my camera does not work during zoom meetings

Hi! Let me help you.

Have you tried a hard reset?

Turn off the laptop.

Unplug the charger.

Remove all USB devices.

If the battery is removable → remove the battery.

Press and hold the Power button for 30–60 seconds.

Reinsert the battery (if removed).

Plug in the charger.

Turn the laptop on.

And then test the camera.

Follow these steps on Windows 11 to troubleshoot the camera not working in Zoom or other apps:

1. Run the Camera troubleshooter

• Open the Get Help app and run the Camera troubleshooter using the built-in link: Run the troubleshooter in Get Help.
• Let it detect and fix common camera issues.

2. Check physical camera controls

• If using an external webcam, make sure it is firmly plugged into the USB port.
• Test the camera on another device to rule out hardware failure.
• On a laptop, check for:
  • A function key (F1–F12) with a camera icon; press it (often with Fn) to enable the camera.
  • A dedicated camera key on the keyboard.
  • A side switch that turns the camera on/off.
  • A small privacy slider over the camera lens; slide it open.

3. Test the camera in the Windows Camera app

• Select Start > Camera.
• If the preview works here but not in Zoom, the issue is likely Zoom’s settings; select the correct camera in Zoom’s video settings.
• If the preview is black or shows no video, continue with driver checks.

4. Check for Windows and driver updates

• Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
• If available, select View optional updates and install any camera or driver updates.
• Restart the PC after updates.

5. Update or reinstall the camera driver

• Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices) and locate the camera.
• Right-click the camera and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers and restart when done.
• If still not working:
  1. In Device Manager, right-click the camera > Properties > Driver tab.
  2. Select Uninstall Device and check Delete the driver software for this device, then OK.
  3. In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the driver.
  4. Restart and test the Camera app again.

6. Switch to the in-box UVC driver (for USB webcams)

• In Device Manager, find the webcam under Cameras or Imaging devices.
• Right-click it > Update driver.
• Select Browse my computer for drivers.
• Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
• Choose USB Video Device and select Next, then Close.
• Test the camera again in the Camera app and then in Zoom.

If the camera still does not work anywhere after these steps and works on another device, the issue is likely with the PC’s hardware or a manufacturer-specific driver; check the PC or camera manufacturer’s support site for a dedicated camera driver.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A