Camera Problem

Peter Swanson 0 Reputation points
2026-09-25T14:25:37.5566667+00:00

I un-installed my camera on my 2009 SurfacePro7 laptop. How do I re-install my camera on my SurfacePro7?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-25T14:25:51.7166667+00:00

    On a Surface Pro 7, the camera can usually be reinstalled by letting Windows detect the device again.

    1. Open Device Manager.
    2. Look under Cameras.
    3. If the camera is listed, right-click it, select Properties > Driver > Uninstall Device only if it is still in a broken state.
    4. In Device Manager, select the Action menu, then select Scan for hardware changes.
    5. Wait for Windows to reinstall the camera driver, then restart the Surface.
    6. Test it in the Camera app.

    If the camera does not appear in Device Manager:

    1. In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    2. Restart the device.
    3. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
    4. If needed, open Advanced options > Optional updates and install any available camera or driver updates.

    For Surface devices specifically, also check the Surface app:

    1. Open the Surface app.
    2. Expand Help & support to check update status.
    3. If updates are available, select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install them.

    If the camera still is not working, run the camera troubleshooter:

    • On Surface support guidance: use the automated camera troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
    • In Windows: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Camera > Run.

    Important: Do not uninstall camera drivers on Surface Pro X. That warning does not apply to Surface Pro 7.

    If none of that restores the camera, try a force restart:

    • Select Start > Power > Shut down.
    • After it turns off, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds. If the logo appears earlier, keep holding until it appears again.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Thomas4-N 22,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-27T15:03:00.0733333+00:00

    Hello Peter Swanson, did you uninstall the Camera app from Windows, or the camera device in Device Manager?

    If it was the app, open Microsoft Store, find Camera in your Library, and reinstall it. If it was the device, restart your Surface Pro 7 first, then check whether the camera has reappeared in Device Manager.

    Which one did you remove, and does the camera now appear under Cameras in Device Manager?

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  3. Pill Jame 155 Reputation points
    2026-09-25T14:41:44.8933333+00:00

    Hi,Peter Swanson

    If you mean the drivers in Device Manager,

    1. Open Device Manager.
    2. Look under Cameras.
    3. If the camera is listed, right-click it, select Properties > Driver > Uninstall Device only if it is still in a broken state.
    4. In Device Manager, select the Action menu, then select Scan for hardware changes.
    5. Wait for Windows to reinstall the camera driver, then restart the Surface.
    6. Test it in the Camera app.

    Or if you mean the Windows Camera app,please open Microsoft Store and search Camera and reinstall the UWP App.

    Thank you.

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