Laptop camera not working
Open the camera cover
Many laptops have a small slider over the camera, or a key with a camera icon. Slide it open or press that key.
The simulation shows Windows in English, like most laptops.
Open the camera cover
Many laptops have a small slider over the camera, or a key with a camera icon. Slide it open or press that key.
Allow the camera
Open this menu and switch on Camera access and the switches below it.
Settings›Privacy & security›CameraClose other apps that use the camera
Only one app can use the camera at a time. Close Zoom, WhatsApp or Meet tabs you are not using, then try again.
Did it work?
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From basic to technician
Technical details (for the curious)
The three camera “locks”
1. The physical cover or a camera key on the keyboard. 2. The privacy permission in Settings › Privacy & security › Camera. 3. The camera driver. The camera only works when all three are open.
The camera driver
Device Manager › Cameras (or Imaging devices). Newer Intel laptops use MIPI/IPU cameras that need the “Intel Imaging Signal Processor” and “Intel Control Logic” drivers from the laptop maker’s site; a generic driver isn’t enough.
Only one app at a time
Usually only one app can use the camera at once. If Zoom says the camera is in use, close Teams, WhatsApp or a browser tab that has the camera open.
While you’re here
Worth reading
Quiz time
Still not fixed?
In the next update you can tell us what happened, and our AI helper will suggest another way. Until then, restart the device and go through the steps once more.