Access issues to laptop web camera

Follow these steps to restore access to the laptop’s built‑in (face) camera:

1. Check for a physical camera switch or shutter
   • Inspect the laptop bezel around the camera for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open.
   • Check the keyboard function keys (F1–F12) for a camera icon; if present, press that key (or Fn + that key) to toggle the webcam on.
2. Verify Windows camera privacy settings
   1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera.
   2. Under Allow access to the camera on this device, select Change and turn Camera access for this device On.
   3. Ensure Allow apps to access your camera is On.
   4. Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, turn on access for the apps that should use the laptop camera.
   5. Scroll to Allow desktop apps to access your camera and make sure it is On so desktop apps (for example, browsers, Teams) can use the camera.
3. Test the built‑in camera in the Camera app
   1. Select Start > Camera.
   2. If prompted, allow access to the camera.
   3. Check whether the preview shows the laptop’s face camera or remains black.
   • If the Android camera is selected, switch to the built‑in camera from within the app’s camera selector.
4. Update or reinstall the camera driver
   1. Select Start > Device Manager.
   2. Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices) and locate the laptop’s built‑in camera.
   3. Right‑click the camera and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, then restart the laptop.
   4. If it still fails, in Device Manager right‑click the camera, select Properties > Driver tab > Uninstall Device, check Delete the driver software for this device, select OK.
   5. In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the driver, then restart and test again.
5. Switch to the in‑box UVC driver (if the vendor driver is faulty)
   1. In Device Manager, right‑click the problem webcam and select Update driver.
   2. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
   3. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   4. Choose USB Video Device and select Next.
   5. Close the dialog, then test the camera again.
6. Check for Windows and optional driver updates
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. If available, go to Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera or driver updates.
   3. Restart the laptop and test the camera in the Camera app.
7. Check antivirus or security software
   • Ensure antivirus or firewall software is not blocking camera access. Temporarily disable camera‑related blocking features and test again.

If the Android camera continues to work but the built‑in camera always shows a black screen even after these steps, the issue is likely hardware‑related and requires device service.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A
• Camera device is not enabled - Microsoft Q&A