Camera not working on Windows 10? Here's the fix.

If the camera isn't working on Windows 10, use these steps to troubleshoot and quickly fix the problem.

Usually, Windows 10 can detect and configure most cameras automatically, but sometimes as a result of a problem with the driver, privacy settings, recent system update, or hardware issue, the device may suddenly stop working.

Whatever the reason it maybe, if you're having problems with the built-in webcam on your laptop or USB camera connected to your desktop computer, there are a number of steps that you can follow to quickly fix common issues using Device Manager, Settings app, and third-party security software.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through several troubleshooting steps to fix common problems with a built-in or USB camera.

• How to fix camera detection on Windows 10
• How to allow apps access to camera using Privacy settings
• How to update camera driver using Device Manager
• How to rollback camera driver using Device Manager
• How to reinstall camera driver using Device Manager
• How to fix apps camera access using antivirus

How to fix camera detection on Windows 10

To check if Windows 10 can detect the device, connect the camera to your computer (if it's not a built-in webcam), and use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Imaging devices, Cameras, or Sound, video and game controllers branch.

4. Confirm the camera you connected has been detected.

5. (Optional) If the camera doesn't appear on the list, click on Actions from the top menu.

6. Click the Scan for hardware changes option.

Once you complete the steps, if the system can't detect the camera, restart your computer, and follow the above steps one more time. If applicable, you may also want to try a different USB port to confirm it's not a port problem.

In the case that the camera seems not to be working, you can try connecting it to another computer to confirm there isn't a hardware problem.

If there's a physical problem with camera and a replacement is needed, or you're ready for an upgrade, we commended the Logitech BRIO webcam because of its 4K resolution and HDR support as well as for its compatibility for Windows Hello authentication support.

Our pick

Logitech BRIO

$160 at Amazon

If you're in the market for the best webcam, the Logitech BRIO is the one for you. It was the first camera to include support for 4K video, and it has some pretty neat features, such as background replacement option and support for Windows Hello security for Windows 10.

How to allow apps access to camera using Privacy settings

Since the release of version 1803, as part of the privacy improvements, Windows 10 can revoke certain apps access to your microphone and camera automatically, as such checking the privacy settings is one of the first steps to get a camera working on your device.

To allow apps to access the webcam on your computer or laptop running Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy.
3. Click on Camera.
4. Under the "Camera access for this device" section, click the Change button.
5. Turn on the Allow access to camera on this device toggle switch.

6. Turn on the Allow apps to access your camera toggle switch.

7. Under the "Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera" section, turn on the toggle switch for the apps that you want to allow access.

After you complete the steps, the app you want to use should now be able to work with your camera.

How to update camera driver using Device Manager

If the camera stops working after installing a new version of Windows 10 (for example, May 2019 Update) or another system change, there's a chance that you're using an outdated version of the camera driver that is causing the problem.

To update the camera driver to fix problems on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Imaging devices, Cameras, or Sound, video and game controllers branch.

4. Right-click the webcam and select the Update driver option.

5. Click the Search automatically for updated driver software button.

Once you complete the steps, if a newer update is available, Device Manager will download and install the package automatically similar to Windows Update.

In the case that Windows Update doesn't find any new version, you may need to check your manufacturer support website to download and install the most up-to-date driver.

How to rollback camera driver using Device Manager

Although it's always recommended to use the latest device drivers to access new improvements and features, sometimes a driver update can rollout with bugs or compatibility issues. If the camera was working before a recent driver update, rolling back to the previous version can fix the problem.

To roll back to the previous version of the camera driver on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Imaging devices, Cameras, or Sound, video and game controllers branch.

4. Right-click the webcam and select the Properties option.

5. Click on the Driver tab.

6. Click the Roll Back Driver button.

7. Select one of the reasons you're rolling back.

8. Click the Yes button.

9. Click the Yes button again.
10. Restart your computer.

After you complete the steps, the webcam should start working again using the older version of the driver. Using this process will also prevent Windows Update from reinstalling the same camera driver again, but in future updates, a newer version of the driver may download automatically.

How to reinstall camera driver using Device Manager

If the camera stops working because of driver corruption or configuration problems, reinstalling the camera using Device Manager may resolve the issue.

To uninstall and install the camera driver, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Imaging devices, Cameras, or Sound, video and game controllers branch.

4. Right-click the webcam and select the Uninstall driver option.

5. Click the Uninstall button.

   Quick tip: You can also check the Delete the driver software for this device option to force the system to re-download the camera driver from Windows Update.

6. Click on Actions.

7. Click the Scan for hardware changes option.

Once you complete the steps, try to use the camera with an app, and it should work as expected.

How to fix apps camera access using antivirus

If you're using a third-party security solution, then there's a chance that the application is blocking access to the camera.

For example, if you're using Kaspersky Total Security, you may need to use these steps to allow apps to access the camera:

1. Open Kaspersky.

2. Click on Privacy Protection.

3. Turn off the Webcam Protection toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, you should now be able to use the camera with any app on Windows 10.

If you suspect a third-party antivirus is blocking access to the webcam, then you may need to check the manufacturer support website for specific details on how to allow apps access to the device.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.