Camera flashing purple

Welcome Siobhan Allen,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand your camera keeps flashing purple when using Zoom or Teams. 

To better narrow down the issue:  

• Does the purple flashing occur only during video calls, or also when using the Windows Camera app to record video? 
• Is the camera built into the laptop, or are you using an external USB webcam? 

In the meantime, you can try these steps: 

Option 1: Check camera privacy settings  

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera 
• Make sure Camera access and Let desktop apps access your camera are enabled 

Option 2: Disable video enhancements  

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras 
• Select your camera 
• Turn off any available enhancements such as HDR, background effects, or auto color correction 

Option 3: Update or reinstall the camera driver  

• Open Device Manager 
• Expand Cameras 
• Right-click the camera and select Update driver 
• If the issue continues, select Uninstall device and restart the PC 

Option 4: Check graphics drivers  

• Open Device Manager 
• Expand Display adapters 
• Update the graphics driver from the PC manufacturer's support website 

If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".   

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.  

Hi, @Siobhan Allen

First, check whether the purple flashing also happens outside Zoom or Teams.

Open the built-in Windows "Camera" app and watch the video for a minute. If it flashes purple there too, the issue is more likely related to the camera driver or hardware.

Also try restarting the PC, then go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates, including optional driver updates.

To help narrow down the issue:

1. Does the purple flashing happen in the Windows Camera app too?
2. Is this the built-in laptop camera or an external USB webcam?
3. Did this start after a Windows update, driver update, or any other change?

Also, what is the make and model of your PC or webcam?

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!