camera not working

Question

how can i fix this problem blank screen will show when open camera

Answer 1

The black Camera app screen without any errors suspects me of privacy shutter.

If you've any privacy shutter installed, if your camera is physically covered, uncover it to enable camera access.

Let me know if this helps!

Answer 2

A blank or black camera preview in Windows is commonly caused by an outdated driver, a blocked lens, app-specific issues, or security software.

Try these steps in order:

1. Check for a physical block
   • Make sure the camera lens is clean and not covered.
   • If the device has a privacy shutter or camera function key, open or enable it.
2. Test the camera in the Windows Camera app
   • Open Start > Camera.
   • If the camera works in another app but not here, the problem is likely with that app’s settings.
3. Check for Windows updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If available, also check Advanced options > Optional updates for camera driver updates.
   • Install updates and restart the PC.
4. Update the camera driver
   • Open Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras.
   • Right-click the camera and select Update driver.
   • Select Search automatically for drivers.
   • Restart the PC after the update.
5. Run the camera troubleshooter
   • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Camera and select Run.
6. Check antivirus or firewall software
   • Some security software can block camera access.
   • Temporarily disable camera blocking in the antivirus/firewall settings, then test again.
7. Try reinstalling the camera driver
   • Open Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras.
   • Right-click the camera and select Uninstall device.
   • If shown, select Delete the driver software for this device.
   • Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the default driver.
8. Try a different driver if it is a USB webcam
   • In Device Manager, right-click the webcam and select Update driver.
   • Select Browse my computer for drivers.
   • Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   • Choose USB Video Device.
   • Note: this can help standard webcams, but some camera-specific features such as Windows Hello may stop working.
9. If using an external camera
   • Reconnect it firmly.
   • Try a different USB port.
   • Test it on another device to rule out hardware failure.

If the preview is still black after these steps, the next likely causes are a hardware issue or a manufacturer-specific driver problem.

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Answer 3

Hello Akash,

Please first open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera, then turn on:

• Camera access
• Let apps access your camera
• Let desktop apps access your camera

Windows requires these permissions for applications to use the camera.

Also test the camera in another application. If the screen is blank everywhere, please confirm whether the camera appears under Device Manager > Cameras and provide the computer model.