Camera app doesn’t work in Windows 10
If your Camera app won’t open, shows a black screen, or reports “We can’t find your camera,” the most common causes are blocked permissions, driver problems, or another app using the camera. This article lists 13 likely reasons why the Camera app doesn’t work in Windows 10 and gives clear, step‑by‑step fixes so you can get your camera working again.
You’ll learn how to check privacy settings, update or reinstall drivers, reset or reinstall the Camera app, clear conflicting apps and settings, test hardware, and more.
Key Takeaway
Most Camera app failures are caused by permission settings or driver problems; start by checking Settings > Privacy > Camera and Device Manager, then reset or reinstall the Camera app if needed.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Camera access disabled in Privacy settings | Enable camera access in Settings > Privacy > Camera for device and apps. |
| Camera driver outdated or corrupted | Update, roll back, or reinstall the camera driver in Device Manager. |
| Camera app needs reset or reinstall | Reset via Settings > Apps > Camera > Advanced options or reinstall from Microsoft Store. |
| Another app is using the camera | Close the other app or kill its process in Task Manager. |
| Antivirus or privacy software blocking camera | Temporarily disable or adjust your security software’s camera/privacy settings. |
| Physical camera switch or keyboard function disabled | Open hardware shutter or enable camera with the laptop Fn key or switch. |
| Windows update introduced regression | Install latest updates or uninstall the recent update via Settings > Update & Security. |
| Camera disabled in Device Manager | Enable the camera under Device Manager > Cameras (or Imaging devices). |
| Corrupted system files | Run sfc /scannow and DISM commands from an elevated Command Prompt. |
| App permission blocked for your account or Group Policy | Enable permissions in Settings or check gpedit.msc / contact admin. |
| Physical camera hardware failure | Test with another app or external camera and inspect hardware/shutter. |
| Wrong camera selected or default camera issue | Select the correct camera inside the Camera app or other app settings. |
| Virtual camera or registry/GPO blocking | Disable virtual camera software or review registry/GPO camera policies. |
Detailed Fixes for “Camera app doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Camera access disabled in Privacy settings
Why this causes the problem:
Windows 10 allows disabling camera access globally or per-app. If device access or app access is off, the Camera app can’t use the camera.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Privacy > Camera.
- Ensure Allow access to the camera on this device shows On. If it says Off, click Change and switch it to On.
- Under Allow apps to access your camera, turn the toggle On.
- Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, enable Camera (and any other apps you want).
- If using desktop apps (e.g., Skype, Zoom) ensure Allow desktop apps to access your camera is turned On.
Notes:
- If the switches are greyed out, you may be on a managed device (see Group Policy section).
2. Camera driver outdated or corrupted
Why this causes the problem:
Camera functionality relies on drivers; outdated or broken drivers cause black screen, error messages, or no detection.
Step-by-step solution:
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your camera device (e.g., Integrated Camera) and choose Update driver → Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If that doesn’t help, choose Properties > Driver tab and try Roll Back Driver if available.
- To reinstall: right-click the camera and choose Uninstall device. Check Delete the driver software for this device if shown, then click Uninstall. Restart Windows—Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.
- If the driver still fails, download the latest camera driver from your PC or webcam manufacturer’s website and install it.
Tips:
- Use the manufacturer driver for best compatibility if the generic Windows driver causes issues.
3. Camera app needs reset or reinstall
Why this causes the problem:
App data or settings may be corrupted; resetting clears data but keeps the app installed. Reinstalling fixes missing/broken app components.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Find Camera in the list, click it, then click Advanced options.
- Use Repair first. If that fails, click Reset.
- If the Camera app is missing or reset doesn’t fix it, reinstall from Microsoft Store: open Microsoft Store, search Windows Camera, and click Install.
- Advanced reinstall via PowerShell: open PowerShell (Admin) and run:
- To remove: Get-AppxPackage WindowsCamera | Remove-AppxPackage
- Reinstall from Store or use Add-AppxPackage if you have the package.
Notes:
- Repair/Reset will not affect your photos saved in the Pictures folder.
4. Another app is using the camera
Why this causes the problem:
Only one app can use some cameras at a time; a background app might lock the camera.
Step-by-step solution:
- Close common camera apps (Skype, Teams, Zoom, browser tabs) and retry the Camera app.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, check for camera-using apps (Skype, Teams, OBS, browser processes) and click End task.
- Disable background apps: Settings > Privacy > Background apps and turn off unnecessary apps or toggle Let apps run in the background.
Tip:
- If you suspect a browser is using the camera, close all browser windows or check site permissions in the browser.
5. Antivirus or privacy software blocking camera
Why this causes the problem:
Third-party security or privacy tools (and some OEM privacy apps) can block camera access.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open your antivirus/privacy app and look for camera/privacy settings.
- Temporarily disable the protection and check Camera app. If it works, allow the Camera app or add it to exclusions.
- For OEM utilities (e.g., Lenovo Vantage, Dell Privacy), open the utility and disable the “block camera” or privacy shutter setting.
Warning:
- Only disable antivirus briefly for testing; re-enable after confirming the cause.
6. Physical camera switch or keyboard function disabled
Why this causes the problem:
Many laptops have a physical privacy shutter or keyboard function (Fn + camera key) that disables the camera.
Step-by-step solution:
- Inspect the camera area for a physical shutter and open it.
- Look for a camera icon key on the keyboard (often F8, F6) and press Fn + (camera key) to toggle.
- Check your laptop manual or manufacturer support page for the specific toggle.
Note:
- Some models have an LED indicator; if the LED is off even when app runs, shutter may be closed.
7. Windows update introduced regression
Why this causes the problem:
A recent Windows update may have changed drivers or permissions.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates; install pending updates.
- If the problem began after a specific update, go to View update history > Uninstall updates, select the recent update, and click Uninstall.
- Consider pausing updates temporarily while troubleshooting.
Tip:
- Check Microsoft support forums or manufacturer pages for reported camera issues after updates.
8. Camera disabled in Device Manager
Why this causes the problem:
The camera may be disabled at the system level making it invisible to the Camera app.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start).
- Locate the camera under Cameras or Imaging devices.
- If the device icon shows a down-arrow, right-click and choose Enable device.
- Confirm the device now appears and test the Camera app.
9. Corrupted system files
Why this causes the problem:
Windows system files that the Camera app depends on can become corrupted and break app behavior.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin): right-click Start and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Run sfc /scannow and wait for completion.
- If issues persist, run DISM:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow again and restart.
Notes:
- These commands can take time; do not interrupt.
10. App permission blocked by account or Group Policy
Why this causes the problem:
On domain-joined or managed devices, Group Policy or account restrictions can block camera access.
Step-by-step solution:
- If this is a personal PC, ensure you’re signed in with an account with admin privileges.
- For managed PCs, contact your IT administrator to adjust Group Policy.
- If you have Windows Pro and want to check local policy: open gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy and ensure policies for camera access are not set to Disabled.
- Alternatively, check registry keys (advanced users): HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CapabilityAccessManager\ConsentStore\camera for values—do not modify unless comfortable.
Warning:
- Editing Group Policy or registry can affect system behavior—back up before changes.
11. Physical camera hardware failure
Why this causes the problem:
The camera module itself may be broken or disconnected, causing no detection.
Step-by-step solution:
- Test the camera with another app: Skype, Zoom, or a web-based camera tester.
- If built-in camera fails across apps, try an external USB webcam—if that works, the internal module may be faulty.
- For laptops under warranty, contact manufacturer support. For out-of-warranty, consult a technician for hardware diagnosis and replacement.
Tip:
- Rattling, visible damage, or persistent hardware error codes indicate hardware issues.
12. Wrong camera selected in app or default camera issue
Why this causes the problem:
If multiple cameras are present (internal + external), the Camera app or other apps may select the inactive one.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open the Camera app, click the camera switch icon (circular arrows) to toggle between cameras.
- In apps like Teams/Zoom, go to Settings > Video and select the correct camera from the drop-down list.
- Disconnect other cameras and retest.
13. Virtual camera or registry/GPO blocking
Why this causes the problem:
Virtual camera software (OBS VirtualCam, ManyCam) or registry/GPO settings can interfere and prevent the Camera app from using the hardware camera.
Step-by-step solution:
- Close or uninstall virtual camera software and restart Windows.
- Check Device Manager for virtual camera entries and disable them.
- If you suspect policy or registry blocking, contact IT or review the key at HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\usbvideo and related consent store keys—seek professional help before editing the registry.
Note:
- Virtual camera conflicts often show as the Camera app starting but showing black or a frozen frame.
Before You Call Support: Quick Checklist
- Verify camera is enabled in Settings > Privacy > Camera.
- Test camera across multiple apps (Camera app, Skype, browser).
- Update Windows and camera drivers via Device Manager.
- Reset Camera app via Settings > Apps > Camera > Advanced options.
- Try an external USB webcam to isolate hardware vs software.
- Temporarily disable antivirus/privacy tools and virtual camera apps.
If all checks fail and your device is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or Microsoft support with your troubleshooting steps.
FAQ
How can I test if the camera hardware is detected by Windows?
Open Device Manager and check for your camera under Cameras or Imaging devices; if it’s listed, Windows detects it. You can also run the Camera app or a web camera tester.
Can I use PowerShell to reinstall the Camera app?
Yes. Open PowerShell (Admin) and run Get-AppxPackage WindowsCamera | Remove-AppxPackage to remove, then reinstall from the Microsoft Store.
Why does the Camera show a black screen?
Black screens are usually driver issues, another app using the camera, or hardware shutter closed—check drivers, close background apps, and ensure the shutter is open.
How do I prevent camera access problems in future?
Keep Windows and drivers up to date, avoid installing untrusted virtual camera software, and review privacy settings after major updates.
Is there a way to remotely check camera permissions on multiple PCs?
For managed environments use Group Policy or Mobile Device Management (MDM) to enforce camera permission settings centrally.
Conclusion
Camera issues in Windows 10 most often come down to permissions, drivers, or conflicts with other software; follow the privacy, driver, and app reset steps above to resolve most cases. If you still can’t fix it, hardware or enterprise policies may be the cause—seek manufacturer or IT help to check them. Remember to check Camera app doesn’t work in Windows 10 settings first before deep troubleshooting.
