Webcam Does Not Work in Windows

Webcams allow you to communicate face to face (virtually) even when you are not in the same room through video calls on Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom and more. When your camera is not working in Windows, it might be missing drivers after a recent update, antivirus or privacy settings blocking an app from using the camera, or there is a problem with the app you want to use.

Webcams are usually integrated on laptops, all-in-ones, and select Dell monitors. External webcams are used on desktops and laptops using a USB cable.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, the steps below will help you test the webcam.

• Other users cannot see me on a video call.
• The webcam screen is black, blank, or dark.
• My camera video is dim, grainy, or fuzzy.
• I am unable to do a video call using Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Zoom.

Follow these quick steps to fix webcam issues

Fix 1: Restart the computer

A simple reboot can resolve many issues almost immediately. Restarting the computer effectively clears the memory (RAM) and ensures that any errant processes and services that start are shut down.

Restarting the computer closes all the applications and software running on the computer. This includes applications running on the taskbar and services that are running in the background.

WARNING: Before restarting the computer, ensure to bookmark open web pages, save any open documents, spreadsheets, or other unsaved work.

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Fix 2: Check your camera settings

In Windows 11 or Windows 10, privacy settings may prevent apps from using the webcam. Make sure you give your apps permission to use the webcam.

NOTE: Make sure that you are in a well-lit room. A dimly lit room will cause the webcam image to be dim or grainy.

NOTE: If your device has a sliding shutter built into the camera for privacy, slide it to the open position to ensure that the camera is not blocked.

NOTE: Some laptops have a physical switch or button on the keyboard that turns the camera on or off. When turned off, your laptop will not recognize that there is a camera installed or may cause your camera to show an image of a camera with a slash through it. See the user manual of your Dell laptop to learn about the keyboard layout and shortcut keys.

1. Click Start and open the Settings app in Windows.
2. In the Settings app, click Privacy & Security (in Windows 11) or Privacy (in Windows 10).
3. Under App Permissions, click Camera, and make sure Let apps access your camera is turned on. In Windows 10, under Allow access to the camera on this device, turn on Camera access for this device.
   
   
   
4. Choose which apps have access to the camera. In Windows 10, turn on the Allow desktop apps to access your microphone. You can also choose which apps have access to the microphone.
   
   

Fix 3: Enable the webcam in BIOS or UEFI

On some Dell laptops, in the BIOS or UEFI, there is an option to disable the webcam. If the webcam is disabled in the BIOS or UEFI, Windows or other operating systems cannot detect the webcam. This option enables system administrators to disable the webcam access for security purposes.

Resetting the BIOS or UEFI to factory default settings can help resolve any BIOS or UEFI issues that might be preventing your camera from functioning. Watch this video to learn how to reset the BIOS or UEFI to factory default settings.

NOTE: The BIOS interface on your Dell computer may vary. See the user guide of your Dell computer for product-specific information.

1. Turn on or restart the computer.
2. At the Dell logo screen, press the F2 key several times until you enter the BIOS or System Setup. Alternatively, press the F12 key several times until you see the One Time Boot Menu and then select BIOS Setup or System Setup from the menu and press Enter.
3. Find the option to toggle the webcam on or off in the BIOS or UEFI and ensure that it is enabled.
   
   NOTE: The BIOS interface on your Dell computer may vary. See the user guide of your Dell computer for product-specific information.

Fix 4: Optimize the computer using SupportAssist

The SupportAssist application provides a quick and easy way to optimize your computer (including installing the latest Dell drivers and running a hardware test). SupportAssist also runs a hardware test and provides the results and suggested actions.

1. Press and hold the Windows key (Windows Button), and then press the Q key.
2. In the search box type SupportAssist.
3. Select SupportAssist (App) in the list of results.
   
   NOTE: If SupportAssist does not show up in the search results, go to the SupportAssist for Home PCs page to download and install SupportAssist.
4. Click Start Now to allow SupportAssist to scan and optimize your Dell computer.
   
   
   Watch this video to learn how to optimize your Dell computer using SupportAssist.

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Fix 5: Check the webcam drivers

Try a different USB port

If you are using an external USB camera, try connecting it to a different USB port on your computer. If that did not resolve the issue or your camera is built-in, try these steps:

NOTE: Drivers for built-in camera of Dell laptops are automatically installed in Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8 (8.1).

1. Click Start and type device manager. In the search results, click Device Manager.
2. Find your camera under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
3. If the camera is not detected, click the Action menu on top and then select Scan for hardware changes.
4. Wait for Windows to scan and reinstall updated drivers.
5. Restart the computer and then open the Camera app to test the webcam.
6. If this does not fix the webcam issue, try the next steps.

Uninstall your camera driver and scan for hardware changes

1. Click Start and type device manager. In the search results, click Device Manager.
2. Find your camera under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click on your camera, and then select Properties.
4. Go to the Driver tab, and then select Uninstall Device.
5. Select the check box for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, and then click OK.
6. In Device Manager, click the Action menu on the top and then select Scan for hardware changes.
7. Wait for Windows to scan and reinstall updated drivers.
8. Restart the computer and then open the Camera app to test the webcam.

Fix 6: Update Windows

Ensure that Windows is up to date. Downloading the latest updates might resolve the camera issue.

1. Click Start and open the Settings app. Alternatively, press the Windows logo key + I shortcut to quickly open the Settings app.
2. In the Settings app, click Windows Update (in Windows 11). In Windows 10, go to Update & Security, and then select Windows Update in the left page.
3. Click Check for updates button in the right page. If updates are available, download and install them.
4. After the updates are installed, restart the computer, and then test the webcam using the Camera app.

Fix 7: Check your antivirus software

Some antivirus and third-party security software come with privacy settings that can prevent apps from accessing the webcam.

In your antivirus or security software settings, look for settings that block access to your camera or permission to use your camera. To learn more, go to your antivirus software company’s website.

What if the webcam still does not work?

The troubleshooting steps above covers most common issues associated with webcam. If the issue persists, try these additional troubleshooting steps to fix webcam issues.