I have lost my in built camera connection and need to restore

Hello @Martin Brady

From your message, I understand that your built‑in camera is no longer working and has dropped out during Microsoft Teams calls, and you’re looking to restore it so you can continue using Teams meetings normally.

In most cases, this type of issue is related to camera permissions, Teams device settings, another application using the camera, or a camera driver problem. Sometimes this can happen after an update, restart, or a change in system or security settings.

To better assistance, could you please confirm following information:

• Which operating system are you using (Windows or macOS)?
• Does the camera work in other applications on your device?
• Do you see your camera listed under Microsoft Teams > Settings > Devices, and can you select it there?
• Are you receiving any error messages in Teams when attempting to turn the camera on (such as “camera not detected” or “camera in use”)?
• Did this issue begin after a recent update, restart, or change to your device or security settings?
• Is this device managed by an organization or school (for example, via IT policies or device management)?

In the meantime, please try those steps below:

Step 1: Check camera settings in Microsoft Teams

• Open Microsoft Teams > Go to Settings > Devices
• Under Camera, make sure your built‑in camera is selected
• Use Make a test call to confirm if the camera activates
• Fully quit Teams (right‑click the Teams icon in the system tray and select Quit), then reopen it

Step 2: Check camera permissions on your device

If you’re using Windows:

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera > Make sure the following are turned On:

• Camera access
• Let apps access your camera
• Let desktop apps access your camera
• Confirm that Microsoft Teams is allowed

If you’re using macOS: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera > Ensure Microsoft Teams is checked > Close Teams completely and reopen it after making changes

Step 3: Test the camera outside of Teams

Please check if your camera works in another application, such as:

• Camera app (Windows)
• Photo Booth (macOS)

Step 4: Check for other apps using the camera

Close any other applications that might be using the camera (browsers, recording software)

Restart your device and test Teams again

Step 5: Check Camera Device (Windows only)

Open Device Manager

Expand Cameras or Imaging devices

Ensure the camera is enabled and does not show a warning icon

If needed, right‑click the camera and select Update driver, then restart

If your camera does not work in any application or does not appear in system settings, the issue may be related to the device driver, system configuration, or hardware. In that case, you may need to contact your device manufacturer or IT administrator (if this is a managed school/work device).

Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.        

Your detailed response will help us diagnose and investigate the issue more efficiently. If I misunderstood what you’re looking for, feel free to let me know or share a screenshot. I’d be happy to help further!

Thank you for your cooperation. I'm looking forward for your reply.

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Try these steps in order to restore the built‑in camera for Teams calls:

1. Close other apps that might be using the camera
   • Quit apps like Skype, FaceTime, other video tools, or browser tabs using the camera.
   • Restart the computer and try a Teams call again.
2. Check Windows camera privacy settings (Windows 10/11)
   • Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera.
   • Under Allow access to the camera on this device, select Change and turn Camera access for this device On.
   • Make sure Allow apps to access your camera is On.
   • Scroll down and ensure Allow desktop apps to access your camera is On (Teams is a desktop app and needs this).
3. Verify the camera works in Windows
   • Open the Camera app in Windows.
   • If the image is black, check for:
     • A function key with a camera icon (for example Fn + F4/F8 depending on the laptop) that toggles the camera.
     • A physical privacy slider/shutter near the camera lens and move it to open.
   • If still no image, install/reinstall the webcam driver from the PC manufacturer’s support page.
4. Check Teams itself
   • Make sure Teams is updated: use Check for updates in Teams.
   • In a Teams meeting, open Device settings and confirm the correct camera is selected.
5. Run Windows camera troubleshooting (if still failing)
   • On Windows 10 or 11, run the Camera troubleshooter from the Get Help app using the Run the troubleshooter in Get Help link in the camera support article.

If the built‑in camera still does not appear anywhere (including the Windows Camera app or Device Manager), contact the device manufacturer’s support, as it may be a hardware issue.

References:

• My camera isn't working in Microsoft Teams
• 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