camera not working on zoom calls

Hello,

Does this only affect Zoom, or it also doesn't work on other apps?

If you open the Camera app (from the start menu), what does it say? Any error message? Or is it just a black screen? Any additional information would be helpful if you don't mind.

Most camera issues can be due to a physical privacy cover covering the lens. Make sure that's not the case.

Otherwise, there is usually a physical button/key/switch you can use to turn the camera on or off. For example, most Lenovos use F8 or Fn+F8, or a switch above the lens; HP has a camera key or a button on the side of the laptop; MSI uses F6 or Fn+F6, etc.

If you are not sure, tell me what the camera app says/shows, and then please hold down Windows + R keys, type in msinfo32.exe and hit enter. Then share a screenshot of the System Information window. Thanks!

Try these steps in Windows 11 and Edge to isolate whether the issue is Zoom-specific or system-wide:

1. Test the camera in the Windows Camera app
   • Select Start > Camera.
   • If the preview works here, the camera and driver are OK and the issue is likely with Zoom or browser permissions.
   • If the preview is black or shows an error, continue with the next steps.
2. Check for Windows and driver updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • Then select Advanced options > Optional updates and look for any camera/webcam driver updates. Install them.
   • Restart the PC (use Start > Power > Restart, not just sleep/wake).
3. Update the camera driver in Device Manager
   • Right-click Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras.
   • Right-click the camera > Update driver.
   • Choose Search automatically for drivers and complete the process.
   • Restart the PC and test again in the Camera app and then in Zoom.
4. Run the Windows camera troubleshooter
   • Open Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Camera and select Run.
   • Apply any fixes it suggests, then restart and test.
5. Check for physical or privacy controls
   • Ensure there is no physical shutter/slider covering the camera lens.
   • On laptops, check the function keys (F1–F12) for a camera icon; if present, press that key (or Fn + that key) to enable the camera.
6. If the camera works in Camera app but not in Zoom
   • The context indicates that if the camera works in one app but not another, the problem lies with the app’s settings.
   • In Zoom (in Edge), open a test meeting and:
     • Make sure the correct camera is selected in Zoom’s video settings.
     • Close any other app using the camera (Teams, Camera app, etc.) so Zoom can access it.

If the camera still does not work in the Camera app after these steps, there may be a hardware issue or a deeper driver problem; in that case, testing the camera on another device (if external) can help confirm.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A
• my camera is not listed under device manager camera is not listed and it's not under imaging devices - Microsoft Q&A