my camera is not working

Jacob Aitken 0 Reputation points
2026-10-05T21:42:51.4233333+00:00

My camera worked last week but it doesn't this week.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Kapil Arya 38,501 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-06T08:56:51.61+00:00

    If you can perform system restore to the earlier date when your camera was working, this issue can be resolved.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/backup-recovery/system-restore

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  2. EmilyS726 271K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-05T22:17:55.2933333+00:00

    If you open the Camera app, what does it say? Any error message? Or is it just a black screen? Any additional information would be helpful if you don't mind.

    Most camera issues can be due to a physical privacy cover covering the lens. Make sure that's not the case.

    Otherwise there is usually a physical button/key/switch you can use to turn the camera on or off. For example, most Lenovo uses F8 or Fn+F8, or a switch above the lens, HP has a camera key or a button on the side of the laptop, MSI uses F6 or Fn+F6, etc.

    If you are not sure, tell me what the camera app says/shows, and then please hold down Windows + R keys, type in msinfo32.exe and hit enter. Then share a screenshot of the System Information window. Thanks!

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  3. AI answer

    2026-10-05T21:43:09.16+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Restart the PC Select Start > Power > Restart. Waking from sleep is not the same as a full restart.
    2. Test the camera in the Camera app Open Start > Camera.
      • If the preview works there, the camera is working and the problem is likely with the specific app.
      • If it does not work there either, continue below.
    3. Check for Windows and camera driver updates Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If nothing appears, open Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera-related driver updates, then restart.
    4. Run the camera troubleshooter Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Camera > Run.
    5. Check camera access settings Make sure camera access is turned on for the device and for apps. Also make sure Allow desktop apps to access your camera is turned on for apps such as browsers or Teams. Allow access to the camera on this device
    6. Update the camera driver
      • Open Start > Device Manager
      • Expand Cameras
      • Right-click the camera > Update driver
      • Select Search automatically for drivers
      • Restart the PC after the update
    7. If the camera stopped working after an update, roll back the driver
      • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties
      • Open the Driver tab
      • Select Roll Back Driver if available
      • Restart and test again
    8. If needed, reinstall the driver
      • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties
      • On the Driver tab, select Uninstall Device
      • If shown, select the option to remove/delete the driver software
      • In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes
      • Restart and test again
    9. If using an external USB camera Try a different USB port first.
    10. Check simple physical causes Make sure the lens is clean and not blocked. If the device has a physical shutter or camera key, make sure it is turned on.

    If the camera is missing in Device Manager, use Action > Scan for hardware changes. If it still does not appear, manufacturer support may be needed.

    References:

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

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