when camera is on i am unable to see anything

1

Look at the function keys (F1 - F12) on your keyboard, if one of them has a camera icon, press that key or Fn + that key to unlock the webcam.

2

If that was not the problem, look at the camera lens above your screen, is there a small privacy slider that needs to be opened to access the webcam?

3

If the webcam is still not working, go to the support page for your laptop on the manufacturers website, then from there, download and re-install the version of webcam drivers they provide.

If you have any difficulty locating that support page, click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot a black screen when the camera is on in Microsoft Teams:

1. Test the camera outside Teams
   • In Windows, open Start > Camera and check if the preview works.
   • If the camera is also black in the Camera app, the issue is with Windows, drivers, or hardware rather than Teams.
2. Check Windows camera privacy settings
   • Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera.
   • Turn on Camera access for this device (use Change if needed).
   • Turn on Allow apps to access your camera.
   • Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, enable access for relevant apps.
   • Under Allow desktop apps to access your camera, make sure this is turned on so desktop apps like Microsoft Teams can use the camera.
3. Check for Windows updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If View optional updates appears, select it and install any camera-related updates.
   • Restart the PC after updates.
4. Update the camera driver
   • Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras.
   • Right-click the camera and select Update driver.
   • Choose Search automatically for drivers and complete the process, then restart the PC.
5. Check for physical camera controls
   • On laptops, look for:
     • A function key (F1–F12) with a camera icon that may need Fn + key to enable.
     • A dedicated camera key on the keyboard.
     • A hardware slider or shutter near the camera lens that might be closed.
   • Make sure the lens is not covered and is clean.
6. If the camera works in Camera app but not in Teams
   • The issue is likely app-specific:
     • In Teams, verify the correct camera is selected in Settings > Devices.
     • If using Teams on the web, ensure the browser is allowed to use the camera:
       • Edge: Settings and more > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Camera, and turn on Ask before accessing (recommended).
       • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Permissions > Camera, select the correct device and set Sites can ask to use your camera.
       • Safari: Preferences > Websites > Camera, set Ask or Allow for sites.

If the camera shows a normal image in the Windows Camera app but remains black only in Teams after these steps, contact the IT admin (if this is a work/school account) or Contact Microsoft support for further investigation.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• My camera isn't working in Microsoft Teams