How do I fix my camera problem

Follow these steps on Windows 10 to fix the “camera not connected” problem:

1. Run the camera troubleshooter
   • Open the Get Help app and run the Camera troubleshooter for Windows 10. It will automatically diagnose and try to fix common camera issues.
   • If it does not fix the issue, continue with the steps below.
2. Check that the camera is physically connected
   • If using an external webcam, make sure it is firmly plugged into the USB port.
   • Try a different USB port.
   • Test the camera on another PC to rule out a hardware fault.
3. Check for a hardware camera switch or key
   • Many laptops have a physical camera switch or key that disables the camera.
   • Look for:
     • A key on the keyboard (often one of F1–F12) with a camera icon; press it (sometimes Fn + that key).
     • A sliding switch on the side of the laptop.
     • A small privacy slider built into the camera bezel; slide it open.
4. Check and reinstall the camera driver
   1. Select Start > type Device Manager and open it.
   2. Look under Cameras or Imaging devices for the camera.
   3. Right‑click the camera > Properties > Driver tab > Uninstall Device.
   4. Check Delete the driver software for this device and select OK.
   5. In Device Manager, open the Action menu > Scan for hardware changes.
   6. Wait for Windows to reinstall the driver, then restart the PC and test the Camera app.
5. Switch to the in‑box UVC driver (for USB webcams) If the webcam still does not work or is detected incorrectly:
   1. Open Device Manager.
   2. Find the webcam under Cameras or Imaging devices.
   3. Right‑click it > Update driver.
   4. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
   5. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   6. Choose USB Video Device and select Next.
   7. Close Device Manager and restart the PC.
   • Note: The in‑box UVC driver may not support all special features (for example, Windows Hello face recognition) that a manufacturer‑specific driver provided.
6. Check Windows Update and test in the Camera app
   1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates (including optional camera updates), then restart.
   2. Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
   3. If the camera works in the Camera app but not in another app, adjust that app’s camera settings.

If the camera still shows as not connected after these steps, check the PC or camera manufacturer’s support site for model‑specific camera drivers or hardware diagnostics.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows