For the displayed 0xA00F42A0 <SceneSwitchFailed> (0x80004005) error, run the Windows Camera troubleshooter and then reinstall the camera device if the troubleshooter does not resolve it.^1^
1. Run the Camera troubleshooter
- Open Start → Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
- Find Camera, select Run, and apply any recommended fixes.
- Restart the PC and test Start → Camera.
Alternatively, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Cameras, select the camera under Connected cameras, and select Troubleshoot.^2^
2. Reinstall the camera driver
If the error remains:
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Cameras. If it is absent, also check Imaging devices and Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click the affected camera → Properties → Driver → Uninstall Device.
- Select Attempt to remove the driver for this device if offered, then select OK.
- In Device Manager, select Action → Scan for hardware changes.
- Restart Windows and test the Camera app again.^1^
If the camera is not listed anywhere, use Action → Scan for hardware changes. For an external webcam, also reconnect it through another USB port.
3. Check access and device controls
- Open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera.
- Turn on Camera access and Let apps access your camera.
- For browsers, Teams, Zoom, and other traditional programs, also turn on Let desktop apps access your camera. If Camera access is greyed out, an administrator must change it.^3^
- Check the laptop for a camera privacy shutter, side switch, or keyboard key bearing a camera icon. It may require Fn + camera key.
- In Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Cameras, check whether the camera appears under Disabled cameras. Select it and choose Enable; administrator access is required.^2^
4. Windows 11 24H2 or later only
If winver shows Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, try Basic camera mode:
- Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Cameras.
- Select the affected camera.
- Under Advanced camera options, select Edit.
- Turn on Basic camera, then reopen the Camera app.
This mode can bypass problems involving manufacturer plug-ins or hardware acceleration.^2^
If none of these steps work, install the camera driver supplied specifically for the PC model from its manufacturer. If the camera remains absent from Device Manager after scanning for hardware changes, contact the device manufacturer because the camera or its internal connection may require hardware service.
References