Windows 11 camera not working? 8 fixes to try

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

When a video call shows a black picture, the camera is usually switched off: by a cover, by a key or by a privacy setting. The driver is the cause far less often.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Look for a switch or cover

   Many laptops have a sliding shutter over the lens, a camera key on the keyboard (often with Fn) or a small switch on the side. Make sure the camera is not covered or switched off.

   Done

2. Check the privacy settings

   Open Settings, Privacy & security, Camera. Switch on Camera access and Let apps access your camera, and switch on the app you want to use in the list. For programs that are not from the Microsoft Store, such as Zoom or a browser, also switch on Let desktop apps access your camera.

   Done

3. Test with the Camera app

   Click Start and open Camera. If you see yourself there, the camera works and the fault is in the settings of the other app. Check which camera is selected in that app.

   Done

4. Restart the PC

   Click Start, Power, Restart. Microsoft points out that waking a PC from sleep is not the same as a restart.

   Done

5. Check for updates

   Open Settings, Windows Update and click Check for updates. If nothing is found, click Advanced options, then Optional updates, and install any camera driver listed there.

   Done

6. External camera: try another USB port

   Plug a USB webcam into a different port on the PC, without a hub in between.

   Done

7. Check the antivirus program

   Some security programs block the camera. Look in the settings of your antivirus program for a webcam protection option and allow the app.

   Done

8. Update, roll back or reinstall the driver

   Type device manager into the search box and open it. Find the camera under Cameras or Imaging devices, right-click it and choose Update driver. If the camera stopped after an update, open Properties, the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver. As a last step choose Uninstall device, then click Action, Scan for hardware changes, and restart.

   Done

Good to know

Only one program can use the camera at a time. Close other video programs before a call.

If the Camera app shows the error 0xA00F4244 NoCamerasAreAttached, Windows cannot find any camera. Check the switch, the cable and the driver.

For the microphone in calls, see Windows 11 microphone not working: 6 fixes to try.

In short: Cover or switch, privacy settings, Camera app, restart, updates, other USB port, antivirus, driver.