camara not working

Thushari Gamage 0 Reputation points
2026-07-04T17:01:18.5666667+00:00

my camara does not work, light is on, but can not see my image

Surface | Surface Laptop | Sound and camera
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  1. S.Sengupta 31,626 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-07-05T04:43:50.7933333+00:00

    Close all apps (Teams, Zoom, Camera app, browser tabs) that might be using the camera, then reopen just one.

    In Device Manager

    Hold the Power button for 20 seconds, then release it and turn the Surface back on.

    Right-click the camera → Update driver → Search automatically.

    Go to:

    Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates

    Install all updates, including optional driver updates if available.

    Surface camera not working

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  2. AI answer

    2026-07-04T17:01:34.2433333+00:00

    Try these steps in order on the Surface Laptop:

    1. Check privacy and app access settings
      • 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.
      • Under Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your camera, turn on access for the app being used.
      • If using desktop apps (like Teams, browsers, etc.), scroll to Allow desktop apps to access your camera and turn it On.
    2. Test the camera in the Camera app
      • Select Start > Camera.
      • If prompted to allow access, choose Yes.
      • If the preview works here but not in another app, adjust that app’s own camera settings.
    3. Check for Windows and driver updates
      • Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      • Then go to Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera or driver updates.
      • Restart the device and test the camera again with the Camera app.
    4. Run the Camera troubleshooter
      • Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Camera and select Run.
    5. Check antivirus or security software
      • Some antivirus or firewall settings can block the camera.
      • Temporarily disable camera protection in that software and test again (re‑enable it after testing).
    6. Check Device Manager for camera issues
      • Select Start, type device manager, and open it.
      • Look under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers for the camera.
      • If it is missing, select Action > Scan for hardware changes, then restart and test.
      • If it is present, right‑click the camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, then restart and test.
    7. If still black image with light on
      • Inspect the camera area for a physical shutter/slider or privacy cover and make sure it is fully open.
      • If the camera still shows only black in the Camera app after all steps, follow the Surface manufacturer support page to reinstall the camera driver or contact support, as it can indicate a hardware issue.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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