Troubleshoot camera

White, Joanna 215

The camera on my laptop is not working it says that it's either blocked or there's a button on the keyboard to push to make the camera work again but I don't know how to do that so I need help getting my camera working

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Pavle Peković 6,940 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-01T09:58:16.0166667+00:00

Is your PC Microsoft Surface or some other?
Kiran S 30 Reputation points

2026-03-04T16:40:54.6633333+00:00

my pc camera is not working
Bart Vanheste 15 Reputation points

2026-03-06T13:21:42.36+00:00

I have the same problem. There is no FN+Shortcut F1-F12 function so I do not know what to do
Troy Wright 10 Reputation points

2026-04-28T11:17:43.71+00:00

I had the same message of 'switch or button stopping camera' .

for me, there was a literal switch right above my webcam, in the top of my laptop screen. i had to flick it. never knew that before. Very thin, easy to miss in the shade or reduced light.
George Wellon 5 Reputation points

2026-05-12T21:45:15.4+00:00

Thanks, Troy! I was having the same problem with my laptop camera, same message that it was blocked or switched off. It was really bugging me but your message above was the answer.
Nagamounika Rangisetty 0 Reputation points

2026-05-13T04:21:40.2266667+00:00

not working pc camara
Joe Vargas 0 Reputation points

2026-05-15T14:26:52.94+00:00

Excellent solution. I felt that something was blocking the lens, but never could have imagined that there was a tiny

shutter lens switch that I could move . thank you for saving me 2 hrs of troubleshooting via Windows troubleshooter.
Slobodanka Djurovic 0 Reputation points

2026-05-23T23:42:01.26+00:00

my pc camera is not working
Bilgehan Davarcı 0 Reputation points

2026-06-01T20:24:23.5566667+00:00

I found the solution for my Lenovo laptop. Its product name: Lenovo V15 G4 ABP - Type 82YY

The solution is to keep its small privacy shutter open, you push it to left or right. If it is a red circle then it is turned off if not then it is on. Second step is to position the laptop lid or the screen correctly. These cameras are usually connected via thin wire all the way to the motherboard so they are easily disconnected at the slightest movement. When it is disconnected it doesn't even show up in devices manager on windows. If it doesn't detect the camera whatever you do then you probably have to open the motherboard and find that thin wire and fix it manually.
adil rana 0 Reputation points

2026-06-14T10:43:39.0566667+00:00

i am facing camera issue .. can anyone plz solve .. i having desk top of windows 11 . versioon 6 months old . when i open camera the error comes.. error name is.. you might need slider shutter near the camera , press a camera button on keyboard, or slide a camera swith on on yout device. can u plz help me out
chenamallu satyamnaidu 0 Reputation points

2026-06-15T17:50:11.1766667+00:00

MY LAPTOP CAMERA IS NOT WORKING
Jenkins-Simmons, Patricia 0 Reputation points

2026-06-24T19:01:16.0433333+00:00

Thank you so much. It worked, and I did not know about this button.
dolly arya 0 Reputation points

2026-07-03T06:13:02.2733333+00:00

I have camera issue how to do it ??
dheerendra kumar 5 Reputation points

2026-08-06T14:59:43.0366667+00:00

my pc camera has been not working

12 answers

AI answer

2026-03-01T09:03:27.5933333+00:00
Follow these steps in order on the Surface Laptop:

Check the physical camera controls

Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon.

Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on.

Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open, not covering the lens.

Make sure the camera is not blocked

Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area.

Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean.

Test the camera in the Windows Camera app

Select Start > Camera.

If asked to allow access, choose Yes.

If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings.

Check Windows Update and camera drivers

Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install all updates.

Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras.

Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, then restart the device.

Run the Camera troubleshooter

On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera, select Run.

On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems, select Camera > Run the troubleshooter.

If the camera still shows as blocked or does not display video after these steps, test with another app again and then contact device support, as it may be a hardware issue.

References:

Camera doesn't work in Windows

my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A

my camera is not listed under device manager camera is not listed and it's not under imaging devices - Microsoft Q&A
AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.
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S.Sengupta 32,666 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-02T00:52:35.0266667+00:00

Look at the top row (F1–F12 keys) for:

A camera icon

Or a key with a camera crossed out

If you see it:

Press Fn + that key

Press Windows Key + I > Privacy & Security > Camera

Make sure:

Camera access is ON

Let apps access your camera is ON

Your app (Zoom, Teams, etc.) is turned ON

Then restart the laptop.
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abhi polnati 5 Reputation points

2026-03-04T08:35:36.0833333+00:00

in device manager itself the camera is not show (in show hidden devices also)
i tried to reinstall driver and also tried to reboot (40sec)
but no use can you help me
not only camera the Bluetooth also

Almighty chivas 5 Reputation points

2026-03-04T17:25:31.8166667+00:00

i cant find the camera key on my keyboard

Bart Vanheste 15 Reputation points

2026-03-06T13:22:10.0866667+00:00

I have the same problem. There is no FN+Shortcut F1-F12 function so I do not know what to do

Barbara Spieker 30 Reputation points

2026-03-10T00:06:12.9233333+00:00

Trouble shooting says my camera is blocked by a button or switch on my device. There are no camera icons on my keypad and I looked for a switch but didn't find anything.

S.Sengupta 32,666 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-10T01:16:15.2366667+00:00

Barbara Spieker

Start > Settings >Privacy & Security > Camera

Turn ON:

Camera access

Let apps access your camera

Let desktop apps access your camera

Then restart the laptop.

JulieAnn Kokiri 0 Reputation points

2026-07-16T04:52:36.3666667+00:00

What does the icon on the F1 - F12 look like

rhezeljen dujerte 0 Reputation points

2026-07-23T19:16:31.3566667+00:00

my laptop pc not working, i already troubleshoot my camera but still black screen and also i dont have any camera icon in my keyboard

karen cleirbaut 0 Reputation points

2026-07-31T19:26:42.1733333+00:00

I cannot run the troubleshooter because my camera is blocked. I just reinstalled drivers with a windows Tech. Same thing. Camera blocked. It was working for a couple months, so I must have done something physical - like touched a switch or button or i didn't brush my teeth. I cannot find nany button or switch or slider to make this work. I'm pretty frustrated.

GHANSHYAM SAH 0 Reputation points

2026-08-01T12:01:58.2133333+00:00

There is no any camera icon in from ( F1 to F12 ), camera access is already is ON and no any other apps is turned ON. i don't know what is happened with my laptop's camera.
Wisdom Taiwo Dabo 5 Reputation points

2026-03-06T07:24:45.9666667+00:00

I am trying to use my laptop for google meet and team but my camera is not orking
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S.Sengupta 32,666 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-03-10T01:23:00.7033333+00:00

Wisdom Taiwo Dabo

Camera blocked everywhere → Windows camera settings

Camera blocked only in Meet → Browser permission

As your camera is not working in Google Meet or, Microsoft Teams then try:

Click Start

Open Settings

Go to Privacy & Security

Click Camera

Turn ON all three options:

Camera access

Let apps access your camera

Let desktop apps access your camera

Allow camera permission in your browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge by clicking the lock icon in the address bar → Camera → Allow.

humayun mia 10 Reputation points

2026-04-02T11:26:45.3133333+00:00

I'm try to use the camera and microphone but no luck
Rachael Johnson 0 Reputation points

2026-03-12T17:28:20.4866667+00:00

My camera fades in and out when I'm using zoom
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Pamela Jude 0 Reputation points

2026-05-06T19:38:02.21+00:00

My camera is blurry its not a clear view

Sujoy Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-05-13T12:55:21.74+00:00

Camera is not working
humayun mia 10 Reputation points

2026-04-02T11:25:06.6033333+00:00

i unable to use my pc camera and microphone Kindy assist me here
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karen cleirbaut 0 Reputation points

2026-07-31T19:46:41.9533333+00:00

RESPONING TO AI above:

Check the physical camera controls

Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon. NONE FOUND

Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on.

Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open, not covering the lens. NONE FOUND

Make sure the camera is not blocked

Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area.

Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean. NONE FOUND, LENS CLEAN

Test the camera in the Windows Camera app

Select Start > Camera.

If asked to allow access, choose Yes.

If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings.

GETTING SAME MSG " you might need to slide a shutter blah blah blah

Check Windows Update and camera drivers

Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install all updates.

Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras.

Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, then restart the device. YOU HAVE THE LATEST DRIVER

Run the Camera troubleshooter

On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera, select Run.

On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems, select Camera > Run the troubleshooter.

If the camera still shows as blocked or does not display video after these steps, test with another app again and then contact device support, as it may be a hardware issue.

karen cleirbaut 0 Reputation points

2026-07-31T20:01:01.1233333+00:00

iy MUST be a hardware issue. Eveything else has been tried. Please update here if anyone has found a solution - and found that magic button/slider/Function Key/Privacy setting. good luck