Webcam
Webcam not working on Windows 11 or 10
Start with the live test above. If you see a permission message, it's a settings problem; if the picture is black, it's usually a shutter, another app or a driver.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026
Start with a quick test
Steps
- 1
Check the privacy shutter and camera key
Many laptops have a sliding cover over the camera, or a key on the top row (often with a crossed-out camera icon) that switches it off electrically. External webcams may have a lens cap.
- 2
Allow camera access
Open Settings › Privacy & security › Camera. Turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera.
- 3
Check the camera is enabled
Open Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Cameras. Your camera should be listed under Connected cameras. If it shows as disabled, select it and choose Enable.
- 4
Close other apps using the camera
Call apps, camera utilities and other browser tabs can hold the camera. Quit them, including from the system tray or menu bar, then try again.
- 5
Reinstall the camera driver
Right-click Start, open Device Manager and expand Cameras (or Imaging devices). Right-click the camera, choose Uninstall device, then restart.
- 6
Check the connection
Unplug the device and plug it into a different USB port, directly on the computer rather than through a hub. For wireless devices, charge them and re-pair.
- 7
Restart
A restart releases devices that an app has frozen and reloads drivers. It fixes more problems than it should.
Still not working?
- Open the Windows **Camera** app. If it can't see the camera either, the problem is with Windows or the hardware, not the browser.
- Some security software has its own webcam protection. Check its settings.
- Install the camera driver from your laptop maker's support site.