camera not working

Question

My camera is turned off and I don't know how to turn it back on.

Answer 1

Look at Settings>Bluetooth and devices, is your camera in the list? Have you checked the User Manual for your computer? What type of camera are you asking about, built in or USB attached?

Answer 2

Hi! Let me help you.

Is this for the Internal Camera or a USB Camera?

What is the error when you open the Camera App?

Answer 3

Use these steps to turn the camera back on in Windows 11:

1. Check privacy/keyboard controls
   1. Look at the top row of the keyboard (F1–F12). If one key has a camera icon, press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key). This often toggles the webcam on/off.
   2. Check the area around the camera lens for a small physical shutter/slider. If it covers the lens, slide it open.
2. Turn camera access back on in Settings
   1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
   2. Make sure Camera access is turned On.
      • If it is off and greyed out, an administrator must turn it on.
   3. Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned On.
   4. In the list below, turn On any apps that should be allowed to use the camera.
3. Test the camera
   1. Select Start > Camera.
   2. If prompted, allow access to the camera.
   3. If the preview works here but not in another app, adjust that app’s own camera settings.

If the camera still appears off or missing, check Device Manager under Cameras or Imaging devices, update or reinstall the camera driver, and restart the PC.

---

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• 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
• On desktop Teams, my camera and screen sharing look as if they work fine, but they do not - Microsoft Q&A
• Camera fails in Teams - Microsoft Q&A