The camera on my laptop is not working it says that it's either blocked or there's a button on the keyboard to push to make the camera work again but I don't know how to do that so I need help getting my camera working Locked Question. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question. Pavle Peković • 6,930 Reputation points • Volunteer Moderator 2026-03-01T09:58:16.0166667+00:00 Is your PC Microsoft Surface or some other? 100+ votes Is your PC Microsoft Surface or some other? Kiran S • 25 Reputation points 2026-03-04T16:40:54.6633333+00:00 my pc camera is not working 700+ votes my pc camera is not working Bart Vanheste • 10 Reputation points 2026-03-06T13:21:42.36+00:00 I have the same problem. There is no FN+Shortcut F1-F12 function so I do not know what to do 100+ votes I have the same problem. There is no FN+Shortcut F1-F12 function so I do not know what to do Troy Wright • 5 Reputation points 2026-04-28T11:17:43.71+00:00 I had the same message of 'switch or button stopping camera' . for me, there was a literal switch right above my webcam, in the top of my laptop screen. i had to flick it. never knew that before. Very thin, easy to miss in the shade or reduced light. 300+ votes I had the same message of 'switch or button stopping camera' . for me, there was a literal switch right above my webcam, in the top of my laptop screen. i had to flick it. never knew that before. Very thin, easy to miss in the shade or reduced light. George Wellon • 5 Reputation points 2026-05-12T21:45:15.4+00:00 Thanks, Troy! I was having the same problem with my laptop camera, same message that it was blocked or switched off. It was really bugging me but your message above was the answer. 70+ votes Thanks, Troy! I was having the same problem with my laptop camera, same message that it was blocked or switched off. It was really bugging me but your message above was the answer. Nagamounika Rangisetty • 0 Reputation points 2026-05-13T04:21:40.2266667+00:00 not working pc camara 5 votes not working pc camara Joe Vargas • 0 Reputation points 2026-05-15T14:26:52.94+00:00 Excellent solution. I felt that something was blocking the lens, but never could have imagined that there was a tiny shutter lens switch that I could move . thank you for saving me 2 hrs of troubleshooting via Windows troubleshooter. 0 votes Excellent solution. I felt that something was blocking the lens, but never could have imagined that there was a tiny shutter lens switch that I could move . thank you for saving me 2 hrs of troubleshooting via Windows troubleshooter. Slobodanka Djurovic • 0 Reputation points 2026-05-23T23:42:01.26+00:00 my pc camera is not working 0 votes my pc camera is not working Bilgehan Davarcı • 0 Reputation points 2026-06-01T20:24:23.5566667+00:00 I found the solution for my Lenovo laptop. Its product name: Lenovo V15 G4 ABP - Type 82YY The solution is to keep its small privacy shutter open, you push it to left or right. If it is a red circle then it is turned off if not then it is on. Second step is to position the laptop lid or the screen correctly. These cameras are usually connected via thin wire all the way to the motherboard so they are easily disconnected at the slightest movement. When it is disconnected it doesn't even show up in devices manager on windows. If it doesn't detect the camera whatever you do then you probably have to open the motherboard and find that thin wire and fix it manually. 0 votes I found the solution for my Lenovo laptop. Its product name: Lenovo V15 G4 ABP - Type 82YY The solution is to keep its small privacy shutter open, you push it to left or right. If it is a red circle then it is turned off if not then it is on. Second step is to position the laptop lid or the screen correctly. These cameras are usually connected via thin wire all the way to the motherboard so they are easily disconnected at the slightest movement. When it is disconnected it doesn't even show up in devices manager on windows. If it doesn't detect the camera whatever you do then you probably have to open the motherboard and find that thin wire and fix it manually. adil rana • 0 Reputation points 2026-06-14T10:43:39.0566667+00:00 i am facing camera issue .. can anyone plz solve .. i having desk top of windows 11 . versioon 6 months old . when i open camera the error comes.. error name is.. you might need slider shutter near the camera , press a camera button on keyboard, or slide a camera swith on on yout device. can u plz help me out 0 votes i am facing camera issue .. can anyone plz solve .. i having desk top of windows 11 . versioon 6 months old . when i open camera the error comes.. error name is.. you might need slider shutter near the camera , press a camera button on keyboard, or slide a camera swith on on yout device. can u plz help me out chenamallu satyamnaidu • 0 Reputation points 2026-06-15T17:50:11.1766667+00:00 MY LAPTOP CAMERA IS NOT WORKING 0 votes MY LAPTOP CAMERA IS NOT WORKING Jenkins-Simmons, Patricia • 0 Reputation points 2026-06-24T19:01:16.0433333+00:00 Thank you so much. It worked, and I did not know about this button. 0 votes Thank you so much. It worked, and I did not know about this button. dolly arya • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-03T06:13:02.2733333+00:00 I have camera issue how to do it ?? 0 votes I have camera issue how to do it ?? dheerendra kumar • 0 Reputation points 2026-08-06T14:59:43.0366667+00:00 my pc camera has been not working 1 vote my pc camera has been not working S.Sengupta • 32,456 Reputation points • MVP • Volunteer Moderator 2026-03-02T00:52:35.0266667+00:00 Look at the top row (F1–F12 keys) for: A camera icon Or a key with a camera crossed out If you see it: Press Fn + that key Press Windows Key + I > Privacy & Security > Camera Make sure: Camera access is ON Let apps access your camera is ON Your app (Zoom, Teams, etc.) is turned ON Then restart the laptop. 9 comments Show comments for this answer abhi polnati • 5 Reputation points 2026-03-04T08:35:36.0833333+00:00 in device manager itself the camera is not show (in show hidden devices also) i tried to reinstall driver and also tried to reboot (40sec) but no use can you help me not only camera the Bluetooth also 5 votes Almighty chivas • 5 Reputation points 2026-03-04T17:25:31.8166667+00:00 i cant find the camera key on my keyboard 30+ votes Bart Vanheste • 10 Reputation points 2026-03-06T13:22:10.0866667+00:00 I have the same problem. There is no FN+Shortcut F1-F12 function so I do not know what to do 10+ votes Barbara Spieker • 30 Reputation points 2026-03-10T00:06:12.9233333+00:00 Trouble shooting says my camera is blocked by a button or switch on my device. There are no camera icons on my keypad and I looked for a switch but didn't find anything. 20+ votes S.Sengupta • 32,456 Reputation points • MVP • Volunteer Moderator 2026-03-10T01:16:15.2366667+00:00 Barbara Spieker Start > Settings >Privacy & Security > Camera Turn ON: Camera access Let apps access your camera Let desktop apps access your camera Then restart the laptop. 0 votes JulieAnn Kokiri • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-16T04:52:36.3666667+00:00 What does the icon on the F1 - F12 look like 1 vote rhezeljen dujerte • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-23T19:16:31.3566667+00:00 my laptop pc not working, i already troubleshoot my camera but still black screen and also i dont have any camera icon in my keyboard 0 votes karen cleirbaut • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-31T19:26:42.1733333+00:00 I cannot run the troubleshooter because my camera is blocked. I just reinstalled drivers with a windows Tech. Same thing. Camera blocked. It was working for a couple months, so I must have done something physical - like touched a switch or button or i didn't brush my teeth. I cannot find nany button or switch or slider to make this work. I'm pretty frustrated. 1 vote GHANSHYAM SAH • 0 Reputation points 2026-08-01T12:01:58.2133333+00:00 There is no any camera icon in from ( F1 to F12 ), camera access is already is ON and no any other apps is turned ON. i don't know what is happened with my laptop's camera. 2 votes Show 4 more comments Look at the top row (F1–F12 keys) for: Or a key with a camera crossed out Press Fn + that key Press Windows Key + I > Privacy & Security > Camera Camera access is ON Let apps access your camera is ON Your app (Zoom, Teams, etc.) is turned ON Then restart the laptop. abhi polnati • 5 Reputation points 2026-03-04T08:35:36.0833333+00:00 in device manager itself the camera is not show (in show hidden devices also) i tried to reinstall driver and also tried to reboot (40sec) but no use can you help me not only camera the Bluetooth also 5 votes in device manager itself the camera is not show (in show hidden devices also) i tried to reinstall driver and also tried to reboot (40sec) but no use can you help me not only camera the Bluetooth also Almighty chivas • 5 Reputation points 2026-03-04T17:25:31.8166667+00:00 i cant find the camera key on my keyboard 30+ votes i cant find the camera key on my keyboard Bart Vanheste • 10 Reputation points 2026-03-06T13:22:10.0866667+00:00 I have the same problem. There is no FN+Shortcut F1-F12 function so I do not know what to do 10+ votes I have the same problem. There is no FN+Shortcut F1-F12 function so I do not know what to do Barbara Spieker • 30 Reputation points 2026-03-10T00:06:12.9233333+00:00 Trouble shooting says my camera is blocked by a button or switch on my device. There are no camera icons on my keypad and I looked for a switch but didn't find anything. 20+ votes Trouble shooting says my camera is blocked by a button or switch on my device. There are no camera icons on my keypad and I looked for a switch but didn't find anything. S.Sengupta • 32,456 Reputation points • MVP • Volunteer Moderator 2026-03-10T01:16:15.2366667+00:00 Barbara Spieker Start > Settings >Privacy & Security > Camera Turn ON: Camera access Let apps access your camera Let desktop apps access your camera Then restart the laptop. 0 votes Barbara Spieker Start > Settings >Privacy & Security > Camera Let apps access your camera Let desktop apps access your camera Then restart the laptop. JulieAnn Kokiri • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-16T04:52:36.3666667+00:00 What does the icon on the F1 - F12 look like 1 vote What does the icon on the F1 - F12 look like rhezeljen dujerte • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-23T19:16:31.3566667+00:00 my laptop pc not working, i already troubleshoot my camera but still black screen and also i dont have any camera icon in my keyboard 0 votes my laptop pc not working, i already troubleshoot my camera but still black screen and also i dont have any camera icon in my keyboard karen cleirbaut • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-31T19:26:42.1733333+00:00 I cannot run the troubleshooter because my camera is blocked. I just reinstalled drivers with a windows Tech. Same thing. Camera blocked. It was working for a couple months, so I must have done something physical - like touched a switch or button or i didn't brush my teeth. I cannot find nany button or switch or slider to make this work. I'm pretty frustrated. 1 vote I cannot run the troubleshooter because my camera is blocked. I just reinstalled drivers with a windows Tech. Same thing. Camera blocked. It was working for a couple months, so I must have done something physical - like touched a switch or button or i didn't brush my teeth. I cannot find nany button or switch or slider to make this work. I'm pretty frustrated. GHANSHYAM SAH • 0 Reputation points 2026-08-01T12:01:58.2133333+00:00 There is no any camera icon in from ( F1 to F12 ), camera access is already is ON and no any other apps is turned ON. i don't know what is happened with my laptop's camera. 2 votes There is no any camera icon in from ( F1 to F12 ), camera access is already is ON and no any other apps is turned ON. i don't know what is happened with my laptop's camera.

AI answer 2026-03-01T09:03:27.5933333+00:00 Follow these steps in order on the Surface Laptop: Check the physical camera controls Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon . Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on. Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open , not covering the lens. Make sure the camera is not blocked Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area. Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean. Test the camera in the Windows Camera app Select Start > Camera . If asked to allow access, choose Yes . If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings. Check Windows Update and camera drivers Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates . Install all updates. Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras . Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers , then restart the device. Run the Camera troubleshooter On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera , select Run . On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems , select Camera > Run the troubleshooter . If the camera still shows as blocked or does not display video after these steps, test with another app again and then contact device support, as it may be a hardware issue. References: Camera doesn't work in Windows my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A my camera is not listed under device manager camera is not listed and it's not under imaging devices - Microsoft Q&A AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information. Follow these steps in order on the Surface Laptop: Check the physical camera controls Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon . Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on. Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open , not covering the lens. Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon . Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on. Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open , not covering the lens. Make sure the camera is not blocked Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area. Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean. Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area. Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean. Test the camera in the Windows Camera app Select Start > Camera . If asked to allow access, choose Yes . If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings. Select Start > Camera . If asked to allow access, choose Yes . If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings. Check Windows Update and camera drivers Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates . Install all updates. Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras . Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers , then restart the device. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates . Install all updates. Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras . Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers , then restart the device. Run the Camera troubleshooter On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera , select Run . On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems , select Camera > Run the troubleshooter . On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera , select Run . On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems , select Camera > Run the troubleshooter . If the camera still shows as blocked or does not display video after these steps, test with another app again and then contact device support, as it may be a hardware issue. Camera doesn't work in Windows my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A my camera is not listed under device manager camera is not listed and it's not under imaging devices - Microsoft Q&A Rabiul Hossen • 0 Reputation points 2026-04-06T16:47:20.21+00:00 The camera on my laptop is not working it says that it's either blocked or there's a button on the keyboard to push to make the camera work again but I don't know how to do that so I need help getting my camera working 0 comments No comments The camera on my laptop is not working it says that it's either blocked or there's a button on the keyboard to push to make the camera work again but I don't know how to do that so I need help getting my camera working humayun mia • 5 Reputation points 2026-04-02T11:25:06.6033333+00:00 i unable to use my pc camera and microphone Kindy assist me here 2 comments Show comments for this answer karen cleirbaut • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-31T19:46:41.9533333+00:00 RESPONING TO AI above: Check the physical camera controls Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon . NONE FOUND Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on. Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open , not covering the lens. NONE FOUND Make sure the camera is not blocked Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area. Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean. NONE FOUND, LENS CLEAN Test the camera in the Windows Camera app Select Start > Camera . If asked to allow access, choose Yes . If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings. GETTING SAME MSG " you might need to slide a shutter blah blah blah Check Windows Update and camera drivers Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates . Install all updates. Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras . Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers , then restart the device. YOU HAVE THE LATEST DRIVER Run the Camera troubleshooter On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera , select Run . On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems , select Camera > Run the troubleshooter . If the camera still shows as blocked or does not display video after these steps, test with another app again and then contact device support, as it may be a hardware issue. 0 votes karen cleirbaut • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-31T20:01:01.1233333+00:00 iy MUST be a hardware issue. Eveything else has been tried. Please update here if anyone has found a solution - and found that magic button/slider/Function Key/Privacy setting. good luck 0 votes i unable to use my pc camera and microphone Kindy assist me here karen cleirbaut • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-31T19:46:41.9533333+00:00 RESPONING TO AI above: Check the physical camera controls Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon . NONE FOUND Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on. Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open , not covering the lens. NONE FOUND Make sure the camera is not blocked Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area. Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean. NONE FOUND, LENS CLEAN Test the camera in the Windows Camera app Select Start > Camera . If asked to allow access, choose Yes . If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings. GETTING SAME MSG " you might need to slide a shutter blah blah blah Check Windows Update and camera drivers Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates . Install all updates. Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras . Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers , then restart the device. YOU HAVE THE LATEST DRIVER Run the Camera troubleshooter On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera , select Run . On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems , select Camera > Run the troubleshooter . If the camera still shows as blocked or does not display video after these steps, test with another app again and then contact device support, as it may be a hardware issue. 0 votes RESPONING TO AI above: Check the physical camera controls Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon . NONE FOUND Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on. Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open , not covering the lens. NONE FOUND Look at the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon . NONE FOUND Press that key once. If nothing happens, press Fn + (camera key) to toggle the webcam on. Check around the camera at the top of the screen for a small slider or shutter and make sure it is open , not covering the lens. NONE FOUND Make sure the camera is not blocked Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area. Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean. NONE FOUND, LENS CLEAN Remove any tape, sticker, or cover from the camera area. Wipe the lens gently to ensure it is clean. NONE FOUND, LENS CLEAN Test the camera in the Windows Camera app Select Start > Camera . If asked to allow access, choose Yes . If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings. GETTING SAME MSG " you might need to slide a shutter blah blah blah Select Start > Camera . If asked to allow access, choose Yes . If the preview works here but not in another app, the problem is with that app’s settings. Check Windows Update and camera drivers Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates . Install all updates. Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras . Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers , then restart the device. YOU HAVE THE LATEST DRIVER Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates . Install all updates. Then open Start > Device Manager > expand Cameras . Right‑click the laptop camera > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers , then restart the device. YOU HAVE THE LATEST DRIVER Run the Camera troubleshooter On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera , select Run . On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems , select Camera > Run the troubleshooter . On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > under Camera , select Run . On Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > under Find and fix other problems , select Camera > Run the troubleshooter . If the camera still shows as blocked or does not display video after these steps, test with another app again and then contact device support, as it may be a hardware issue. karen cleirbaut • 0 Reputation points 2026-07-31T20:01:01.1233333+00:00 iy MUST be a hardware issue. Eveything else has been tried. Please update here if anyone has found a solution - and found that magic button/slider/Function Key/Privacy setting. good luck 0 votes iy MUST be a hardware issue. Eveything else has been tried. Please update here if anyone has found a solution - and found that magic button/slider/Function Key/Privacy setting. good luck Wisdom Taiwo Dabo • 0 Reputation points 2026-03-06T07:24:45.9666667+00:00 I am trying to use my laptop for google meet and team but my camera is not orking 2 comments Show comments for this answer S.Sengupta • 32,456 Reputation points • MVP • Volunteer Moderator 2026-03-10T01:23:00.7033333+00:00 Wisdom Taiwo Dabo Camera blocked everywhere → Windows camera settings Camera blocked only in Meet → Browser permission As your camera is not working in Google Meet or, Microsoft Teams then try: Click Start Open Settings Go to Privacy & Security Click Camera Turn ON all three options: Camera access Let apps access your camera Let desktop apps access your camera Allow camera permission in your browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge by clicking the lock icon in the address bar → Camera → Allow. 0 votes humayun mia • 5 Reputation points 2026-04-02T11:26:45.3133333+00:00 I'm try to use the camera and microphone but no luck 0 votes I am trying to use my laptop for google meet and team but my camera is not orking S.Sengupta • 32,456 Reputation points • MVP • Volunteer Moderator 2026-03-10T01:23:00.7033333+00:00 Wisdom Taiwo Dabo Camera blocked everywhere → Windows camera settings Camera blocked only in Meet → Browser permission As your camera is not working in Google Meet or, Microsoft Teams then try: Click Start Open Settings Go to Privacy & Security Click Camera Turn ON all three options: Camera access Let apps access your camera Let desktop apps access your camera Allow camera permission in your browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge by clicking the lock icon in the address bar → Camera → Allow. 0 votes Wisdom Taiwo Dabo Camera blocked everywhere → Windows camera settings Camera blocked only in Meet → Browser permission As your camera is not working in Google Meet or, Microsoft Teams then try: Go to Privacy & Security Turn ON all three options: Let apps access your camera Let desktop apps access your camera Allow camera permission in your browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge by clicking the lock icon in the address bar → Camera → Allow. humayun mia • 5 Reputation points 2026-04-02T11:26:45.3133333+00:00 I'm try to use the camera and microphone but no luck 0 votes I'm try to use the camera and microphone but no luck