camera went blackish

Oliver Kane 0 Reputation points
2026-11-11T19:14:59.42+00:00

got a brand new american megatrends laptop and the camera went blank after couple shots

Microsoft Edge | Other | Windows 11
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 90,935 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-11T19:50:55.8433333+00:00

    Hi, @Oliver Kane

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. Does the camera turn completely black, or does the image gradually become darker after taking a few pictures?
    2. Does the camera work normally in the Windows Camera app, or does the same issue occur in Microsoft Edge?
    3. Have you noticed whether this happens only when using a particular website or application?

    In the meantime, please test the camera using the built-in Windows Camera app. This will help determine whether the issue is related to Microsoft Edge or the camera itself.

    You can also check for camera driver updates under "Device Manager" > "Cameras".

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-11T19:15:15.95+00:00

    For a black or blank camera on Windows 11, use this order:

    1. Check the camera itself.
      • Make sure the lens is clean and not blocked.
      • Check for a physical camera shutter, side switch, or keyboard camera key on the laptop. If it is off, Windows can show a blank or black camera.
    2. Test in the Camera app.
      • Open Start > Camera.
      • If the preview works there, the issue is with the other app’s settings.
      • If it is still blank there, continue with system troubleshooting.
    3. Run the camera troubleshooter.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Camera and select Run.
    4. 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.
    5. Scan for hardware changes if the camera is missing or unstable.
      • In Device Manager, look under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
      • If the camera is not shown, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
      • Restart and test again.
    6. If this started after an update or driver change, roll back or reinstall the driver.
      • In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties > Driver.
      • Try Roll Back Driver if available, then restart.
      • If that is not available or does not help, use Uninstall Device, restart, and let Windows reinstall it.
    7. Check antivirus or firewall software.
      • Some security software can block camera access. Temporarily disable it and test the camera.
    8. If the laptop is on Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, try Basic camera mode.
      • This can help if camera manufacturer plug-ins or hardware acceleration are preventing the camera from working.

    If the camera still stays black after these steps, the next supported path is to check the laptop manufacturer’s support for the exact model, especially for a brand-new device.

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

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