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Webcam Not Working on Windows 11?

Test your camera in one click, then work through the fixes below — from most to least likely.

No signup required Nothing is ever uploaded Works in Chrome, Edge & Firefox

📷 Webcam Test

Check your camera feed before a call.

Camera preview will appear here
Not started

Your video never leaves your device — there is no upload, recording, or storage.

🎤 Microphone Test

Speak normally and watch the meter move.

Not started

Your audio is processed locally and is never recorded or sent anywhere.

How to fix a webcam on Windows 11

1. Turn on camera access

  1. Open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera.
  2. Turn on Camera access and Let apps access your camera.
  3. Turn on Let desktop apps access your camera — browsers and most call apps need this.

2. Make sure the camera is enabled

Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Cameras. Your camera should be listed with a preview. If it’s under disabled cameras, select it and choose Enable.

3. Check shutters and camera keys

  • Many laptops have a sliding privacy shutter above the screen.
  • Some have a camera on/off key (often an F key with a camera icon). A message like “camera off” may appear when you press it.

4. Close apps using the camera

Quit Teams, Zoom, Skype, OBS, and the Camera app. Then test again above.

5. Reinstall the driver

  1. Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices), right-click your webcam, and choose Uninstall device.
  3. Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls it. You can also check Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates for a newer driver.
Security software can block cameras. Some antivirus suites include a webcam protection feature. If the camera works nowhere, check your antivirus settings for a webcam or privacy shield.

Windows 11 webcam FAQ

Why is my webcam not working on Windows 11?

The most common causes are camera access being turned off in Privacy & security, the camera being disabled in Settings under Bluetooth & devices and Cameras, a closed privacy shutter, or another app using the camera.

How do I test my webcam on Windows 11?

Click Start Camera Test on this page, or open the Windows Camera app. Settings under Bluetooth & devices and Cameras also shows a live preview for each camera.

Why does my laptop camera show a black screen?

A black image usually means a privacy shutter is closed, the camera key has turned it off, or another app is using it. If the camera light is on but the image is black, restart the PC and reinstall the driver from Device Manager.

Does this test record or upload my video?

No. The preview stays in your browser and is never recorded or sent anywhere.

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