Likely fix
Fix: Webcam not working on Windows
A Windows webcam usually fails because camera privacy permissions are blocked, the wrong camera is selected, another app is using it, a privacy shutter is closed, or the camera driver is stuck.
Quick answer
Open Windows Camera settings, allow camera access, choose the correct camera in your app, close other camera apps, and restart the PC.
Important warning
Many laptops have a physical camera shutter or keyboard camera-disable key. The software can look correct while the lens is still blocked.
Try this
- 1 Check whether the webcam has a physical privacy shutter or camera cover.
- 2 Open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera.
- 3 Turn on Camera access.
- 4 Allow camera access for the app you are using.
- 5 Close other apps that may be using the camera, such as Camera, Zoom, Teams, Discord, or browsers.
- 6 Open the app's video settings and select the correct camera.
- 7 Restart the app.
- 8 Restart Windows.
- 9 If the camera still does not appear, check Device Manager for camera driver problems.
Common causes
Camera permission is blocked.
Wrong camera selected.
Another app is using the webcam.
Privacy shutter is closed.
Camera disabled by keyboard shortcut.
Camera driver is stuck or missing.
USB webcam connection problem.
What to check next
- Check Camera privacy settings.
- Check the app's selected camera.
- Check the physical camera cover.
- Check whether the Windows Camera app works.
- Check Device Manager for camera errors.