Laptop Camera Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It Fast

Common Signs Your Laptop Camera Isn’t Working

• Camera app shows a black screen
• “No camera found” or “We can’t find your camera” error messages
• Webcam works in one app but not others
• Laptop camera not detected in Device Manager
• Camera light turns on, but no video feed shows

Whether it’s a hardware issue or a software misconfiguration, we’ve got you covered.

Why Is My Laptop Camera Not Working?

Here are the most common causes:

1. Privacy Settings Blocking Camera Access

Windows and macOS include privacy settings that can restrict camera access on a per-app basis. After system updates, these settings may reset.

2. Driver Issues or Missing Camera Drivers

Your laptop camera depends on drivers to function correctly. Corrupt, outdated, or missing drivers are a common reason why the laptop camera is not working.

3. Camera Disabled in Device Manager or BIOS

The camera may be disabled at the system level, either in the BIOS (firmware) or in the Device Manager, especially on business laptops.

4. App Conflicts or Software Glitches

Video conferencing apps like Zoom, Teams, and Skype can conflict with one another or lock the camera exclusively, preventing other apps from using it.

5. Physical Hardware Failure

If none of the software fixes work, there may be a hardware level failure, either a loose internal cable, a failed webcam module, or motherboard level damage.

How to Fix a Laptop Camera That’s Not Working

1. Check Camera Privacy Settings (Windows/macOS)

On Windows 11/10:

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera

• Make sure Camera access and Allow apps to access your camera are both enabled

• Check app specific permissions (Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc.)

On macOS:

• Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera

• Ensure apps have permission to use the camera

2. Reinstall or Update the Camera Driver

• Press Win + X → Open Device Manager

• Expand Imaging Devices or Cameras

• Right click the camera → Uninstall device

• Reboot your laptop, or go to the laptop manufacturer’s support site and manually download the latest camera driver

3. Test Camera in Multiple Apps

Try the camera in the Windows Camera app or online webcam test tools. If it works there but not in Zoom/Teams, it’s an app issue—not hardware.

4. Enable Camera in BIOS (if applicable)

Some business laptops allow you to disable the webcam in BIOS. To check:

• Restart and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC)

• Look for a setting related to the “Integrated Camera” or “Webcam” and ensure it’s enabled

5. Run System Troubleshooter (Windows)

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot

• Select Additional troubleshooters → Camera or Hardware and Devices

If All Else Fails: Hardware Repair May Be Needed

If your laptop camera still isn’t working after trying everything above, the issue may be internal:

• Damaged camera module
• Loose ribbon cable inside the lid
• Water damage or corrosion
• Motherboard fault

These are not DIY friendly problems, especially on modern ultrabooks or gaming laptops where the webcam is embedded inside a thin bezel.

Need Help? Volta PC Upgrade & Repair Can Diagnose It

If you’re in Singapore and still asking, “Why is my laptop camera not working?”, it’s time to let the pros step in.

Volta PC Upgrade & Repair offers:

• Free diagnostic checks for webcam issues
• Webcam replacement and re-soldering
• Camera cable and motherboard repair
• Fast turnaround and competitive pricing

Don’t let a broken webcam ruin your online experience. Visit Volta PC today and get your camera working again fast.