Basics

14 reasons why Camera doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)

by Jonathan Dudamel
10 min read

Windows Camera problems can usually be fixed quickly — most of the time a setting, permission, or driver is the cause. If your Camera doesn’t work in Windows 10, this article walks through the common causes and how to fix each one so you can get video back in minutes.

Typical causes include blocked privacy permissions, disabled hardware or drivers, app conflicts, Windows updates, or physical/connection issues. Below you’ll find a concise quick guide, then 14 detailed fixes with step‑by‑step instructions, tips, and extra resources.

Contents show

Key Takeaway

Most camera problems in Windows 10 are caused by either privacy/app permissions or driver issues; check Settings > Privacy > Camera, then reinstall or update the camera driver in Device Manager if permissions are correct.

Quick Fix Guide

Quick Fix Guide

Reason for the Problem Quick Solution
1. Camera access blocked by privacy settings Enable Settings > Privacy > Camera > Allow apps to access your camera.
2. Specific app lacks camera permission In Settings > Privacy > Camera, enable the toggle for the app or allow desktop apps.
3. Camera disabled in Device Manager Open Device Manager, enable the camera device, or scan for hardware changes.
4. Outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers Update or reinstall the camera driver via Device Manager or manufacturer’s site.
5. Camera app problems Reset or reinstall the Camera app via Settings > Apps or PowerShell.
6. Windows Update or recent patch broke camera Uninstall recent updates or rollback driver; run System Restore if available.
7. Physical switch or function key disabled camera Toggle physical switch or press the camera Fn key (e.g., Fn + F8) to enable.
8. Another app is using the camera Close apps like Skype/Teams/Zoom and check Task Manager for camera-using processes.
9. Antivirus or privacy software blocking camera Temporarily disable the security software or whitelist camera access.
10. Group Policy or registry blocking camera Check gpedit.msc or registry key AllowCamera under Policies and enable it.
11. External webcam USB/connection issue Try a different USB port, test on another PC, and replace cable if needed.
12. Camera service or system file corruption Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
13. BIOS/UEFI camera disabled Enter BIOS/UEFI and enable integrated camera under Security/Peripherals.
14. Hardware failure Test camera in another device or use an external webcam; contact manufacturer for repair.
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Detailed Fixes for “tu mets ici le problème du 14 reasons why Camera doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)”

1. Camera access blocked by privacy settings

Why this causes the problem:
Windows 10 has a global privacy control that can block the camera for all apps. If this is off, apps (including Camera) cannot access the webcam.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Open Settings (press Windows + I).
  2. Go to Privacy > Camera.
  3. Make sure Allow apps to access your camera is On.
  4. Scroll down and ensure the app you want is allowed, and toggle Allow desktop apps to access your camera if necessary.
    Notes:
  • If the main toggle is off, nothing will work regardless of individual app settings.

2. Specific app lacks camera permission

Why this causes the problem:
Even when global access is on, individual apps may be denied camera access.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Open Settings > Privacy > Camera.
  2. Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, turn on the toggle for the app.
  3. For desktop apps (e.g., Skype, Zoom), ensure Allow desktop apps to access your camera is enabled.
  4. If using a browser, check the browser’s site permissions (e.g., Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera).
    Tips:
  • Some apps have internal settings (Skype: Settings > Audio & Video); verify the correct camera is selected.

3. Camera disabled in Device Manager

Why this causes the problem:
The device may be disabled at the OS level so Windows won’t use it.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Cameras or Imaging devices.
  3. If the camera is disabled (grayed out), right-click and choose Enable device.
  4. If not visible, in Device Manager click Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    Notes:
  • If the camera appears under Unknown devices, right-click and update the driver.

4. Outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers

Why this causes the problem:
Drivers are required for Windows to communicate with the camera; corrupted or missing drivers break that communication.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click your camera and choose Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
  3. If that fails, choose Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software for this device if present), then restart Windows — Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.
  4. If problems persist, download the latest camera driver from the laptop or webcam manufacturer’s website and install it.
    Tips:
  • Use Action > Scan for hardware changes after reinstall.
  • For older webcams, use compatibility mode when running installer.

5. Camera app problems

Why this causes the problem:
The Camera app can be corrupted or misconfigured and fail to display video.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  2. Find Camera, click it and choose Advanced options.
  3. Click Repair first; if that doesn’t help click Reset.
  4. To reinstall: open PowerShell (Admin) and run:
    • Get-AppxPackage windowscamera | Remove-AppxPackage
    • Then reinstall from Microsoft Store or re-register packages using PowerShell if needed.
      Notes:
  • Reinstalling removes app data; make backups if necessary.
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6. Windows Update or recent patch broke camera

Why this causes the problem:
A Windows update or driver update can introduce incompatibilities.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > View update history.
  2. Click Uninstall updates to remove a recent update suspected of causing the issue.
  3. In Device Manager, right-click camera > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver if available.
  4. If you have a restore point, open Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore and revert to a previous point.
    Notes:
  • Block the problematic update temporarily: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Pause updates.

7. Physical switch or function key disabled camera

Why this causes the problem:
Some laptops have a hardware shutter, physical switch, or an Fn key that disables the camera for privacy.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Inspect your laptop for a physical slider or switch near the webcam.
  2. Check keyboard for a camera icon on an F-key (e.g., Fn + F8) and press it.
  3. Consult your laptop manual for the exact key or switch behavior.
    Tips:
  • A physical shutter will produce a black image even if the OS sees the device.

8. Another app is using the camera

Why this causes the problem:
Some apps keep exclusive access to the camera, making it unavailable to others.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Close camera-using apps (Skype, Teams, Zoom, Chrome tabs).
  2. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end any suspicious processes that may use the camera (e.g., background conferencing software).
  3. Reopen the Camera app.
    Notes:
  • Restarting Windows ensures all handles are released.

9. Antivirus or privacy software blocking camera

Why this causes the problem:
Security software may block camera access to protect privacy.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Open your antivirus or privacy app and look for webcam protection or “webcam shield” features.
  2. Temporarily disable that feature or create an exception for the Camera app.
  3. Test the camera; re-enable protections after testing.
    Warning:
  • Only disable security software briefly for testing.

10. Group Policy or registry blocking camera

Why this causes the problem:
On some corporate or configured PCs, Group Policy can disable camera use.

Step-by-step solution (Group Policy):

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Camera.
  3. Double-click Allow use of camera: set to Not Configured or Enabled.
    Step-by-step solution (Registry, Home edition):
  4. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter.
  5. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Camera.
  6. If present, set AllowCamera to 1 or delete the key to restore default behavior.
    Notes:
  • Editing the registry risks system stability — export keys before changes.

11. External webcam USB/connection issue

Why this causes the problem:
Loose cables, bad USB ports, or insufficient power prevent the webcam from functioning.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Disconnect and reconnect the webcam, try another USB port (preferably USB 3.0 vs 2.0).
  2. Test the webcam on a different PC to confirm hardware.
  3. Replace the USB cable or hub; avoid passive USB hubs for power-hungry devices.
    Tips:
  • Use built-in ports on the PC rather than front-panel or hub ports for troubleshooting.

12. Camera service or system file corruption

Why this causes the problem:
Corrupt system files or services needed for camera streaming can break functionality.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for completion.
  3. If issues persist, run:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Restart the PC and retest the camera.
    Notes:
  • These commands check and repair Windows system files; they can take time.
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13. BIOS/UEFI camera disabled

Why this causes the problem:
Some systems allow disabling the integrated camera from BIOS/UEFI for security.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Restart PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (common keys: F2, Del, Esc on boot).
  2. Look under Security, Peripherals, or Integrated Devices for the camera setting.
  3. If disabled, set to Enabled, save changes, and reboot.
    Tips:
  • Consult your device manual for exact BIOS navigation.

14. Hardware failure

Why this causes the problem:
If the camera hardware has failed, no software fix will work.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Test the camera on another computer (external webcam) or boot a live OS (e.g., Linux USB) to verify.
  2. If internal camera fails on any OS, contact the laptop manufacturer or authorized repair center.
  3. Consider an inexpensive external USB webcam as a replacement.
    Notes:
  • Hardware failures sometimes show as “no device” in Device Manager or constant black images with no indicator light.

Ajoute une section que tu vois necessaire pour pour completer l’article

How to test your camera and what to record when asking for help

  • Quick test: Open Camera app (search “Camera” in Start). If you see video, camera works.
  • Browser test: Visit an online camera test site (e.g., webcamtests.com) and grant permission when prompted.
  • Device Manager check: Confirm camera shows up under Cameras or Imaging devices.
  • Record details when seeking help: Windows version (Settings > System > About), exact error messages, Device Manager device name, recent Windows updates, and whether issues persist in Safe Mode.
  • Safe Mode test: Boot into Safe Mode with Networking to see if third-party software blocks the camera. If the camera works in Safe Mode, a third-party app or driver is likely the culprit.

FAQ

How can I prevent camera problems in the future?

Keep Windows and drivers updated regularly, avoid untrusted camera-blocking utilities, and enable Windows Restore so you can revert problematic updates.

Can I use my laptop camera with multiple apps at once?

Windows supports multiple apps, but some legacy apps may request exclusive access. Close apps that may monopolize the camera or use modern apps that support shared access.

How do I enable camera in Safe Mode?

Boot into Safe Mode (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now under Advanced startup, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and choose Safe Mode). If the camera works only in Safe Mode, a third-party driver/service is likely blocking it.

What if Device Manager shows “This device cannot start (Code 10)”?

Try right-clicking the device > Uninstall device, restart, then update driver from manufacturer’s website. Run sfc /scannow and DISM to rule out system file corruption.

Is it safe to disable camera in BIOS for privacy?

Yes — disabling the camera in BIOS/UEFI is an effective hardware‑level privacy measure; it prevents the OS from detecting the device until you re-enable it.

Conclusion

Camera issues in Windows 10 are usually resolvable by checking permissions, updating or reinstalling drivers, or ensuring the camera is enabled in hardware or BIOS. Follow the steps above to systematically identify and fix the problem; most users regain function by enabling Settings > Privacy > Camera and updating drivers in Device Manager when their Camera doesn’t work in Windows 10.

About the author

Jonathan Dudamel

Jonathan Dudamel

I'm Jonathan Dudamel, an experienced IT specialist and network engineer passionate about all things Windows. I have deep expertise in Microsoft project management, virtualization (VMware ESXi and Hyper-V), and Microsoft’s hybrid platform. I'm also skilled with Microsoft O365, Azure ADDS, and Windows Server environments from 2003 through 2022.

My strengths include Microsoft network infrastructure, VMware platforms, CMMS, ERP systems, and server administration (2016/2022).

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