my internal camera has disappeared, nothing in device manager.

Nola Wilson 0 Reputation points
2026-09-14T00:46:24.7666667+00:00

my internal camera has disappeared, nothing in device manager, worked a year ago

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-14T00:46:38.14+00:00

    Try these checks in order:

    1. Check whether the camera is just hidden or disabled.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Select View > Show hidden devices.
      • Select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
      • Look under Cameras, Imaging devices, and USB devices.
      • If the camera appears, enable it if that option is available.
    2. Check Windows camera permissions.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
      • Make sure Camera access and Let apps access your camera are On.
    3. Run the built-in camera troubleshooter.
      • Open the Get Help app and run the automated camera troubleshooter.
      • It runs diagnostics and applies fixes for many camera problems.
    4. Check the Windows 11 camera settings page.
      • In Windows search, open Settings.
      • Go to Bluetooth & devices > Cameras.
      • If the camera is listed under disabled cameras, select Enable.
      • If nothing appears there, the device may be missing a driver or be in a nonfunctional state.
    5. Check for a hardware privacy control.
      • Some laptops have a camera hotkey or a physical privacy shutter near the webcam lens.
      • If present, turn the camera back on or open the shutter.
    6. Install the camera driver from the PC manufacturer.
      • Download and install the camera driver for the exact laptop model from the manufacturer support page.
      • Restart Windows after installation.
    7. If the camera still does not appear anywhere in Device Manager, check firmware settings.
      • Enter the PC’s BIOS/UEFI and confirm the integrated camera is enabled.

    If the internal camera still does not appear in Device Manager after Show hidden devices, Scan for hardware changes, driver reinstall, and BIOS/UEFI check, Windows is not detecting the hardware. That usually points to a hardware-level disable, missing low-level driver, or a camera module/connection problem.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Jhun Buala 5,720 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-14T01:55:26.2066667+00:00

    Hi Nola,

    Good day. Sorry to hear this issue. Let's get ahead with the possible solutions.

    1. Check Device Manager for hidden devices. Right-click Start > Device Manager. Select View > Show hidden devices. Check Cameras, Imaging devices, and Sound, video and game controllers. If you see the camera greyed out, right-click it and choose Uninstall device, then restart the PC.
    2. Scan for hardware changes. In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes. See if the camera appears again.
    3. Check Windows Update for optional drivers. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. If you see a camera, chipset, or manufacturer driver, install it and restart.
    4. Check the laptop manufacturer's camera driver.

    Since the camera is not appearing in Device Manager at all, this could be a missing or disabled hardware driver rather than a Camera app problem. Go to your laptop manufacturer's support page and download the latest camera or webcam and chipset drivers for your exact model. And if the laptop has a physical camera switch, privacy shutter, or keyboard key (often with a camera icon), make sure it is not been disabled.

    Regards,
    Jhun

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  3. ApexNáV 265 Reputation points
    2026-09-14T05:18:08.1233333+00:00

    If Ai answer doesn't work then I suggest you to repair windows. Repairing Windows by reinstalling the same version may help. It repairs system files and components while preserving your apps, files, and settings, but I still recommend backing up important data just in case. You can perform the repair using the Microsoft guide below:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/fix-issues-by-reinstalling-the-current-version-of-windows

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