Using my laptop webcam inside my Azure Windows 11 VM (video redirection)?

To use your laptop’s webcam inside your Azure Windows 11 VM for video calls, you need to configure both the Remote Desktop client on your laptop and the settings within the Azure VM. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Configure Remote Desktop Client on Your Laptop

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection on your laptop. You can search for "Remote Desktop Connection" in the Start menu.
2. Click on "Show Options" to expand the settings.
3. Navigate to the Local Resources tab.
4. Under the Local devices and resources section, ensure that the More... button is clicked.
5. In the list that appears, check the box next to Video capture devices. This will allow your webcam to be redirected to the VM.
6. Click OK to save your settings.
7. Now, connect to your Azure Windows 11 VM.

Step 2: Configure Group Policy or Device Redirection Settings in the VM

1. Log into your Azure Windows 11 VM.
2. Open the Group Policy Management console. You can do this by searching for "gpedit.msc" in the Start menu.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection.
4. Look for the policy named Do not allow video capture redirection.
5. Double-click on it and set it to Disabled or Not configured to allow video capture redirection.
6. Click OK to save your changes.
7. Restart the VM for the settings to take effect.

Step 3: Testing the Configuration

1. After restarting, connect again to your Azure VM using the Remote Desktop client.
2. Open an application that uses the webcam, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, and check if the webcam is working.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

• Performance: Webcam redirection may consume additional bandwidth and processing power, which could affect performance, especially on lower-spec VMs.
• RDP Client Versions: Ensure you are using a compatible version of the Remote Desktop client that supports video capture redirection.
• VM Size and SKU: Some VM sizes or SKUs may have limitations on device redirection capabilities. It's advisable to check Azure documentation for specific requirements related to your VM type.

By following these steps, you should be able to use your laptop's webcam inside your Azure Windows 11 VM for video calls and other applications that require a camera.

References:

• Configure camera, webcam, and video capture redirection over the Remote Desktop Protocol (azure-virtual-desktop)

Hi RMA,

No worries, you don’t need to be “technical” for this. I’ll walk you through the webcam setup in a way that’s clear and practical, based on what I’ve seen work reliably for other consultants who use Azure VMs as their main desktop. The good news is that webcam redirection over Remote Desktop is supported, but only if a few specific switches are enabled on both your laptop and inside the VM.

1. Remote Desktop Client (your laptop) – the must-do steps:

Before connecting to the VM, open the Remote Desktop app (the modern one from the Microsoft Store works best).

• Click the connection you use > Edit > scroll to Devices & Audio (or “Local resources” if using the classic mstsc).
• Make sure Camera is switched ON.
• Also enable Microphone and Clipboard. These don’t affect the camera, but they make video calls smoother.
• Save the connection and reconnect. This alone fixes the issue for most users.

2. Inside the Azure VM – one policy to check:

Once inside the VM, open Start > type “gpedit.msc” > press Enter.

Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device & Resource Redirection

Find “Do not allow video capture redirection” and ensure it is Disabled (or simply Not Configured). No need to modify any other policy. Restart the VM afterward.

3. A few realistic limitations to keep in mind:

• Webcam redirection uses a lot of bandwidth, so if your home connection dips, video may momentarily stutter.
• Zoom and Teams generally work, but Teams performs better using the Web Client instead of the desktop app inside the VM.
• Only the Microsoft Remote Desktop app (modern version) supports stable camera redirection, avoid old or third-party RDP clients.

Some very small VM sizes (B-series, older D-series) may struggle with video encoding; if calls freeze, consider DSv3/DSv5 series.

You can try and feel free to leave a message if you need further asstistance. And if this explanation helps you get your webcam working, please consider clicking “Accept Answer” so others can find it easily too 😊.

Jason.