Laptop Camera Not Working

Built-in laptop cameras can stop working due to privacy settings, driver issues, or hardware problems. This guide covers all solutions for laptop camera issues across Windows and Mac systems.

You can use the online webcam test to confirm whether your device is working.

Quick Fix Summary

• Enable camera access in Windows or Mac privacy settings
• Check for physical camera covers or kill switches
• Update camera drivers through Device Manager or System Preferences
• Enable camera in BIOS if disabled
• Close other applications using the camera
• Restart your computer after changing settings
• Test camera in Windows Camera app or other applications

Why This Happens

Privacy settings in Windows and Mac can block camera access. These settings are designed to protect privacy but can prevent legitimate applications from using the camera.

Camera drivers can become outdated or corrupted, especially after system updates. Windows and Mac rely on drivers to communicate with the camera hardware.

Some laptops have physical camera covers or kill switches that disable the camera at the hardware level. These features are designed for privacy but can be accidentally activated.

BIOS settings can disable the camera. Some laptops allow you to disable the camera in BIOS for security, which prevents all software from accessing it.

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

Step 1: Check Physical Camera Cover or Kill Switch

Many laptops have physical camera covers or kill switches that disable the camera. Check these first before troubleshooting software.

• Look for a sliding cover over the camera lens
• Slide the cover open if present
• Check for camera kill switches on the keyboard or side of laptop
• Toggle kill switches to enable the camera
• Some laptops use function key combinations to toggle camera
• Consult your laptop manual for specific camera controls

Physical covers block the lens but don't prevent software access. If software shows the camera is working but you see black video, check for covers.

Kill switches disable the camera at the hardware level. If enabled, no software can access the camera until the switch is toggled.

Step 2: Enable Camera in Privacy Settings

Windows and Mac have privacy settings that control camera access. These must be enabled for applications to use the camera.

Windows 10/11: Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera. Turn on "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera". Ensure your applications are listed and enabled. Restart your computer after changing these settings.

Mac: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Camera. Check the boxes next to applications that need camera access. You may need to enter your password.

Privacy settings override application permissions. Even if an app requests camera access, system settings can block it.

Step 3: Enable Camera in Device Manager

The camera may be disabled in Device Manager. Enable it to restore functionality.

• Press Windows key + X and select "Device Manager"
• Expand "Cameras" or "Imaging devices" section
• Look for your camera in the list
• If you see a down arrow or disabled icon, right-click the camera
• Select "Enable device"
• Restart your computer if prompted

If the camera doesn't appear in Device Manager, it may be disabled in BIOS or have a driver problem. See Step 4 for driver troubleshooting.

After enabling the camera, test it in Windows Camera app or other applications.

Step 4: Update Camera Drivers

Outdated or corrupted camera drivers prevent the camera from working. Update drivers to restore functionality.

Windows: Device Manager → Cameras → Right-click your camera → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers. Windows will download and install the latest drivers. Restart your computer after updating.

Mac: System Preferences → Software Update → Install any available updates. macOS updates include camera driver improvements.

If automatic updates don't work, visit your laptop manufacturer's website. Download camera drivers specific to your laptop model and operating system. Install them manually.

Driver updates often fix camera issues that appear after system updates or software installations.

Step 5: Check BIOS Settings

Some laptops allow you to disable the camera in BIOS. This setting prevents all software from accessing the camera.

• Restart your computer
• Press the BIOS key during startup (usually F2, F10, F12, or Delete)
• Navigate to Security or Advanced settings
• Look for camera or webcam settings
• Ensure camera is enabled
• Save changes and exit BIOS
• Restart your computer

BIOS settings vary by manufacturer. Consult your laptop manual for specific BIOS navigation instructions.

Only change BIOS settings if you're comfortable doing so. Incorrect BIOS settings can cause other problems.

Step 6: Close Conflicting Applications

Only one application can access the camera at a time. Other apps may be blocking access.

• Close Zoom, Teams, Skype, or other communication apps
• Close browser tabs that might be using the camera
• Check system tray for background apps using the camera
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Esc (Mac) to open Task Manager
• End any processes that might be using the camera

After closing other applications, test the camera again. If it works now, one of those apps was blocking access.

Step 7: Test Camera in Windows Camera App

Windows includes a built-in Camera app that can test if your camera hardware is working.

• Press Windows key and type "Camera"
• Open the Camera app
• Grant permission if prompted
• You should see a live preview if the camera is working
• If the app shows an error, the camera has a hardware or driver problem

The Camera app helps isolate whether the problem is hardware-related or application-specific. If the Camera app works, other apps should work too after granting permissions.

Step 8: Reinstall Camera Drivers

If updating drivers doesn't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling them completely.

• Device Manager → Cameras → Right-click your camera
• Select "Uninstall device"
• Check "Delete the driver software for this device" if available
• Click "Uninstall"
• Restart your computer
• Windows will reinstall the camera driver automatically
• Test the camera after restart

Reinstalling drivers can fix corrupted driver files that prevent the camera from working.

Browser and OS Specific Fixes

Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows privacy settings are the most common cause of laptop camera issues.

• Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera → Enable all toggles
• Ensure applications are listed in allowed apps
• Restart computer after changing privacy settings
• Test in Windows Camera app first

macOS

Mac camera permissions are simpler but must be enabled for each application.

• System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Camera
• Check boxes next to applications that need access
• Enter password if prompted

Chrome Browser

Chrome requires browser permissions in addition to system permissions.

• Click lock icon in Chrome address bar
• Set Camera permission to "Allow"
• Go to chrome://settings/content/camera for global settings

How to Prevent the Problem in Future

Don't disable camera access in privacy settings unless necessary. Windows and Mac remember your choice and may block new applications.

Keep camera drivers updated. System updates can reset driver settings, so check drivers after major updates.

Close applications properly instead of just minimizing them. Background apps can hold camera access.

Be careful with physical camera covers. Ensure covers are open when you need the camera, and don't accidentally activate kill switches.

Test your camera regularly using the online webcam test. Catching issues early prevents problems during important calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use the online webcam test to confirm everything is working.