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camera on computer won't work for video calls

Mary 0 Reputation points
2026-03-21T12:30:10.51+00:00

I'm having trouble getting my camera to work I ran the troubleshooter it says everything is fine yet when I go to video chat, it won't turn on any idea why that might be

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. DaveM121 892.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-21T13:03:16.48+00:00

    If that is a built-in webcam on a laptop:

    1

    Look at the camera lens above your screen, is there a small privacy slider that needs to be opened to access the webcam?

    2

    If that was not the problem, 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 the webcam is still not working, click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

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  2. Horace Wiggins 440 Reputation points
    2026-03-21T14:09:34.41+00:00

    Check your settings and see what you have selected that can access your camera. See my image below. LogiCapture is my Logitech Camera.User's image

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  3. AI answer

    2026-03-21T12:30:22.5633333+00:00

    Try these steps in order on Windows 11:

    1. Check physical camera controls
      • If using a laptop, look for:
        • A function key with a camera icon (often needs Fn + that key).
        • A dedicated camera key.
        • A side switch or a small slider/shutter over the camera lens.
      • Make sure any switch/slider is set to open/on.
    2. Test the camera in the Camera app
      • Select Start > Camera. If prompted, allow access.
      • If the camera works here but not in video chat, the issue is likely with the specific app.
    3. Check Windows camera privacy settings
      • Open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera (or use this link: Allow access to the camera on this device).
      • Turn on Camera access for the device.
      • Turn on Allow apps to access your camera.
      • Under Let apps access your camera, enable the video chat app (for Microsoft Store apps).
      • Under Allow desktop apps to access your camera, make sure this is On so browsers and apps like Teams/Zoom can use it.
    4. Close other apps that might be using the camera
      If the video app says the camera is in use or just won’t start:
      • Right-click the taskbar > Task Manager.
      • Close any app that might be using the camera (other meeting apps, Camera app, browser tabs with calls) by selecting it and choosing End task.
      • Try the video call again.
    5. Update Windows and camera drivers
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install all updates.
      • Then select Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera/driver updates.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Test again in both the Camera app and the video chat app.
    6. Run the Camera troubleshooter from Settings (in addition to Get Help)
      • Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Camera and select Run.

    If the camera works in the Camera app but not in a specific video app after these steps, re‑check that app’s own settings to ensure the correct camera is selected and that it has permission to use the camera.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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