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Troubleshoot camera

White, Joanna 55 Reputation points
2026-03-01T09:03:17.6966667+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

Surface | Surface Laptop | Sound and camera

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  1. S.Sengupta 29,426 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.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-01T09:03:27.5933333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Follow these steps in order on the Surface Laptop:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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:

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Rachael Johnson 0 Reputation points
    2026-03-12T17:28:20.4866667+00:00

    My camera fades in and out when I'm using zoom

    0 comments
  4. 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

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