How to Fix ‘Microsoft Surface Camera Not Working’ issue

If you are having trouble using the built-in camera(s) on your Microsoft Surface, please let us know. This guide will walk you through a number of different troubleshooting solutions how to Fix ‘Microsoft Surface Camera Not Working’ issue. Surface laptops come with a number of settings that allow you to control access to the camera.

These settings include camera settings in both the UEFI and Windows operating systems. If you disable the camera settings at either the firmware or software level, Windows will not be able to access the Camera, and you will experience a black screen whenever you attempt to use the Camera to take pictures. There are a number of problems that could prevent the Surface camera from functioning, even when it is turned on.

In some extremely unusual instances, antivirus software might also be preventing access to the camera. Just before you move forward, make sure that the camera on your Surface is not obscured by anything. Ensure that you have selected the appropriate camera in your application, especially if your Surface is equipped with two cameras or if it makes use of an external webcam. Here are the ways how to Fix ‘Microsoft Surface Camera Not Working’ issue.

What are the causes of ‘Microsoft Surface Camera Not Working’ issue

1. Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible camera drivers can lead to camera malfunctions. Ensure that your camera drivers are up to date and compatible with your operating system.
2. Operating System Updates: Sometimes, after a system update, compatibility issues may arise between the operating system and the camera drivers. Check for any recent updates and see if they coincide with the onset of the camera issue.
3. Privacy Settings: Incorrect privacy settings may prevent the camera from functioning properly. Make sure that you have granted the necessary permissions for the camera to access your device.
4. Software Conflicts: Other applications or software running on your Microsoft Surface might interfere with the camera’s operation. Close unnecessary programs or check for conflicts between applications.
5. Hardware Issues: Physical damage or malfunction of the camera hardware can cause it to stop working. Check for any visible damage to the camera or the surrounding areas.
6. Windows Camera App Issues: Problems with the default camera app on Windows can affect the camera’s functionality. Try using a different camera application to see if the issue persists.

How to Fix ‘Microsoft Surface Camera Not Working’ issue

Update Camera Drivers

1. Press the ‘Windows’ key + ‘X’ and select ‘Device Manager.’
2. Locate and expand the ‘Cameras‘ section.
3. Right-click on your camera device and select ‘Update driver.’
4. Choose ‘Search automatically for updated driver software‘ and follow the on-screen instructions.

Check Camera Permissions

1. Go to ‘Settings‘ on your Surface device.
2. Select ‘Privacy‘ and then choose ‘Camera.’
3. Turn on the ‘Camera access for this device’ toggle switch.
4. Scroll down to the ‘Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera’ section and ensure the apps you want to use with the camera have permission.

Run the Windows Troubleshooter

1. a. Open ‘Settings‘ and go to ‘Update & Security.’
2. b. Select ‘Troubleshoot‘ from the left sidebar.
3. c. Click on ‘Additional troubleshooters.’
4. d. Scroll down to ‘Windows Store Apps‘ and run the troubleshooter.

Troubleshoot Using Device Manager

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Locate the Camera section and expand it.
3. Right-click on your camera and select ‘Update driver.’
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

Check for Windows Updates

1. Go to ‘Settings‘ and select ‘Update & Security.’
2. Click on ‘Windows Update‘ and check for updates.
3. Install any pending updates and restart your device.

Reset the Camera App

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Scroll down and select Camera.
4. Click on ‘Advanced options.’
5. Click ‘Reset‘ to reset the Camera app.

Conclusion

Microsoft Surface is a product that combines the capabilities of a tablet and a computer into a single device. Additionally, it is well-known for its portability and accessibility, in addition to having powerful specifications. Recent months have seen an increase in the number of reports that the camera on Surface is not functioning properly. The majority of the time, this occurs because either the camera drivers are out of date or there is an update for Windows that is about to be installed.

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