This guide walks you through steps from simple to hard to get the solution figured out.
Test the webcam after each step to see if it’s fixed before moving on to the next tip.
Check the camera manufacturer’s website to confirm it’s compatible with Windows 11.
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Most webcams show the maker somewhere on the front.
Your only option in that case is to purchase a newer camera.
power cycle your machine.
A reboot is often the fix for problems which don’t have a clear source.
Plus, there might be another app or net net app tab already using the camera.
Restarting the whole PC ensures the webcam gets disconnected from those sources.
If the webcam is attached through a cord, unplug it and then plug it back in.
Take this opportunity to use a different port to eliminate the first port as the problem.
Also unplug unnecessary USB devices (e.g., external hard drive, printer).
Although unlikely, other plugged-in devices could be interfering with the camera’s ability to communicate with Windows.
Although it might seem obvious, it’s important for the camera lens to be free from debris.
Verify the program you’re using the webcam with is set up properly.
This might be a web online window or desktop program, so how this is done differs for everyone.
If you’re using Chrome, for example,ensure the webcam isn’t blocked.
If there’s webcam software installed, look through the menus to confirm the camera isn’t disabled.
Windows 11 has its own controls:tweaks>Privacy & security>Camera.
Toggle on bothCamera accessandLet apps access your camera.
Temporarily disable antivirus, firewall, and privacy software.
Some programs have webcam protection built-in, which could be what’s blocking it.
Test your webcamto see if your gear can even recognize it.
Starting fresh will delete any customizations you’ve made in the program and re-establish a connection to the webcam.
Continue with these steps.
This could ‘wake it up’ to Windows 11 and allow access again.
Uninstall the camera from machine Manager to force Windows to reinstall the driver.
Finish by restarting the computer.
Run a driver updater tool.
This will check for missing, corrupt, and outdated drivers, and install them for you.
One of them could be related to your webcam.
Upgrade the software that’s using the webcam.
Microsoft might have a webcam fix available.
spin up the built-in camera troubleshooter to have Windows attempt to automatically diagnose and fix the webcam problem.
Get there throughSettings>System>Troubleshoot>Other troubleshooters; selectRunnext toCamera.
Plug the webcam into a different computer, if possible.
If it works there, revisit the steps above.
Causes of Windows 11 Camera Not Working
There are two possible broad reasons: hardware or software.
Most Windows webcam issues have something to do with software.
FAQ
Disable your Windows webcamin the equipment Manager.
Choose your webcam, go to theDriverstab, then selectDisable.
Windows shouldset up your external webcamas soon as you plug it in.
If it doesn’t, you may need to install software from the manufacturer.
Go to a website likewebcammictest.comorwebcamtests.com.
Alternatively, use the Windows camera app.
