The camera is not working system-wide, even in the Windows Camera app.

1

Look at the function keys (F1 - F12) on your keyboard, if one of them has a camera icon, press that key or Fn + that key to unlock the webcam.

2

If that was not the problem, look at the camera lens above your screen, is there a small privacy slider that needs to be opened to access the webcam?

3

If the webcam is still not working:

A

Right click your Start Button and open Device Manager.

Expand the Cameras section.

Please provide a screenshot of the full Device Manager window.

B

Click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

Follow these steps in order on Windows 11 to troubleshoot a camera that does not work in any app, including the Camera app:

1. Run the Windows camera troubleshooter
   • Open the Get Help app and run the built-in camera troubleshooter. It will automatically diagnose and attempt to fix common camera issues.
   • If it does not resolve the problem, continue with the steps below.
2. Check physical camera controls
   • If using a laptop or device with a built-in camera, look for any physical camera switch, button, or shutter:
     • A function key (F1–F12) with a camera icon, sometimes used with the Fn key.
     • A dedicated camera button on the keyboard.
     • A sliding switch on the side of the laptop.
     • A small slider over the camera lens (privacy shutter).
   • Make sure any such switch/slider is set to on and the shutter is open.
3. Verify the camera is detected and connected
   • If using an external USB camera:
     • Ensure it is firmly plugged into the USB port.
     • Try a different USB port.
     • Test the camera on another device to rule out hardware failure.
4. Confirm camera access and app permissions Even though privacy settings were checked, confirm all required toggles for system-wide access:
   1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
   2. Make sure Camera access is turned On.
      • If it is turned off and greyed out, an administrator must enable it.
   3. Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned On.
   4. Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, turn on access for Camera and any other needed apps.
   5. If using desktop apps (for example, browsers or Microsoft Teams), scroll down and ensure Allow desktop apps to access your camera is turned On.
5. Close other apps that might be using the camera
   • If another app is holding exclusive control of the camera, it can prevent all other apps from using it.
   • Right-click the taskbar, select Task Manager, and close any apps that might be using the camera:
     1. In Task Manager, look for conferencing, streaming, or camera-related apps.
     2. Right-click each and select End task.
   • Reopen the Camera app and test again.
6. If still not working
   • If the camera still does not work system-wide after these steps, use the Get Help camera troubleshooter again and follow any additional guidance it provides. If the device camera is not detected at all, the issue may be with the camera hardware or its drivers, and the device or camera manufacturer’s support site should be used to obtain and reinstall the correct camera drivers.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A
• my camera is not listed under device manager camera is not listed and it's not under imaging devices - Microsoft Q&A