my system camera is not working how to

Use these steps to check and fix a non-working system camera in Windows:

1. Test the camera in the built-in Camera app
   • Select Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
   • If the camera works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings.
2. Check camera privacy permissions
   • Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera.
   • Under Allow access to the camera on this device, select Change and turn on Camera access for this device.
   • Turn on Allow apps to access your camera.
   • Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, turn on the apps that should use the camera.
   • Make sure Allow desktop apps to access your camera is turned on so browsers and apps like Teams can use it.
3. Check for a physical camera switch or key
   • Look at the function keys (F1–F12) for a camera icon and press that key (or Fn + that key) to enable the webcam.
   • Check the camera area on the laptop screen for a privacy shutter/slider and open it if it is covering the lens.
4. Update or reinstall the camera driver
   • Select Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices / Sound, video and game controllers) and locate the camera.
   • Right-click the camera and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, then restart the PC.
   • If the camera stopped working after an update, open the camera Properties > Driver tab and try Roll Back Driver, then restart.
   • If needed, right-click the camera, select Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software for this device if available), restart, then in Device Manager use Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall.
5. Run Windows Update and camera troubleshooter
   • Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If available, go to Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera driver updates, then restart.
   • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, find Camera, and select Run.
6. Check antivirus/firewall
   • Some security software can block camera access. Temporarily disable camera protection or the antivirus/firewall from its settings and test the camera again.
7. If using an external USB camera
   • Try a different USB port.
   • If the camera is not listed in Device Manager, use Action > Scan for hardware changes.

If the camera still does not work after these steps, the issue may be with the camera hardware itself; in that case, contact the device or camera manufacturer for support.

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
• Camera device is not enabled - Microsoft Q&A
• Audio and Camera Completely Gone After Windows Update on ASUS UX3405MA - Microsoft Q&A