CAMERA ASSESSMENT

Open the Windows Camera app and select the highest available photo and video resolution, because a lower Camera-app resolution can make the built-in webcam appear blurry.

Restore the Camera app’s image quality

1. Gently clean the camera lens above the laptop screen with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
2. Check that a privacy shutter or protective film is not partially covering the lens.
3. Select Start, type Camera, and open the Camera app.
4. Select the Settings gear.
5. Under the available Photo quality and Video quality settings, choose the highest resolution offered.
6. Return to the preview and check the image in a well-lit room.

Microsoft lists a dirty or damaged lens and low camera resolution among the common reasons for blurry or low-quality video.^1^

Compare the Camera app with your calling app

• Clear in Camera but blurry in Zoom, Teams, or another app: Open that app’s video settings, select the correct camera, increase its video quality or resolution if available, and turn off any background-blur effect. Camera effects are generally controlled inside the conferencing application.^2^
• During video calls, also check that the Internet connection is stable; network problems can reduce transmitted video quality.
• Blurry in both Camera and other apps: Continue with the driver steps below. Testing with Windows Camera helps distinguish an app-setting problem from a broader camera issue.^3^

Update Windows and the camera driver

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. If View optional updates appears, open it and install any camera-driver update.
4. Restart the laptop.
5. If it remains blurry, right-click Start and open Device Manager.
6. Expand Cameras or Imaging devices.
7. Right-click the built-in camera and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
8. Restart and test again in the Camera app.^1^

If no update is found, download the camera driver for the laptop’s exact model from its manufacturer’s support site. If the picture remains blurry in every application after cleaning the lens, restoring resolution, and installing the correct driver, the lens or camera module may require inspection by the laptop manufacturer.

To identify the exact laptop model, press Windows key + R, enter msinfo32, and note System Manufacturer and System Model.

References

1. Windows 10
2. Setting Background Blur and Primary Webcam for Video Conferencing - Microsoft Q&A
3. Fix blurry image on integrated camera - Microsoft Q&A