Webcam not working or shows a black screen

Quick checks

1. Open the privacy shutter. Most business laptops have a small slider above the screen that covers the camera.
2. Check for a camera key. Some laptops have an F-key with a camera icon that turns the camera off.
3. Close other apps. Only one app can use the camera at a time, so close Teams, Zoom or browser tabs that might be using it.
4. Test it in the Camera app: search for Camera in the Start menu.

Check Windows privacy settings

Open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera.

Check the camera is detected

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices).
3. Right-click the camera and select Uninstall device, then restart. Windows reinstalls it.

Camera missing from Device Manager? Business laptops can turn the camera off in the BIOS. Restart, enter the BIOS (F2 on Dell, F10 on HP, F1 on Lenovo), and check the camera is enabled:

• Dell: Integrated Devices > Camera
• HP: Advanced > Built-in Device Options > Integrated Camera
• Lenovo: Security > I/O Port Access > Camera