Camera not working

Question

Been on a couple of Teams mtgs and haven't been able to get the camera to work. What am I missing?

Answer 1

1

Open the Camera app in Windows, is your webcam working in that app.

2

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.

3

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?

Answer 2

Try these checks step by step, focusing on Teams and camera permissions.

1. Check if the camera works in Windows (outside Teams)
   • Select Start > Camera.
   • If the preview works, the camera and driver are OK and the issue is likely with app permissions or Teams.
2. Allow Windows to use the camera (Windows 10/11)
   • Select Start > Settings > Privacy (or Privacy & security) > Camera.
   • Under Allow access to the camera on this device, select Change and turn Camera access for this device On.
   • Make sure Allow apps to access your camera (or Let apps access your camera) is On.
   • Scroll down and ensure:
     • The relevant Microsoft Store apps that need the camera are On under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera.
     • Allow desktop apps to access your camera (or Let desktop apps access your camera) is On. Teams (desktop) and browsers rely on this.
3. If using Teams in a browser
   • The browser must be allowed to use the camera:
     • In Microsoft Edge:
       • Go to Settings and more > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Camera.
       • Turn on Ask before accessing (recommended).
     • In Google Chrome:
       • Open Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Permissions > Camera.
       • At the top, select the correct camera device.
       • Under Default behavior, select Sites can ask to use your camera.
     • In Safari:
       • Open Preferences > Websites > Camera.
       • Next to When visiting other websites, select Ask or Allow.
   • When joining a Teams meeting in the browser, choose Allow when prompted for camera access.
4. If using Teams on Mac
   • Open System Settings.
   • Go to Security & Privacy > Privacy > Camera.
   • Ensure Microsoft Teams (work or school) is checked.
   • Close all apps and restart the device.
5. Check if another app is blocking the camera
   • Close any other app that might be using the camera (other meeting tools, browser tabs, etc.).
   • If needed, open Task Manager, look for apps using the camera, and End task.
6. Test again in Teams
   • Open Teams, go to Settings > Devices.
   • Under Camera, ensure the correct camera is selected and check the preview.

If the camera works in the Windows Camera app but not in Teams after these steps, the problem is likely specific to Teams or to organization policies, and contacting the IT admin or Microsoft support may be required.

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References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• My camera isn't working in Microsoft Teams