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Camera doesn't work in Windows
Although Windows 10 can automatically configure most cameras, it does not mean they will continue operating with issues indefinitely. Sometimes, peripherals can stop working for many reasons. For instance, it could be due to a problem with the driver, recent system updates, privacy settings blocking access to the camera, or hardware-related issues.
If you notice problems with the built-in webcam on your laptop or USB camera on a desktop computer, Windows 10 includes several ways to fix the most common issues using Device Manager, Settings, or correcting the software privacy settings.
In this Windows 10 guide, we will walk you through serveral ways to troubleshoot and fix problems with a built-in or USB webcam. To confirm the peripheral is getting detected, connect the camera to the device if applicable and use these steps:. Once you complete the steps, if the camera is not listed, disconnect it, restart the computer, connect the camera again, and follow the above steps one more time.
If possible, you can also try a different USB port to confirm it is not a problem with the port. Or try to connect the camera directly to the device if you are using a USB hub. If the camera is still not working, try connecting it to another device to confirm that it is not a hardware problem.
If the camera no longer works, or you are ready for an upgrade, we recommended the Logitech BRIO webcam because of its 4K resolution and HDR support, as well as for its compatibility for Windows Hello authentication on Windows Our pick. If you're looking for the best camera for meetings and video chat, the BRIO from Logitech is the one for you since it was the first webcam in the market with 4K support and offers pretty nifty features like background replacement and Windows Hello support.
On Windows 10, the system can automatically limit apps such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype access to the microphone and camera to help you protect your privacy and improve security. If the camera is working, but you cannot access it from a specific application, you revise the privacy settings. The above instructions are to allow camera access for Microsoft Store apps.
If the problem is with a classic desktop application, turn on the Allow desktop apps to access your camera toggle switch at the bottom of the page. If the camera stops working after installing a cumulative update or new version of Windows 10, there's a chance that the camera driver is causing compatibility issues. Once you complete the steps, the driver's new update will download and install automatically, resolving the problem. Sometimes Windows Update may not have the most up-to-date drivers available.
If this is the case, you may need to check the manufacturer support website to get the newest drivers available and the instructions to apply them. If the problem appeared after installing a system update, you could remove the update to get the camera working quickly.
After you complete the steps, the update causing the issue will be removed from the computer, resolving the webcam issue. If the camera stopped responding after installing the latest version of Windows 10, you could remove the feature update to resolve the issue, and when you know that the problem has a permanent fix, you can upgrade again. Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will roll back to the previous version when the webcam worked correctly.
Sometimes hardware manufacturers will roll out driver updates that may still contain compatibility issues. If the camera was working before a recent driver update, restoring the previous version can resolve the problem. After you complete the steps, the older driver will be restored, allowing the camera to work again. These instructions will also prevent Windows Update from downloading the same camera again.
However, when a new driver becomes available, it will download and install automatically. When the camera stops working on Windows 10 because of a damaged driver or problem with the configuration, you can use Device Manager to reinstall the peripheral to resolve the issue. Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will reinstall the driver, and the camera should start working again. Some antivirus and other third-party security software come with privacy settings that can prevent apps from accessing the webcam.
If you use a security solution that offers such features such as the case of the Kaspersky Total Security , you need to dive into the privacy settings to allow apps access to the camera.
To configure the antivirus for example, Kaspersky to allow apps access to the camera on Windows 10, use these steps:. After you complete the steps, the antivirus will no longer interfere, and you should now be able to use the camera with any app on Windows If you use a different antivirus, and you suspect it is blocking access to the camera, you may need to check the manufacturer support website for specific details to change the settings to fix the issue.
Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. Windows Central Windows Central. Logitech BRIO. Mauro Huculak. Topics Windows 10 Help. See all comments 1. Is there any way to change the default camera? I have two, and always want the BRIO to be the default, but Windows seems to think that's my secondary camera.
Most apps make it pretty easy to switch between cameras, but not all, and some updates seem to reset this for some apps, so I start a call, and it's using the wrong camera. I have to scramble to find the setting to change camera while I'm on a video call -- frustrating.
For audio, there can be a default speaker and default mic for system sounds and a different default for communication which you can also choose to be the same as the system sound devices. Apps seem to be good about honoring these Windows settings for audio devices.
I haven't found any equivalent system-wide settings for the camera. Windows Central Newsletter. Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands. Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors.
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