Windows 11
Fix Webcam Not Detected on Windows 11
Turn on camera access, refresh drivers, and test with the DevicePrep Webcam Test and the Camera app.
Updated 2025-12-09
Check for a live preview in the browser before changing system drivers.
A missing webcam in Windows 11 usually comes down to privacy toggles, drivers, or a busy app holding the lens. Use a live Webcam Test and the built-in Camera app to confirm when Windows can see the device, then align permissions and drivers.
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera -> enable Camera access and allow apps.
- Flip any physical shutter or keyboard camera key to open the lens.
- Unplug and reconnect the webcam; try another USB port on the laptop.
- Close Zoom, Teams, Meet, and FaceTime to release the camera.
- Run Windows Update and install any optional camera or firmware updates.
- Reboot after driver changes to refresh the device list.
Step-by-step fix
- Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera -> enable "Camera access" and allow apps to use the camera.
- Run the DevicePrep Webcam Test; if permission was blocked, allow it and check if a preview appears.
- Open Device Manager -> Cameras; right-click your webcam -> Update driver -> Search automatically for drivers.
- If the device is missing, use Action -> Scan for hardware changes, then unplug and reconnect the webcam or switch USB ports.
- Open the built-in Camera app; if it fails too, the issue is system-wide, not the browser.
- Windows Update -> Check for updates -> Advanced options -> Optional updates -> install any camera or firmware updates, then reboot.
- In antivirus suites, turn off webcam shield features temporarily and retest.
Deep fixes
Start with a live preview
Open the Webcam Test and allow access. Any video here proves the camera works and Windows exposes it to Chrome or Edge. If you see a permission block, clear it and reload. No device listed means Windows cannot see the camera yet, so move to privacy toggles and drivers. Keep the test open while you change settings; it is an instant indicator of success.
Enable Windows camera access
In Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera, turn on "Camera access" and "Let apps access your camera". Scroll to the app list and allow video apps plus your browser. Without this, sites and desktop apps stay blind. If a managed device locks these toggles, contact IT or sign in with a local account to test hardware. After toggling, restart the browser and any meeting apps so they pick up the change.
Refresh drivers and hardware paths
Device Manager -> Cameras should show your device. Right-click -> Update driver -> Search automatically. If the device is missing, use Action -> Scan for hardware changes. Unplug and reconnect the webcam or move USB ports to force detection. For laptop cameras stuck offline, power cycle the laptop and avoid closing the lid during boot so sensors initialize cleanly. Optional updates in Windows Update often ship camera firmware; install them and reboot.
Test in multiple apps
Open the built-in Camera app. If it fails, the issue is system-wide. If it works, browser permissions are the likely culprit. Try a quick call in Teams or Zoom after the Camera app passes; they confirm app-level device lists are refreshed. If the camera shows a green LED but black image, close all video apps and restart the Windows Camera Frame Server service by rebooting. Avoid running multiple meeting apps at the same time until the camera is stable.
Check security software
Antivirus suites sometimes ship webcam shields. Disable those features briefly and rerun the Webcam Test. If video appears after disabling, add your browser and meeting apps to the allow list. Corporate privacy tools may block camera access when on untrusted Wi-Fi. Test on a home network to compare. When everything works, re-enable shields but keep the exclusions in place to avoid future blocks. Some vendors bundle camera kill switches in apps like Lenovo Vantage or Dell Command; open those utilities and confirm the camera is turned on.
Quick checklist
- Camera access toggles are on
- Webcam appears in Device Manager
- DevicePrep test or Camera app shows video
- Drivers and optional updates installed
- No security software blocking the camera
FAQs
Should I uninstall the webcam driver?
Use "Uninstall device" only if the driver is corrupted. Reboot afterward so Windows reinstalls it automatically.
Can a laptop privacy shutter cause this?
Yes. Close any hardware shutter or keyboard function key that disables the camera, then rerun the test.
Do USB hubs cause camera drops?
High-resolution webcams can drop on unpowered hubs. Plug directly into the laptop or a powered hub.
Wrap up
When you see a steady preview in both the Camera app and the DevicePrep Webcam Test, the hardware and drivers are squared away. Finish by joining a short meeting and then run the Pre-Call Test so audio and video are ready for real calls. Keep the Webcam Test bookmarked for quick checks after future Windows updates.