The camera on my laptop stopped working.

Question

Ann Worth 20

Tried to re-install my OS, which took 2 hours but failed in the BOOT operation. What do I do next?

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Answer accepted by question author

GsN5034 - IA 77,095 Independent Advisor

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Could you please provide the exact error message currently displayed on your screen? If possible, you may also share a screenshot of the error here.

May I please know whether you performed a factory reset (Reset this PC) or if you are reinstalling Windows using a USB bootable installation media?

Ann Worth 20 Reputation points

2026-07-21T05:21:52.61+00:00

Here is too much information: The technician from Microsoft re-installed my OS for me (case# 7106041623) and the error code was: 0xC1900101-0x20017 The installation failed in the SAF_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation (I copied the error code because I could not use screenshot or cut+paste). After trying and failing to repeat the downloaded installation I muddled about looking for answers and finally found one which showed the camera button on my laptop. I had been asked about this button earlier but the lighting in my room showed me the button, but not clearly enough for me to see the / line through it which indicated that, when lit, the camera was turned off. Once I turned the button off the camera reappeared. I am sending this information in hopes of preventing someone from making the same mistake which I did.
GsN5034 - IA 77,095 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-21T06:43:23.4533333+00:00

Hi,

I’m glad you were able to identify the issue, and thank you for taking the time to come back and share the fix. This will help other users in a similar situation more easily find the solution first.

Have a good day!

1 additional answer

Ann Worth 20 Reputation points

2026-07-21T05:21:52.61+00:00

Here is too much information: The technician from Microsoft re-installed my OS for me (case# 7106041623) and the error code was: 0xC1900101-0x20017 The installation failed in the SAF_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation (I copied the error code because I could not use screenshot or cut+paste). After trying and failing to repeat the downloaded installation I muddled about looking for answers and finally found one which showed the camera button on my laptop. I had been asked about this button earlier but the lighting in my room showed me the button, but not clearly enough for me to see the / line through it which indicated that, when lit, the camera was turned off. Once I turned the button off the camera reappeared. I am sending this information in hopes of preventing someone from making the same mistake which I did.
GsN5034 - IA 77,095 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-21T06:43:23.4533333+00:00

Hi,

I’m glad you were able to identify the issue, and thank you for taking the time to come back and share the fix. This will help other users in a similar situation more easily find the solution first.

Have a good day!

Answer 1

Kapil Arya 38,471 Volunteer Moderator

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