I am trying to get my new Windows 11 computer to connect with my camera

Question

I have a Canon Power Shot SX700 HS camera. I want my Dell desktop computer with Windows 11 to recognize and be able to transfer photos from my camera to my desktop computer. When I go to Settings and then Camera, my computer does not find any camera, either when the camera is on and nearby or when it is connected to a USB port on the computer. How do I get the computer to recognize my camera?

Answer 1

Hi Allan Lindrup,

Your Canon PowerShot SX700 HS is not a webcam, so in general, it shouldn’t appear under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras in Windows 11. That page is primarily for cameras that Windows can use for video calls and apps.

Instead, your camera should appear in File Explorer as a portable device or removable storage when connected by USB, allowing you to copy photos from the camera's folders. Please try the following step:

1. Check the card in your camera. If it has a lock on the side, switch to open
2. Turn the camera on > connect it to the PC using the camera's USB cable.
3. On your PC, open File Explorer > This PC > see if camera drive appears
4. If it does, open and browse to the DCIM folder to copy your photos.

If the camera does not appear in File Explorer, consider checking the Device Manager like what Alvise suggested below. It's also worth trying a different USB port on the computer and a different USB cable if available, since older camera cables can fail even though the camera powers on.

One good narrowing down test is to use the camera on another computer. It will determine whether the issue is with the camera, cable, or Windows PC. But if that’s too much of a hassle, an alternative that is often simpler if you have a card reader:

1. Take the SD card from the camera (make sure it’s unlocked)
2. Insert it into the PC’s SD card reader/connected to the PC.
3. Copy the photos directly from the card's DCIM folder.

Just wondering, when you connect the camera by USB and turn it on, does it appear anywhere in File Explorer > This PC, or is it completely absent from both File Explorer and Device Manager? And when you used wireless to connect, did you put it on pairing mode in advance?

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Answer 2

Hi Allan, Welcome in Community

When you connect your powershot to the computer, please open Device Manager (by pressing WIN + X) and see if there are some device unrecognized.

If yes, take a screenshot and share here the pic

Then, check the official support website of Canon dedicated to your camera

https://www.canon-europe.com/support/consumer/products/cameras/powershot/sx-series/powershot-sx700-hs.html?type=download&language=EN

Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Let me know how it goes

Elvis