Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera. Here's how to let your apps access the camera: In newer versions of Windows 11, some apps won't have default access to the camera. If you recently updated Windows 11, you might need to give apps permission to use the camera.

For example, it could be:Ī button on the keyboard that's activated with the Fn keyĪ dedicated camera button on the keyboardĪ small slider for a shutter, built right into the cameraĬheck your settings Give your apps permission Those switches or buttons may not be easy to find, so make sure you check all possible places. If your laptop has a switch or button, make sure it's in the on position before using your camera. When it's turned off, your device may not recognize that there's a camera installed, or it may cause your camera to show an image of a camera with a slash through it. Some laptops and portable devices have a physical switch or button that turns the camera on or off. Check for a camera switch or button on your device For the best results, try the possible fixes in the order presented. If your camera still doesn’t work, here are some other things to try. If the camera works in the Camera app, the problem might be with the app you're trying to use. If you're asked to allow access to the Camera, select Yes. Select Start , then choose Camera from your apps. Waking up your device from sleep isn't the same thing as a restart.

If you haven't restarted your device since the camera stopped working, you should do so. Allow available updates to install, then restart your device when it's ready. If there are no updates for your camera, try to select Advanced options > Optional updates, and look for any driver updates for your camera. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If the Get Help app is unable to resolve your camera issue, do these steps first before working through the possible solutions listed:Ĭheck for updates.

Get Help automatically runs diagnostics and takes the correct steps to fix most camera issues. Start by running the automated camera troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It's also possible that your antivirus program is blocking the camera, your privacy settings don't allow camera access for some apps, or there's a problem with the app you want to use. When your camera isn't working in Windows 11, it might be missing drivers after a recent update.

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