camera wont work

Jim Long 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T04:17:40.58+00:00

my pc wont show the external video camera image on the laptop screen?

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

    2026-09-15T04:17:54.85+00:00

    Try these checks in order:

    1. Make sure the external camera is connected directly to the PC, not through a USB hub if possible. If it is USB, try a different USB port.
    2. Check whether another app is already using the camera. Close video apps, browsers, instant messengers, video editing apps, or virtual camera software.
    3. In Windows, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and make sure Camera access and Let apps access your camera are turned On.
    4. Open the camera troubleshooter through the Get Help app. It can automatically run diagnostics and fix many camera issues.
    5. Open Device Manager and check whether the camera appears under Cameras or Imaging devices. If it appears but is disabled, enable it.
    6. If the camera is missing or has a warning symbol in Device Manager, reinstall or update the camera driver.
    7. If the camera preview is black, check for a physical privacy shutter or privacy setting on the camera and open or disable it.

    If the camera still does not display an image after these steps, test it in another app and, if possible, on another PC to confirm whether the issue is with Windows or the external camera hardware.

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

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  2. TaoLi 111.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T04:58:38.8433333+00:00

    Hi

    If this is a USB webcam, please connect it directly to the laptop, then open Start, type Camera, and open the Camera app. Allow camera access if prompted.

    If you see the laptop’s built-in camera instead, click the “Change camera” icon at the top right to switch to the external camera.

    Microsoft’s guide:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/camera/how-to-use-the-windows-camera-app

    If it still does not work, please share the camera’s make and model, whether it connects by USB or HDMI, and what the Camera app shows: a black screen, the built-in camera, or an error message. Please also confirm whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11.

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