As against the misconception, “Windows” has become incredibly efficient, stable, and secure to the point where I feel it is at par with macOS. Having used modern MacBooks and driven the macOS Sequoia to the full tilt (and covered a ton of exhaustive Mac guides for years), I consider myself eligible to deliver a real-life insight into what has turned the game in favor of Windows 11 in recent times.
But that doesn’t mean the frustrating issues have suddenly vanished from the Windows sphere. The other day, I found my Windows laptop embroiled in an issue that crippled the camera so badly that it didn’t function at all. Just a little bit of digging helped me discover that a number of PC folks are also faced with this problem, which pushed me to craft an in-depth guide discussing all the ways and means to fix camera not working on Windows 11 24H2. If you are also playing the catch-up game on the same side of the fence, I’ve got you checked off with reliable troubleshooters. Keep reading to…
Pro Tips to Fix Windows 11 Camera Not Working (2025)
What has made your Windows 11 camera go wrong? From what I have gone through, these are the nefarious culprits that often tend to block its path and trigger vexing issues – out of the blue –
- Privacy settings
- Lack of required privileges
- Pileup of dust
- Ill-fated connections
- Outdated camera drivers
- Software bugs
- Hardware damage
- Confliction from third-party camera apps
- Malicious antivirus tools
- Your problematic app
- Unexpected damage to the camera app
Taking each one of these usual suspects into serious consideration, I have lined up all the viable tips and tricks to get rid of the problem and restore the full functionality of the camera app. And yes, these pro tips are secure and won’t jeopardize any of your media and data as they have been thoroughly tested.
1. Check Camera Connections – External Camera
It’s worth pointing out upfront that a loose or improperly connected camera may not work on the expected lines. Therefore, double-check your camera connections and ensure that they are secure and stable.
- For external cameras, unplug the USB cable and reconnect it.
- Use a different USB port to rule out a faulty port.
- Check if the camera’s LED indicator turns on when connected.
2. Restart Your Computer
A simple restart is endowed with the magical ability to resolve minor software or hardware glitches. Hence, it makes sense to count on this nifty but robust fixer – right off the bat.
- On your PC, click the Start button.
- Select the Power icon and choose Restart.
- Test the camera after your system reboots.
3. Verify Privacy Settings
Bear in mind that the Windows 11 privacy settings may block camera access. Therefore, make sure to dive into your privacy settings and ensure that the camera has got all the needed licenses to work without any roadblocks at all.
- To get it done, open Settings on your Windows 11 device and go to Privacy & security > Camera.
- Turn on Camera access for your device and ensure it’s enabled for apps.
4. Check App Permissions
Another pivotal thing that you should do without fail is to ensure that the app you’re using has permission to access the camera.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
- Scroll down to the Let apps access your camera section.
- Toggle the switch next to the app you’re using.
5. Are You Unable to Use Camera in Specific Apps? Grant the Necessary Permissions
- If you can’t activate the camera inside specific apps, ensure that you have granted the necessary permissions to the app in question by going to the Settings app > Privacy & Security > Camera.
6. Update Your Problematic App
- Should the problem still persist, try updating the apps where you can’t use the camera by navigating to the Microsoft Store > Library tab.
7. Enable the Camera in Device Manager
Check if you have accidentally disabled the camera in Device Manager.
- Open Device Manager on your PC and locate the camera under Imaging devices or Cameras section.
- After that, right-click the camera and select Enable device.
8. Disable and Re-enable the Camera in Device Manager
At times, toggling the camera’s status can resolve temporary issues on your Windows device.
- In Device Manager, right-click the camera.
- Select Disable device, then wait a few seconds.
- Right-click again and choose Enable device in the popup menu.
9. Repair the Ill-Functioning App
If your app seems to be completely crippled and refuses to even kick in let alone fire up your camera, take advantage of the Windows 11’s repair tool by heading into the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Find the app and hit the triple-dot icon next to it > Advanced Options > Repair.
10. Reset the Malfunctioning App
- No luck as yet even after you have successfully repaired the malfunctioning app, go for the reset option to flush out the entire cache and cookies from the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Hit the triple-dot menu button next to the app > Advanced Options > Reset.
11. Update Camera Drivers
Bear in mind that outdated drivers can prevent the camera from functioning. Thus, try updating the camera drivers – sooner rather than later.
- To get going, press Win + X and select Device Manager in the menu.
- Expand Imaging devices or Cameras.
- Right-click your camera and select Update driver.
- Select “Search automatically for drivers“.
- Follow the usual prompts to install updates and then reboot your PC.
12. Roll Back Camera Driver
In some rare cases, a recent driver update might trigger unexpected issues. If that’s where you are staring at, roll back your camera driver.
- In Device Manager, right-click the camera.
- Select Properties in the menu. Go to the Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.
- Follow the instructions meticulously and restart your PC to force the change to come into effect without any glitches at all.
13. Reinstall Camera Drivers
If your camera drivers are rather corrupted, a fresh installation could be a better way to go.
- On your Windows device, press Win + X and choose Device Manager in the menu.
- Now, expand Imaging devices or Cameras > Uninstall device and confirm.
- Next, you need to restart your PC to let Windows automatically install the latest version of camera drivers.
14. Check for Windows Updates
Knowing the fact that the latest Windows updates often come along with the official fixes for persistent bugs, going for the software update will likely resolve the issue and bring the ill-functioning camera back on track.
- Open Settings on your PC and head over to Windows Update.
- Now, click on Check for updates and go through the familiar way to install available updates.
- Once the update has finished, be sure to restart your computer.
15. Run the Camera Troubleshooter
Windows 11 is blessed with a top-notch troubleshooter designed to let you diagnose camera issues.
- On your computer, navigate to the Settings app > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Now, locate the Camera and click Run.
- Then, run through the prompts to fix the issue.
16. Check Antivirus Settings
Some antivirus software programs come with features to restrict camera access for security. If you recently activated an antivirus package, take a close look at how it’s working. For now, I would suggest you disable it.
- Open the antivirus software on your PC.
- Dive into the camera or webcam protection settings.
- Now, disable all restrictions or whitelist the camera app.
17. Test the Camera in Another App
Testing the camera in a different app will help you identify app-specific issues.
- Open the Camera app on your PC by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Check if the camera works properly.
- If it works, the issue is likely with the original app.
18. Repair the Camera App
- Now is the right time to make full use of the built-in repair tool to fix your damaged camera app from the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Hit the ellipsis button next to the Camera app > Advanced Options > Repair.
19. Reset the Camera App
Resetting the Camera app can enable you to fix issues with its settings.
- Go straight to the Settings app on your device > Apps > Installed apps.
- Search for Camera and click on the tiny triple-dot icon next to it > Advanced options > Reset.
20. Inspect Camera Hardware
It’s well-known that a damaged camera or dirty lens tends to cause problems.
- To ward off this issue, make sure to physically inspect the camera for damage.
- Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth.
- Test the camera on another device.
21. Enable the Camera in BIOS/UEFI
You should be fully aware of the fact that some modern Windows 11-powered laptops allow enabling or disabling the camera in BIOS.
- Restart your PC and press the BIOS/UEFI access key (e.g., F2, F10, or Del).
- Then, navigate to the Integrated Peripherals or Security section.
- Ensure the camera is set to Enabled.
- In the end, make sure to save changes and exit.
22. Change Function Key Settings
Some Windows laptops allow you to use function keys to disable/enable the camera.
- Look for a key with a camera icon (e.g., Fn + F10).
- Press the key combination to toggle the camera on/off.
23. Create a New User Account
Don’t be surprised to know that a corrupt user profile may prevent the camera from working.
- Go to the Settings app on your PC > Accounts.
- Select Other users.
- Click on the Add Account option and follow the prompts to create a new user.
- Log in with the new account and test the camera.
24. Reinstall the Camera App
Well, this has saved me quite a few times. So, I’m going to bet on this radical measure to come good on your Windows device as well.
- On your device, launch the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Locate the Camera app and click on the ellipsis button aka the triple-dot menu > Uninstall and confirm.
- Open the Microsoft Store > search for the Camera app and install it just like any Windows app.
25. Replace the Camera
If all else fails to restore the camera on your Windows 11 device, there is a high chance that the camera hardware might be defective. In this situation, contacting the authorized service center is the right way to go.
- If using an external camera, test it on another computer.
- If it doesn’t work, consider replacing it.
- When dealing with the built-in cameras, do not fail to contact the manufacturer for support – at the earliest.
Wrapping up…
That’s all there is to it! Expectedly, you have overcome the long battle and brought your broken camera back to life. Now, shoot your feedback and tips that have assisted you in resolving the issue. To ensure other PC folks also take advantage of the reliable tips, make sure to share this guide as well.
