Camera not working on Windows 10

janeintoronto 0 Reputation points
2026-10-31T00:05:35.29+00:00

The Camera no longer works from the App called Camera, although Zoom could open it and make it work. All suggestions about using Surface App troubleshooter, revising & reinstalling drivers with restart, checking for a manual switch, allowing Access to Camera, turning off antivirus (albeit without restart) have failed.
0xA00F429F<WindowShowFailed> (0x8007007F), 0xA00F4244<NoCamerasAreAttached> and 0xA00F429F<WindowsShowFailed> (0x8007007F) are the error codes which eventually pop up. There has been a battery replacement and an installation of Vipre antivirus, which may be factors.
I need a SOLUTION THAT WORKS.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Clary-N 18,945 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-31T04:43:02.5766667+00:00

    Hi janeintoronto,

    I can understand why you’re looking for a definite solution after trying so many of the usual suggestions. The fact that Zoom can still use the camera is an important clue. It suggests the camera hardware is still being detected, while the problem may be limited to the Camera app, the Windows profile or software interfering with it.

    To help narrow this down, could you confirm a few details?

    • What is the exact Surface model?
    • What Windows version and build are shown when you press Windows key + R, enter winver and press Enter?
    • Did the problem begin immediately after the battery replacement, after VIPRE was installed, or at another time?
    • Can Zoom still open the camera consistently?
    • Is the camera listed under Cameras or Imaging devices in Device Manager? If so, does it show a warning symbol or error code?

    Since you have already checked the permissions, drivers, hardware switch and troubleshooter, I would try the following next:

    • Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select Camera, and open Advanced options. Select Repair and test the app again. If that does not help, return to the same page and select Reset.
    • Temporarily uninstall VIPRE, restart the Surface and test the Camera app before reinstalling it. Disabling protection may not stop all its background services or camera-filtering components, so uninstalling it briefly provides a more reliable test.
    • Install the driver and firmware package for the exact Surface model, then shut the device down and hold the physical power button for about 20 seconds before releasing it and starting the device again.
    • Create a temporary local Windows account and test the Camera app there. If it works in the new account, the issue is likely limited to the original profile or its Camera app configuration.

    Because the device was recently opened for a battery replacement, I would avoid continuing with increasingly invasive software repairs if the camera starts disappearing from Device Manager, becomes unreliable in Zoom or fails in both Windows accounts. In that case, it would be best to return to the repair provider and ask them to inspect the internal camera connection.

    Please also keep in mind that Windows 10 has now reached the end of support. There is no need to make an immediate change solely for this camera issue, but when it is suitable and convenient, you may want to check whether the device supports a newer version of Windows and consider upgrading for continued security updates and support.

    Let me know what you find, especially whether the camera remains visible in Device Manager and whether removing VIPRE changes the behavior. That should help determine the most suitable next step.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-31T00:06:12.5933333+00:00

    Since Zoom can use the camera, the camera hardware is likely still functional and the issue is more likely with the Camera app, app access, driver state, or security software.

    Try this order:

    1. Test in the Windows Camera app again after a full restart
      • Select Start > Power > Restart.
      • A restart is specifically recommended for camera issues; waking from sleep is not the same.
    2. Confirm camera privacy access is enabled
      • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera.
      • Make sure Camera access for this device is turned on.
      • Make sure Allow apps to access your camera is turned on.
      • Make sure Allow desktop apps to access your camera is turned on, because many non-Store apps use this setting.
      • If Change is unavailable, an administrator must enable device camera access.
    3. Check whether another app is holding the camera
      • Close Zoom and any other video or browser apps completely.
      • Then open Start > Camera and test again.
      • If the camera works in one app but not another, the problem is with that app rather than the camera itself.
    4. Check antivirus interference
      • Since Vipre was installed around the time the issue started, temporarily disable or pause its protection from the antivirus app’s Settings, Tools, or Protection area, then test the Camera app.
      • Also update the antivirus software.
      • This is relevant because security software can lock camera access.
    5. Scan for the camera in Device Manager
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Look under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
      • If the camera is missing, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
      • If it appears, right-click it and check whether Enable device is available.
    6. Update or reinstall the camera driver
      • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
      • If that does not help, uninstall the device:
        • Right-click camera > Uninstall device.
        • If available, select Delete the driver software for this device.
        • Restart the PC.
        • Return to Device Manager and use Action > Scan for hardware changes if needed.
    7. If the problem started after a change or update, roll back the driver
      • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.
      • Restart and test the Camera app again.
      • If Roll Back Driver is unavailable, continue with reinstall steps instead.
    8. Run the camera troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & security > Troubleshoot.
      • Under Find and fix other problems, select Camera > Run the troubleshooter.
    9. Check for Windows updates, including optional updates
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      • If View optional updates appears, check for camera-related updates.
      • Install updates and restart.
    10. If using an external USB camera, try another USB port
    • If built-in, this step does not apply.
    1. If the camera disappeared after battery service or still shows as not attached
    • If the camera does not appear in Device Manager even after Scan for hardware changes, and Zoom no longer consistently opens it, the issue may be hardware-related.
    • In that case, check the device manufacturer’s support site for the exact camera driver for the PC model, or contact the manufacturer for hardware inspection.

    About the codes mentioned:

    • 0xA00F4244 means Windows cannot detect the camera.
    • Security software can also block camera access.
    • A restart is recommended when camera components need to reload.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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