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There are a number of reasons why your camera could not be functioning properly, and in this post, we will discuss how to fix ‘Webcam Not Working’ issue. Your Mac and Windows cameras are typically dependable and should continue to function properly for a good number of years. On the other hand, there are instances in which your “Webcam Not Working” is the result of a mistake.
It’s possible that your webcam isn’t functioning properly for a number of reasons, including that your hardware is malfunctioning, that your drivers are missing or out of date, that your privacy settings are turned off, or that your antivirus software isn’t functioning properly. The majority of the time, Windows will automatically install device drivers if it discovers new hardware.
If you have recently installed Windows 10 and have not yet updated your hardware drivers, it is possible that you will be required to perform the update manually. Because some of the applications available in the Windows Store are only compatible with more recent kinds of webcams, it is possible that your older webcam will not operate. Nevertheless, the majority of desktop programmes are still compatible with older cameras. here are the simple ways how to fix ‘Webcam Not Working’ issue.
What are the causes of the ‘Webcam Not Working’ issue
- Problems with drivers: Errors can happen when webcam drivers are out of date or don’t work with your computer. Make sure that the drivers for your webcam are up to date.
- Having trouble connecting: If the links between the webcam and the computer are loose or broken, it can lead to problems. Check how the webcam and any wires that go with it are physically connected.
- Problems with software: The desired programme might not be able to use the webcam because it is already being used by other programmes or apps on your computer. Close any apps that aren’t needed that are using the camera.
- Changes for privacy: The operating system or an app’s privacy settings could make it impossible to view the webcam. Make sure the webcam can work by checking and changing the private settings.
- Issues with Hardware: There is a chance that the webcam gear is broken. If you can, try the webcam on a different computer to see if the problem still works.
- Bugs in the software: If the software for the webcam has bugs or glitches, it might not work right. You could try restarting the computer or the programme that is using the webcam.
- Software for security or antivirus: Security software could make it impossible for the webcam to work. Turn off any protection or security software for now and see if the webcam still works.
- Updates for the operating system: When the operating system is updated, it may sometimes make webcam drivers not work properly. Make sure that your webcam drivers and running system are both up to date.
How to fix ‘Webcam Not Working’ issue on Mac
Restart your Mac in safe mode

- Turn off your Mac
- Hold down the power button until you see startup options
- Select your Mac’s startup drive
- Hold Shift, and then select Continue in Safe Mode
- Let go of the Shift key, and your Mac will log into safe mode
Reset your Mac’s SMC
- Shut down your Mac
- When it’s fully off, hold the power button for 10 seconds
- Release the power button and, after a while, turn your Mac back on
- Shut down your Mac again
- Hold Shift + Control + Option for seven seconds
- After seven seconds, add the power button to the combination and hold for a further seven seconds
- Release all the keys and, after a few seconds, turn your Mac back on.
Run the Apple hardware test
- Disconnect any devices such as headphones, disks, ethernet cable and so on
- Restart your Mac. While it’s booting, hold the D key and wait for a screen offering you different language options
- Select your preferred language, and wait for automatic completion of the test
- Look out for the following codes to identify an issue with the camera: NDC001, NDC003, NDC004, NDC005, NDC006
- If you see a code like that, take your Mac to a service center to see what support is available
Allow camera access on Mac
- In the Apple menu, click on the apple icon.
- Select and navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab.
- Click on Camera on the left side bar.
- Select the checkbox for the app you want camera access. Close the window.
- Now open the app and see if the camera is working.
Remove apps Screen Time limit on macOS Big Sur
- In the Apple menu, click on the apple icon.
- Select System Preferences > Screen Time.
- Click on Content & Privacy in the sidebar.
- Click Apps tab.
- Select the checkbox for Camera to use your camera.
- Click App Limits in the sidebar.
- Deselect the checkbox for Limits for the app you want camera access.
- Next, reopen the Camera app to apply the settings.
How to fix ‘Webcam Not Working’ issue on Windows
Make sure that apps are allowed to use your webcam
- Open the Settings app. You can do that quickly by pressing Windows Key + I shortcut.
- When Settings app opens, go to Privacy section.
- In the left pane, choose Camera. Now select the Allow apps to access your camera option. If the problem appears only with a specific app, check the Choose apps that can use your camera list and make sure that the camera is enabled for that app.
Use Windows Registry to Fix Webcam Issue
- Use Win + R shortcut keys to open the Run command.
- Type regedit and click OK to launch Windows registry.
- Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows Media Foundation > Platform.
Right-click on the Platform folder and then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the value “EnableFrameServerMode”.
- Right-click the new value and select Modify then set it to “0” in the Value data.
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > WOW6432Node > Microsoft > Windows Media Foundation > Platform
- Repeat steps 4-6 if you own the 64-bit version of Windows.
- Restart your PC to update those changes.
Run the Hardware troubleshooter
- Click on Windows search, type control, and select the Control Panel option.
- Go to the View by option in the top right corner, click the drop-down arrow, and select Large icons.
- Select Troubleshooting, and click on the View all option on the left pane.
- Choose Hardware and Devices, and click Next.
Uninstall Your Webcam Driver
- Select “Uninstall -> Delete the driver software for this device.”
- Click OK.
- Go back to the Device Manager and open the Action menu. Wait for it to reinstall the drivers.
- Restart your PC.
Conclusion
In the event that you experience troubles with the built-in webcam on your laptop or the USB camera on your desktop computer, Windows 11/10 provides its users with a number of solutions to address the most common problems. These solutions include using Device Manager, Settings, or adjusting the software privacy settings. In this post for Windows 11/10, we will walk you through a number of different ways to troubleshoot and fix issues where a built-in or USB webcam is not functioning properly.
Questions and Answers
When I’m not using my camera, why is it still switched on? You probably forgot to exit out of a video-based application like FaceTime or Zoom, which is the most likely explanation for this. Close all of the applications that are now running on your computer and then restart it to verify this. As soon as you have finished, the light ought to be turned off.
Before anything else, make sure that your webcam is turned on. Some models of webcams come equipped with an on/off switch. After that, navigate to the privacy settings of your computer and search for permissions for applications. Take a look at the Camera section to determine whether or not your computer has granted access to your webcam.
In the unfortunate event that your camera on Android has stopped working, restarting the camera or smartphone is one of the quickest ways to fix the problem. In order to resume the camera application, you must first close it. After a few minutes have passed, you will be able to reopen it as usual. Examine the error to see whether or not it has been fixed when it opens.