Instructions on how to fix Windows Camera application problems

Because Windows sometimes continues to receive updates with errors, you often encounter problems with the Windows Camera app. Whether it's because the camera isn't detecting anything or the app refuses to launch, these interruptions can prevent you from clicking photos or recording videos using the Camera app.

So how can you fix all such worrying problems on your Windows device?

Do not worry! This article will guide you through all the common fixes for problems related to the Camera app on Windows 10 and 11.

1. Try some general fixes first!

Before taking you to in-depth troubleshooting methods, you should try these quick and easy tips:

1. As a first step, if you are using a webcam, please remove the cover (privacy protection device). Sometimes, in a hurry, we forget to open this cover, so we see a completely black screen in the Camera app.
2. Try yours and check for any available Windows updates after rebooting.
3. If you're using a third-party webcam, try unplugging its USB cable connector and then plugging it back in.
4. Launch Microsoft Store and make sure the Camera app is up to date.
5. Some manufacturers like Logitech, Razer, and Creative offer dedicated setup apps for their webcams. You should visit their official website and download the appropriate setup software for installation.

Trying the quick tips listed above can resolve many minor problems in the Camera app. However, if you still cannot use the Camera app, check out some of the following troubleshooting methods to fix that.

2. Adjust your camera's privacy settings

Problems when launching the camera often arise from incorrect privacy. You may have mistakenly denied permission to the Camera app when your system asked you for permission before. In this case, you will see an error that says " We need your permission ".

Here's how you can adjust Camera privacy settings back to normal on Windows:

1. Open the Camera app and click the Privacy settings button . If this button isn't on your screen, search for camera privacy settings on Windows search and click the first matching result.

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2. Enable Camera access , then select Camera options to resolve the permission issue.

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3. After you grant permission, open the Camera app again.

This will work for you if the Camera app is opening normally but still asking for permissions. Besides the Camera app, you can toggle permissions on any other trusted app where you want to use your Camera.

3. Restart or enable Windows services related to the camera

Windows includes many different services that help the system operate normally. When one or more Windows services stop working, some features may immediately malfunction. The same goes for the Camera app.

Services such as Windows Camera Frame Server, Windows Camera Frame Server Monitor, and Windows Image Acquisition support the camera backend in Windows. Let's see how to restart the mentioned camera-related services with the steps below:

1. First start or launch the Windows Services application.

2. You will see a long list of services in the application. Scroll a bit and find the Windows Camera Frame Server service.

3. Right-click on the service name and click Start . If that service is running then select the Restart option .

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4. Repeat the same steps to restart the Windows Camera Frame Server Monitor service as well as Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) .

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5. After you start all related services, restart your computer.
Hopefully the Camera app will now work as usual. You can try clicking a photo or recording a quick video to test.

Sometimes after a reset, the app may have difficulty connecting to your webcam and report an error. To fix that problem, see how to fix 'We Can't Find Your Camera' error.

4. Install or update compatible camera drivers

As mentioned earlier, some manufacturers provide setup utilities for their webcams. Once the buyer purchases the webcam, they can download the appropriate version of the setup utility. After you install the necessary software, the driver will automatically install.

Additionally, you can try using Driver Booster, a free software that makes updating drivers easy. TipsMake has its own guide on how to use Driver Booster on Windows to help you further.

Outdated drivers cause damage to the camera, so the Camera application refuses to open. However, when you update your drivers, it can solve many camera problems caused by faulty drivers.

5. Modify Group Policy settings

If you have recently used some type of Windows tweaking tool, such as O&O ShutUp10++, it is very likely that Group Policy settings were also modified. This could be the main reason why the Camera app is showing you a blank screen.

If you don't know, there are two Group Policy settings tied to camera functionality in Windows: Allow Use of Camera and Let Windows apps access the camera . You need to re-enable both using the steps below:

1. Open Group Policy Editor on PC.

2. From your left sidebar, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Camera .

3. Double-click the Allow use of Camera setting .

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4. Then select the Enabled option and click OK to apply the selected settings.

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5. Similarly, go to App Privacy in Windows Components and enable the Let Windows apps access the camera setting .

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6. Use the "Get Help" application to troubleshoot the problem

From Windows 10 version, Microsoft has introduced a new application called Get Help. This app is a one-stop shop for everyone who wants to fix any Windows related problem.

Note : If the Get Help app isn't pre-installed on your computer, download it from the Microsoft Store page first.

To get started with Get Help, follow these steps:

1. First, open the Get Help app and search for Troubleshoot camera issues in the Window Search box.

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2. Once completed, it will guide you through some automated steps to fix the camera problem. You need to click on whichever option you think is best.

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3. After the last question, restart your computer.

The best thing about Get Help is that it automatically performs the necessary troubleshooting measures. You don't have to do anything technical yourself.

7. Repair or reset the Windows Camera application

If the Camera app problem persists, you can try another way: repair (or reset) the app using Windows Settings.

Follow the steps below to repair the Windows Camera app on your device:

1. Open the Windows Settings app ( Win + I ) and navigate to the Apps > Installed apps section .

2. From the list, find the Camera app. Next to the Camera app, click the three horizontal dots and select Advanced options .

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3. Scroll to the bottom and click the Repair option.

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4. When you see the check mark, click Reset to reinstall a fresh copy of the app and delete all previous data and settings.

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5. After resetting, reopen the Camera app and check the problem you encountered before.

Tip : The Camera app is great for taking regular photos and short videos. However, if you need more than the basic features, try any of the best webcam apps for Windows.

8. Set up your smartphone as a camera

If you have tried the previous methods and the camera still does not work, your webcam may have a hardware problem. Here, you should either repair the webcam, buy a new one, or use a clever trick to use the camera feature.

If you need a webcam for an urgent meeting, you can easily set up your phone as a webcam. In most cases, you can use your Android device as a computer webcam. If you don't have an Android phone, TipsMake has instructions on how to use your iPhone as a webcam.

Once you set up your device with your computer, you'll be able to use the Camera app for all camera-related tasks. However, as mentioned earlier, this is only a temporary method so in the long run, you may definitely need a good quality webcam for your computer.

Lesley Montoya

Update 22 October 2023