CAMERA IS NOT WORKING, IT'S ALL BLACK

Hi, good day!

1. When was the last time it worked properly?
2. Have you made any changes to your computer?
3. Have you tried the AI suggested solutions?
4. Do you use a built-in or external camera?
5. What is the exact make and model of your computer?

Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: msinfo32

Press Enter

Please take a screenshot of the System Information window and post it in your next response.

Note: Don't include any personal information or sensitive data as Microsoft Q&A is a public forum.

Try doing a hard reset:

1. Shut down the laptop completely.
2. Disconnect the charger.
3. Remove any connected USB devices or accessories.
4. If your laptop has a removable battery, take it out.
5. Press and hold the power button for about 30–60 seconds to drain any remaining power.
6. Put the battery back in (if you removed it).
7. Plug the charger back in.
8. Turn the laptop on again.

I look forward to your update and am happy to continue working with you until the issue is resolved. If you find the answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and consider upvoting it. Otherwise, please keep me posted by clicking "Add comment" below instead of selecting Yes or No.

Try the following steps in order on Windows 10:

1. Check physical camera controls
   • Look for a camera key on the keyboard (often F1–F12 with a camera icon) and press it, or press Fn + that key, to enable the webcam.
   • Check for a privacy slider/shutter on or around the camera lens and slide it open.
2. Verify the camera is detected and drivers are OK
   • Select Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Cameras and confirm the camera is listed.
   • Right‑click the camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, then restart Windows.
3. Test in the built‑in Camera app
   • Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
   • If the Camera app shows video but other apps are black, the problem is with the specific app’s settings.
4. Check for Windows and optional driver updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If available, select View optional updates / Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera or driver updates.
   • Restart the PC and test the camera again.
5. Run the camera troubleshooter (Windows 10)
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Camera and select Run.

If the screen is still black in all apps after these steps, and the camera is enabled and detected, this often indicates a hardware issue with the camera module.

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