I’m sorry to hear that your camera is not working, as drivers are automatically disabling/hiding itself. To make sure we are on the same page, it’d be helpful if you can share the brand and model of your PC (and the cameras if they’re external).
Since you are in the Insider program, we can’t rule out a possible build regression. The AI answer also covered some standard troubleshooting steps, so here are some additional things worth checking:
1 - If Windows is powering off the camera device:
- Open Device Manager > expand Cameras > right-click your device
- Open Properties > check the tabs for Power Management option
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
- If the cameras are external > also check under USB controllers
- USB Root Hub
- Generic USB Hub
- Other USB sections
- Turn off the power saving option > Restart the PC.
2 - Reinstallation repair (keeping files and apps)
- Use built-in repair option
- Open Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update
- Click Reinstall now > follow the onscreen instructions to reinstall Windows.
- If that fails, perform an in-place upgrade:
- Refer to Using ISOs - Windows Insider Program | Microsoft Learn
- Download your chosen ISO from the Windows Insider ISO page
- Mount the
.iso> runsetup.exe> follow onscreen instructions.
Disclaimer: Both Windows reinstallation and in-place upgrade will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up first before making large system changes.
3 - If the issue exists only on the Insider build
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program
- If the issue started after a recent update, consider rolling back (if still available)
- Try switching to a more stable channel such as Beta or Release Preview (or stable, official build).
If the camera still disappears periodically, it’d be helpful if you can share more details on the device. We can look into to see if there’s any specific issue with it!
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