Internal Camera not working or recognized

Use the following steps in order until the camera is detected again.

1. Check Windows Update and restart
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. Select Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera driver updates.
   3. Restart the PC using Start > Power > Restart (do not just wake from sleep).
   4. After restart, open the Camera app from Start and see if the camera is found.
2. Run the Camera troubleshooter
   1. Select Start > Settings > System.
   2. Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Find Camera and select Run.
   4. Apply any fixes it suggests and test the Camera app again.
3. Check Device Manager for the camera
   1. In Search on the taskbar, type device manager and open it.
   2. Look under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers for the internal camera.
   3. If the camera is missing:
      • On the Action menu, select Scan for hardware changes.
      • Wait for the scan to complete, then restart the PC and test the Camera app.
4. Update or reinstall the camera driver
   1. In Device Manager, locate the camera under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
   2. Right‑click the camera and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
   3. Restart the PC and test.
   4. If still not working, in Device Manager right‑click the camera, select Uninstall device, check Delete the driver software for this device (if available), and select OK.
   5. In Device Manager, open the Action menu and select Scan for hardware changes so Windows reinstalls the driver, then restart and test again.
5. Check for incompatible/old camera hardware
   1. In Device Manager, right‑click the camera and select Properties.
   2. On the Driver tab, select Driver Details.
   3. If a file name including stream.sys appears, the camera was designed before Windows 7 and is not compatible with Windows 10; replacing the camera is required.
6. Switch to the in‑box UVC driver (if the camera appears but does not work)
   1. In Device Manager, right‑click the webcam and select Update driver.
   2. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
   3. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   4. Select USB Video Device and then Next.
   5. Close the dialog, then test the Camera app again.

If the internal camera still is not recognized after these steps, use the PC manufacturer’s support site for a specific camera driver or hardware diagnostics.

References:

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