How to fix common camera problems on Windows 10
If the webcam no longer works on your computer, use these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue on Windows 10 quickly.
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AlthoughWindows 10can automatically configure most cameras, it does not mean they will continue operating with issues indefinitely. Sometimes, peripherals can stop working for many reasons. For instance, it could be due to a problem with the driver, recent system updates, privacy settings blocking access to the camera, or hardware-related issues.
If you notice problems with the built-in webcam on your laptop or USB camera on a desktop computer, Windows 10 includes several ways to fix the most common issues using Device Manager, Settings, or correcting the software privacy settings.
In this Windows 10 guide, we will walk you through serveral ways to troubleshoot and fix problems with a built-in or USB webcam.
How to fix camera detection on Windows 10
To confirm the peripheral is getting detected, connect the camera to the device (if applicable) and use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, if the camera is not listed, disconnect it, restart the computer, connect the camera again, and follow the above steps one more time. If possible, you can also try a different USB port to confirm it is not a problem with the port. Or try to connect the camera directly to the device if you are using a USB hub.
If the camera is still not working, try connecting it to another device to confirm that it is not a hardware problem.
If the camera no longer works, or you are ready for an upgrade, we recommended the Logitech BRIO webcam because of its 4K resolution and HDR support, as well as for its compatibility for Windows Hello authentication on Windows 10.
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If you’re looking for the best camera for meetings and video chat, the BRIO from Logitech is the one for you since it was the first webcam in the market with 4K support and offers pretty nifty features like background replacement and Windows Hello support.
How to allow apps access to camera using Privacy settings
On Windows 10, the system can automatically limit apps (such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype) access to the microphone and camera to help you protect your privacy and improve security. If the camera is working, but you cannot access it from a specific application, you revise the privacy settings.
To allow apps to access the camera on Windows 10, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the camera should be accessible from the apps you selected.
The above instructions are to allow camera access for Microsoft Store apps. If the problem is with a classic desktop application, turn on theAllow desktop apps to access your cameratoggle switch at the bottom of the page.
How to update camera driver using Device Manager
If the camera stops working after installing a cumulative update or new version of Windows 10, there’s a chance that the camera driver is causing compatibility issues.
To update the driver to fix camera problems on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the driver’s new update will download and install automatically, resolving the problem.
Sometimes Windows Update may not have the most up-to-date drivers available. If this is the case, you may need to check the manufacturer support website to get the newest drivers available and the instructions to apply them.
Remove quality update of Windows 10
If the problem appeared after installing a system update, you could remove the update to get the camera working quickly.
To remove a system update on Windows 10, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the update causing the issue will be removed from the computer, resolving the webcam issue.
Rollback previous version of Windows 10
If the camera stopped responding after installing the latest version of Windows 10, you could remove the feature update to resolve the issue, and when you know that the problem has a permanent fix, you can upgrade again.
To uninstall a version of Windows 10 to fix the camera problem, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will roll back to the previous version when the webcam worked correctly.
How to rollback camera driver using Device Manager
Sometimes hardware manufacturers will roll out driver updates that may still contain compatibility issues. If the camera was working before a recent driver update, restoring the previous version can resolve the problem.
To roll back the camera driver to its previous version, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the older driver will be restored, allowing the camera to work again.
These instructions will also prevent Windows Update from downloading the same camera again. However, when a new driver becomes available, it will download and install automatically.
How to reinstall camera driver using Device Manager
When the camera stops working on Windows 10 because of a damaged driver or problem with the configuration, you can use Device Manager to reinstall the peripheral to resolve the issue.
To uninstall and reinstall the camera driver on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will reinstall the driver, and the camera should start working again.
How to fix apps camera access using antivirus
Some antivirus and other third-party security software come with privacy settings that can prevent apps from accessing the webcam. If you use a security solution that offers such features (such as the case of the Kaspersky Total Security), you need to dive into the privacy settings to allow apps access to the camera.
To configure the antivirus (for example, Kaspersky) to allow apps access to the camera on Windows 10, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the antivirus will no longer interfere, and you should now be able to use the camera with any app on Windows 10.
If you use a different antivirus, and you suspect it is blocking access to the camera, you may need to check the manufacturer support website for specific details to change the settings to fix the issue.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
