A