How to turn on camera on laptop

How to turn on the camera on your Windows 10 computer, or troubleshoot if it won’t turn on

Twitter LinkedIn icon The word «in».

LinkedIn Fliboard icon A stylized letter F.

Flipboard Facebook Icon The letter F.

Email Link icon An image of a chain link. It symobilizes a website link url.

When it’s working properly, Windows 10’s Camera app is extremely easy to use on both laptops and desktops.

But sometimes the Camera might not work as expected. Here’s how to turn on your camera in Windows 10, and what to do if you run into any issues.

How to turn on your camera in Windows 10

1. Click the search bar or magnifying glass icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen. If you don’t have the search bar enabled, right-click the taskbar, select «Search,» and then click «Show search box» or «Show search icon.»

2. Search for «Camera» and click the Camera app when it appears in the results.

Once the Camera app opens, your computer’s camera should turn on automatically.

However, the Camera app isn’t the only program that you might want to use the camera in. To fully enable your camera for use in other programs:

1. Click on the Start button, then click on «Settings.»

3. On the left side of the menu, scroll down to «Camera» and click on it. From here, you can click on sliders to enable or disable the use of your camera with other applications.

What to do if your Windows camera isn’t working

If you’re having trouble getting your Windows camera to work, and you’ve made sure that the camera is fully enabled (see above), there are a few things you can try to get it back up and running.

Check that you’ve set up your webcam correctly

If you’re using an external webcam, it might have come with its own software. Make sure you’ve set up the webcam correctly, and that it’s fully up-to-date.

Check for any updates and install ones that are available

Even a built-in camera might be malfunctioning because it’s in need of an update. See if Windows has any updates waiting, or check your camera’s drivers.

Restart your computer

If one of your devices isn’t working, you should always try restarting it. Give your computer a restart, which can help install any updates you have waiting.

Open the Camera app to test it

If you’re prompted to give the Camera access to your applications, click «Yes,» and then check to see if the camera is working properly. This can let you know if there’s an issue with the Camera app, your camera itself, or another app.

Look for a physical switch on your computer

If your computer’s camera is operated via a switch, you’ll need to make sure the switch is turned on, or your camera won’t work. If you’re using an external webcam, check that it’s plugged in. Also make sure that you haven’t covered the camera with anything and forgotten about it!

Check your computer’s antivirus software

There might be a conflict between your antivirus and a program trying to use your camera. Examining them more closely can help you diagnose the problem and then fix it.

How To Turn On Camera On Laptop Windows 10?

How to Enable / Disable Camera (or Webcam) in Windows 10

Why is my laptop camera not working?

If your integrated webcam is not working since Windows 10 update or upgrade, the problem is likely to be caused by faulty drivers or driver conflicts. To fix the problem, first, check the driver status in Device Manager. First, go to Device Manager and see if there is a yellow mark next to the webcam device.

How do I use the webcam on my laptop?

Steps

How do I reinstall my camera on Windows 10?

How to reinstall missing apps on Windows 10

Why is my camera on Windows 10 not working?

Incompatible or outdated driver could also cause the Camera app to not function. If the problem started after recent Windows 10 upgrade, try to roll back your webcam driver to the previous version: Just open the Device Manager, right-click on your webcam device and select Properties.

How do I install my camera on my laptop Windows 10?

Open the Camera in Windows 10

How do I view my webcam on Windows?

Camera app and webcams help

How do I open my camera on my laptop Windows 10?

How to Enable / Disable Camera (or Webcam) in Windows 10

How do I test my webcam on Windows 10?

Click or tap on Cortana’s search box from the taskbar and type in the word camera. Then, click or tap on the Camera app. Another way to open the Camera app in Windows 10 is to use the Start Menu. Click or tap the Start button, scroll through the apps list and click or tap on the Camera shortcut.

How do I fix my camera on Windows 10?

Suggested clip 20 seconds

How to fix camera and webcam problems in Windows 10 (4

Start of suggested clip

End of suggested clip

How do I reinstall my webcam driver Windows 10?

Update drivers in Windows 10

How do I reset my camera on Windows 10?

How to Reset Camera App in Windows 10

How do I turn on my camera on my Lenovo laptop Windows 10?

Windows 10

How do I install webcam drivers Windows 10?

Update drivers in Windows 10

How do I reinstall my webcam on Windows 10?

Select the Start button, enter Device Manager, and then select Device Manager from the search results. Find your webcam under Imaging devices or Sound, video and game controllers. Press and hold (or right-click) the name of your webcam, and then select Properties.

How do I use an external webcam on Windows 10?

How to Use an External Camera for Skype

How do I fix my camera on my laptop?

Here are solutions to help you fix your laptop camera when it just won’t work.

Solution 3: Reinstall the laptop camera

How do I flip my camera on Windows 10?

WINDOWS 10 CAMERA APP SETTINGS

How do I turn off the camera on my laptop Windows 10?

How to disable your integrated web camera using the device manager

How do I use my webcam to record?

Steps

How to Turn on or off the Camera / Webcam on Windows 11 and Windows 10

We show you how to enable or disable a camera in Windows 11 via its new settings UI or the legacy Device Manager.

For several reasons, you may need to know how to enable or disable a camera on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Chief among those is a desire for privacy — with many users concerned apps or websites will access their webcam without their permission.

Thankfully, it’s now much easier to disable the camera in Windows 11 because of its “Cameras” settings page, which lets you quickly turn on or off the camera if you need to. This is different to the “privacy settings” for your webcam, which only lets you restrict or allow access to certain apps.

We’ll be showing you both this method and the “old” Windows 10 method using Device Manager so you can use whichever works best for you.

How to Turn Off a Camera in Windows 11 Webcam Settings

Though it can take a few more clicks, the process to disable a camera in Windows 11 settings is much more intuitive than with Device Manager. The settings UI clearly displays a list of just your webcams and even provides a preview so you can make sure that it’s the right one. Here’s how to find the toggle:

Press the Start button on your taskbar and then click “Settings” in the pinned apps section. If it’s not there, you can press “Windows + I” instead.

How to Disable a Camera with Device Manager on Windows 11 or Windows 10

If you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way or are yet to upgrade to Windows 11, you can still turn off the camera via Device Manager. It means trawling through a long list of devices, but it’s still quite easy.

Press the Start button on your taskbar and type “Device Manager”, then click on the top result.

After you disable a webcam, open the camera app to ensure it no longer functions, as Device Manager does not have a preview.

How to Enable a Camera on Windows 11 via Webcam Settings

If your Windows 11 webcam isn’t working, it may already be disabled. Here’s how to enable a camera in Windows 11 in just a few clicks:

To do so, press the Start button and click the Settings cog in your pinned apps. Alternatively, you can press “Windows + I”.

How to Enable a Camera using Device Manager

If you previously disabled a camera in Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can also re-enable it using Device Manager. Here’s how:

Your device should start working again immediately. You may need to toggle the camera on and off in whichever app you’re using for its image to show up.

Related: How to Fix a Windows Camera Not Working

If your Windows 10 or Windows 11 camera not disabled but still won’t work, you may instead want to read our dedicated camera troubleshooting guide. It’ll show you 7 ways to fix your camera.

Extra: How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background in Windows 11

To better protect your privacy, you can also tweak whether apps can run in the background in Windows 11. This will allow you to be sure they aren’t sending data back to some remote server when you aren’t using them.

Question: How To Open Camera In Laptop Windows 7?

How do I turn my webcam on Windows 7?

Disabling a Webcam in Windows 7

How do I test my webcam on Windows 7?

3. Check for an outdated webcam driver

How can I test my laptop camera?

Testing the webcam by recording and playing a video

How do I turn on the camera on my Dell laptop?

Device Manager” and then double-click “Imaging Devices.” Double-click “Integrated Webcam” to view the camera properties. Click the “Driver” tab and then click “Disable” to turn the webcam off on the Dell Studio. Click “OK.”

How do I use my webcam on Windows 7?

How do I install webcam drivers for the Windows 7 operating

How do I take a picture with my webcam in Windows 7?

Steps

How do I access webcam settings in Windows 7?

Click the Start button and and then type “devmgmt.msc” into the search field. Right-click “devmgmt.msc” and then select “Run as Administrator” from the context menu to launch the Device Manager. Double-click “Imaging Devices” and then right-click your webcam.

How do I view my webcam on Windows?

Camera app and webcams help

How do I use the webcam on my laptop?

How to Use a USB Webcam With a Laptop With Cam

How do I fix my laptop camera?

Solution 3: Reinstall the laptop camera

Why is my camera not working on my laptop?

If your integrated webcam is not working since Windows 10 update or upgrade, the problem is likely to be caused by faulty drivers or driver conflicts. To fix the problem, first, check the driver status in Device Manager. First, go to Device Manager and see if there is a yellow mark next to the webcam device.

How do I activate my webcam?

How to Enable / Disable Camera (or Webcam) in Windows 10

How do I use the webcam on my Dell Windows 7?

Windows 7

Is there a camera on my laptop?

Many laptops now come with an integrated camera, located above the screen, at its centre. You can usually open the web camera by going to Start and typing webcam in the search bar. In the list that appears, there should be a camera or web cam option to select. Your webcam should be listed there.

How do I access the camera on my Dell Inspiron?

Click the “Start” button, click “Run,” type “C:\DELL\DRIVERS\R173082” in the text field and press “Enter” to run the driver. Restart your computer after the driver has finished installing. Launch the application you want to use your webcam with, such as Skype or Yahoo! Messenger.

How do I record a video on my laptop Windows 7?

How to Capture Video with a Free Screen Recorder for Windows 7

How do I use my webcam to record?

Steps

How do I take a picture with Windows 7?

To take pictures with Yawcam, go to “Window” and select “Capture.” After selecting “Capture,” a new webcam display will appear with a handy “Capture!” button at the bottom of the dialog box. Just click this button to snap a picture, and after you click it a “Save…” option will appear.

How do I view my webcam online?

Use this online test to check if your web camera is working and properly set up.

How can I use my phone camera as a webcam for PC?

Does my computer have a webcam?

Not all laptops have an internal microphone and a built-in webcam. In most cases, you can determine if your laptop has either device installed by performing a visual inspection of the machine’s case. For example, a laptop’s webcam and microphone are usually located in the bezel at the top of the screen.

How do I connect my webcam to Windows 7?

Steps

How do I use the webcam on my HP laptop?

How to Use a Web Cam on an HP Laptop

How do I use an external webcam on Windows 10?

How to Use an External Camera for Skype

Quick Answer: How To Turn On Camera On Laptop Windows 7?

Disabling a Webcam in Windows 7

How do I test my webcam on Windows 7?

3. Check for an outdated webcam driver

How do I use the webcam on my laptop?

How to Use a USB Webcam With a Laptop With Cam

How do I turn on my integrated webcam?

How to Enable / Disable Camera (or Webcam) in Windows 10

Why is my laptop camera not working?

If your integrated webcam is not working since Windows 10 update or upgrade, the problem is likely to be caused by faulty drivers or driver conflicts. To fix the problem, first, check the driver status in Device Manager. First, go to Device Manager and see if there is a yellow mark next to the webcam device.

How do I use my webcam on Windows 7?

How do I install webcam drivers for the Windows 7 operating

How do I take a picture with my webcam in Windows 7?

Steps

How do I turn my webcam on Windows 7?

Disabling a Webcam in Windows 7

How do I connect my webcam to Windows 7?

Steps

How do I access webcam settings in Windows 7?

Click the Start button and and then type “devmgmt.msc” into the search field. Right-click “devmgmt.msc” and then select “Run as Administrator” from the context menu to launch the Device Manager. Double-click “Imaging Devices” and then right-click your webcam.

How do I connect my webcam to Skype?

How to Activate a Webcam on Skype

What is integrated Webcam?

Certain Dell notebooks and monitors include an integrated webcam that can be used to take photos, record video and participate in video conferencing. Enter “webcam” into the search box and select “Dell Webcam Manager” from the results, or expand the system tray and right-click the camera icon.

How do I use webcam on Windows?

If your PC has a built-in camera or a connected webcam, you can use the Camera app to take photos and videos. In the search box on the taskbar, type camera, and then select Camera in the list of results. (In Windows 8.1, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and tap Search before you start typing.)

How can I test my laptop camera?

Testing the webcam by recording and playing a video

How do I troubleshoot my webcam?

Double-click Imaging Devices to expand the list of webcam drivers. If the HP Webcam-101 or Microsoft USB Video Device is listed, right-click the driver and select Update Driver Software and follow the on-screen instructions. Restart your computer, open your webcam software and try viewing again.

Why is my computer camera light on?

The camera light is hardwired to the camera. This is great because then you know when the camera is on. Either there is an App that is using your camera or there is something malicious on your computer that is accessing your camera. Restart your computer and see if it turns off.

How do I install a webcam on my computer without the CD?

How to Install a Web Camera Without a CD

How do I test my webcam on Windows 10?

Click or tap on Cortana’s search box from the taskbar and type in the word camera. Then, click or tap on the Camera app. Another way to open the Camera app in Windows 10 is to use the Start Menu. Click or tap the Start button, scroll through the apps list and click or tap on the Camera shortcut.

How do I take pictures on my computer?

Where are webcam pictures stored?

There are different ways you can look at your camera roll.

Can I take pictures with my laptop?

How Can I Take a Picture Using the Camera in My Laptop? Most laptop computers now come equipped with an integrated webcam. Taking a picture with your laptop’s webcam is easy, and is a simple way to snap a photograph that is available immediately on your computer. You can snap a quick photo with your laptop’s webcam.

How do I take a picture with my Logitech webcam?

To view your pictures and videos in the LWS gallery:

How do I access my webcam settings?

We can go to the webcam settings in Windows 10, 8.1 from the webcam or camera app as well. You will need to open the camera or webcam app, go with your mouse to the lower right corner of the screen and click (left click) on “Settings”. After you are in Settings menu we need to click (left click) on “Options”.

How do I access my Logitech webcam settings?

Use the following steps to adjust the image quality on your webcam:

How do I set Manycam as my default camera Windows 7?

Setting the default camera on your browser

How do I reinstall my built in webcam?

To reinstall the webcam driver, perform the following steps.

How do I turn on my camera on my Dell laptop?

Device Manager” and then double-click “Imaging Devices.” Double-click “Integrated Webcam” to view the camera properties. Click the “Driver” tab and then click “Disable” to turn the webcam off on the Dell Studio. Click “OK.”