Windows 10 Built In Camera Not Working

| 25-03-2021
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Problem

When attempting to use the built in camera on a Lenovo laptop the camera does not work. Instead of seeing the image from the camera you see an image with a grey background and a white camera with a cross through it.

The same image is seen with all applications.

Solution

Apr 16, 2020 If the camera stops working after installing a feature update, you can roll back to a previous version of Windows 10 using these steps: Open Settings. Click on Update & Security. Also, check whether you have enabled your camera or not. Disable it once, and then re-enable it.; Then check for any update available for the driver by right-clicking the driver and select Update Driver.’; Then click on Search automatically for the Driver Software in the dialog box that popped up.; This way, you will automatically update the driver into its latest versions available.

This issue appears to be a bug with the Lenovo software – where the camera’s “privacy mode” is enabled by default.

Solution 1: Check for a lens cover

Windows 10 Camera Driver Download

  1. Look for where your camera is on the laptop – usually this is above the monitor on the frame
  2. Check if it has a lens cover and whether it is closed
  3. These are usually a small plastic strip that slides over

Solution 2: Enable using keyboard button

  1. Look on the laptop keyboard for a camera icon – this is usually around F8
  2. Press the key to see if it enables the camera
  3. If it doesn’t – try holding the ‘Fn’ key and the camera key

Solution 3: Enable using Lenovo Vantage app

To re-enable the camera:

  1. Open the Windows start menu, and type ‘Lenovo Vantage’ and open it (if you do not have Lenovo Vantage installed you can find it on the Windows App Store).
  2. Click on the menu icon at the top right and then click on ‘My Device Settings’
  3. At the top of the page, click on ‘Display & Camera’
  4. Scroll down until the ‘Camera’ section
  5. Set ‘Camera Privacy Mode’ to ‘OFF’

Help! This didnt work!

If these instructions didn’t help you, you could try …

1. Updating the Lenovo Settings Dependency Package software.

To do this you’ll need to

  1. go to the Lenovo website
  2. search for your model of Lenovo
  3. download and install the Lenovo Settings Dependency Package software.

After this has been done repeat solution 3 above.

2. Uninstalling the Lenovo Settings Dependency Package software

This is moderate risk – you may find that some hardware stops working correctly or that you need to use the software to manage settings, but cannot due to it being uninstalled. Having said this, on my Lenovo laptop I do not use this software (for both Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10) with no issues at all.

  1. To uninstall the software click on the Windows button on your keyboard,
  2. type ‘programs and features’ when you see it appear in the list – click on it.
  3. Search for “lenovo settings” select it from the list and click uninstall.
  4. Restart and the camera should be working again.

3. Replace device driver with generic Microsoft driver

  1. Click on the Windows button at the bottom left of the screen and type ‘Device Manager’
  2. From the list, expand ‘Imaging Devices’ and click on ‘Update Driver Software’
  3. Choose ‘Browse my computer for driver software’
  4. Click on ‘Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer’
  5. Make sure ‘USB Video Device‘ is selected and click ‘Next’
  6. The driver will now install. When finished click ‘Close’.
  7. Close the Device Manager windows.
  8. The camera should now be working with the generic device driver.

Go to Device manager/Imaging Device/Integrated Camera/Upgrade Driver/Browse my computer/Let me pick and chose USB Video Device (from Microsoft) doesn’t matter that you have integrated camera

If you have just upgraded your Windows operating system to Windows 10, you may notice that your integrated webcam no longer works. You will find this disturbing if you rely on your webcam for various purposes like video conferencing, working remotely, and communicating with family and friends.

Fortunately, there are a few simple methods for fixing the issue.

Why Is a Built-In Webcam Not Working?

Webcam, derived from the words ‘Web’ and ‘Camera’, is a video camera that streams or feeds live videos or images over the internet. Most modern laptops come with integrated webcams and microphones so that you don’t have to purchase these devices separately.

Unfortunately, built-in webcams and external webcams (for desktop computers) often fail to function properly in Windows 10. For example, when you try to use the webcam on your computer, you may get an error message that says something like “Your camera can’t be found.”

But why is a built-in webcam not detected on a Windows 10 PC? There are various reasons why this happens. The main cause is usually incompatible, outdated, or corrupt driver software. It could also be that the webcam is disabled in Device Manager, the Settings app, or BIOS or UEFI.

In Windows 10, the “webcam not working” issue can be fixed using the system option that manages webcam usage for your apps. There are also various traditional troubleshooting methods you can apply.

How to Fix an Integrated Webcam in Windows 10

After trying the solutions presented below, you will get back to using your webcam:

  1. Check your webcam’s configuration in the Settings app
  2. Disable and re-enable the device in Device Manager
  3. Enable the webcam in BIOS or UEFI settings
  4. Reinstall the webcam driver
  5. Update the webcam driver
  6. Roll back the device driver
  7. Update Windows
  8. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
  9. Create a new user profile
  10. Perform a registry tweak
  11. Reset your PC

We’ll now present you with the detailed steps. Keep reading.

Note: It is worth mentioning that some users reported enabling their webcams by pressing the Fn + F10 keyboard shortcut. If pressing Fn + F10 does not enable the webcam on your PC, try using Fn + any of the other function keys. However, we advise against using this trial-and-error method. Simply apply the fixes we’ve presented below.

Fix 1: Check Your Webcam’s Configuration in the Settings App

In the Windows 10 Settings app, there are options that, when disabled, deny all applications on your PC access to the webcam. These options affect not only apps from the Microsoft Store, otherwise referred to as UWP (Universal Windows Platform) applications, but also apps from other sources. Therefore, if your built-in webcam is not working, you need to make sure that camera access is enabled. Simply follow the easy procedure below:

  1. Right-click on the Start button or press the Windows logo key + X on your keyboard to reveal the WinX menu. Then click on Settings from the list.

Tip: You can also open the Settings app more quickly by pressing the Windows logo key + I shortcut.

  1. Once you are in the main window of the Settings app, click on Privacy. It is displayed at the bottom of the page.
  2. In the left pane of the page that opens, click on Camera under App permissions.
  3. On the right-hand side of the page, you’ll find an option that says, ‘Allow access to the camera on this device.’ Make sure that it is set to ‘Camera access for this device is on.’ Otherwise, click the Change button and flip the toggle to turn camera access on.

Note:

If the option is set to ‘Camera access for this device is off,’ applications on your PC won’t be able to detect the webcam and neither will Windows. This means that Windows Hello (the facial recognition feature that enables you to log in to your device faster and more securely than using a password) cannot work.

  1. Now, make sure that ‘Allow apps to access your camera’ is toggled on as well.
  2. Under ‘Choose which apps can access your camera,’ toggle on all the apps on the list or those you want to give permission to access your webcam. Keep in mind that apps that are not from the Microsoft Store will not be listed here. However, such apps will have access to your webcam as long as you have toggled on the following options: ‘Allow access to the camera on this device’ and ‘Allow apps to access your camera.’

Note:

If ‘Allow apps to access your camera’ is turned off, no application on your device (including apps that are not from the Microsoft Store) will be able to use the webcam. That said, Windows won’t be prevented from accessing your camera as long as the ‘Camera access for this device…’ option is set to ‘On’. So you can still enjoy Windows Hello.

Note: The ‘Allow apps to access your camera’ option only affected UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps before the Windows 10 April 2018 Update was released. Now it also affects applications that are not from the Microsoft Store.

Once you have enabled the above options in the Settings app, your webcam will be up and running. However, if it still does not work, then move on to the fixes presented below.

Fix 2: Disable and Re-enable the Device in Device Manager

The webcam device might be disabled in Device Manager. If so, you’ll have to enable it before you can use your webcam.

However, the device may be on. Some users say that disabling and re-enabling it helped them fix the “webcam not working” issue. Follow these easy steps to get it done:

  1. Right-click on the Start icon or press the Windows logo key + X combination on your keyboard to open the WinX menu. Locate ‘Device Manager’ in the list and click on it.
  2. In the window that opens, you’ll find a list of all devices on your computer. Click the arrow beside ‘Cameras’ or ‘Imaging devices’ to expand the item.
  3. Right-click on the webcam device. In the context menu that opens, if you see ‘Enable device,’ it means that your webcam has been disabled. Therefore, click on the option to make your webcam functional. However, if you right-click on the webcam device and see ‘Disable device’ instead in the context menu, it means that it is already active. To troubleshoot the issue, click on ‘Disable device,’ then right-click on the webcam device again and click on ‘Enable device.’

Note: If you cannot find ‘Imaging devices’ or ‘Camera’ in Device Manager, or if you can find them but your webcam device is not listed under them, then look for ‘Sound, video and game controllers.’ Expand it by clicking the arrow. Your webcam device will be listed with the name ‘Integrated camera’ or some other similar name.

Windows 10 Built In Camera Not Working

Fix 3: Enable the Webcam in BIOS or UEFI Settings

On some laptops, in the BIOS or UEFI firmware, there is a setting that can be used to disable the webcam on the system level. This setting is usually found on business-class laptops. It enables system administrators to disable webcam access for security purposes. Therefore, if you have previously disabled your webcam this way, you’ll need to re-enable it. The steps to achieve this vary from one computer to another. Thus, you can look up the specific steps for your machine.

You should also consider loading the BIOS or UEFI defaults whether or not you are using a business-class laptop. Doing so can help resolve any BIOS or UEFI issue that might be preventing your camera from functioning. The steps for doing this also vary from PC to PC.

Built In Camera Not Detected

Fix 4: Reinstall the Webcam Driver

Try uninstalling and reinstalling your webcam driver and see if that will fix the issue. Follow these easy steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu (press the Windows logo key).
  2. Type Device Manager in the Search bar and click on the option when it appears in the search results.
  3. In the window that opens, double-click ‘Imaging devices’, ‘Cameras’, or ‘Sound, video, and game controllers’ to reveal the items under it.
  4. Right-click on your integrated webcam device and click on the ‘Uninstall device’ option from the context menu.
  5. You will get a warning that says, ‘You are about to uninstall this device from your system.’ Click the Uninstall button.
Windows 10 Built In Camera Not Working

Note: If you mark the checkbox for ‘Delete the driver software for this device’ (if present), Windows will have to re-download the device driver after you uninstall it.

  1. After you restart your computer, Windows will automatically install the missing webcam driver.

After the driver has been reinstalled, check if your apps can detect the webcam.

Note: If Windows fails to install the webcam driver automatically after you’ve uninstalled it, here’s what you have to do:

  • Go to Device Manager.
  • Right-click on your computer (it is the first item on the list) and click ‘Scan for hardware changes.’

Fix 5: Update the Webcam Driver

Missing, outdated, incorrect, or faulty device drivers can often be the cause of hardware issues experienced while using your PC. Your webcam won’t work if the required driver is not installed on your PC. Although Windows 10 can automatically install the required drivers when you connect to a device, the function might not go through successfully.

Even when the necessary device driver is present, the version could be an outdated one or might be corrupt.

Therefore, to try and get your integrated webcam working again, you have to visit the official website of your device manufacturer and download the latest driver package to get your device drivers up to date.

You can also perform an update through Device Manager by following these easy steps:

  1. Turn on your internet connection.
  2. Go to the Start menu (press the Windows logo key).
  3. Type Device Manager in the Search bar and click on the option when it appears in the search results.
  4. Once the Device Manager window opens, look for your webcam device under ‘Cameras’, ‘Imaging Devices’, or ‘Sound, video, and game controllers.’ Tip: Double-click on the options or click the arrow beside them to reveal the items they contain.
  5. Right-click on your webcam device and select ‘Update driver’ from the context menu.
  6. Select the ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ option. Windows will search your computer and the web for the latest driver software for your device.

Note: If you’ve already downloaded the latest driver from the official website, you can click the ‘Browse my computer for driver software’ option. You’ll then have to manually select the location where the driver is saved on your computer and install the driver.

  1. Once the driver has been successfully downloaded and installed, restart your PC and check whether your integrated webcam is now functional.

Pro Tip: An easy way to download and install the required drivers for your hardware devices is by using trusted third-party software such as Auslogics Driver Updater. Doing so not only ensures that you don’t get the wrong drivers but also helps you keep your PC working optimally at all times since you will always be notified anytime there is an issue with any of your device drivers.

Auslogics Driver Updater will run a full scan of your computer, locating all outdated, missing, corrupt, and incorrect drivers. Once the scan is complete and you give the go-ahead, it downloads and installs the latest manufacturer-recommended version of the required driver software. It also backs up the current version of the drivers before the update so that you can roll back if required. It is the perfect tool for keeping your PC in top shape at all times, ensuring you don’t run into annoying issues with your hardware devices.

Fix 6: Roll Back the Webcam Driver

There is an option in Device Manager that enables you to uninstall the existing driver of any hardware device and install the previous version of the driver instead. This option exists because the latest drivers can sometimes be faulty. However, updating your drivers regularly is advisable since newer versions are usually improvements.

Thus, if you have recently updated your webcam driver, rolling it back is a good idea since it could be the cause of the problem.

Follow the steps below to roll back your built-in (integrated) webcam driver:

  1. Press the Windows logo key + X shortcut to open the WinX menu.
  2. Locate ‘Device Manager’ in the list and click on it.
  3. Click the arrow beside Imaging Devices to reveal the items under it.
  4. Right-click on your webcam device and select Properties from the context menu.

Note: If you can’t find your integrated webcam device under Imaging Devices, look for it under ‘Cameras’ or ‘Sound, video, and game controllers.’

  1. In the webcam’s Properties window, click on the Driver tab.
  2. Click the Roll Back Driver button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If the Roll Back Driver button is not active, it means that a previous version of the driver is not available.

Fix 7: Update Windows

Ensure that Windows is up to date. Downloading the latest updates might resolve the webcam issue. Follow these steps to check for Windows updates:

  1. Go to the Start menu by pressing the Windows logo key.
  2. Click on Settings (displayed as the gear icon).

Alternatively, press the Windows logo key + I shortcut to quickly open the Settings app.

  1. On the main page of the Settings app, click on Update & Security.
  2. Click on Windows Update in the left pane.
  3. Now click the ‘Check for updates’ button in the right pane. If there are available updates, download and install them.
  4. Reboot your PC and then check if the integrated webcam issue has been taken care of.

Fix 8: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

In the Windows operating system, there are built-in utilities that allow you to easily diagnose and resolve various issues you might encounter on your PC. One such utility is the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. Follow the easy steps below to run it and see if that will get your webcam functional again:

  1. Hold the Windows logo key on your keyboard and press I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click Troubleshoot on the left-hand side of the page that opens.
  4. Locate ‘Hardware and Devices’ on the right pane and click the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ button.
  5. After the scan is complete, restart your computer and check whether the webcam now works.

Fix 9: Create a New User Profile

It’s possible that your user profile is corrupt and that is why your built-in webcam is not working. Try creating a new user account, change the administrator privilege settings and then see if the webcam will come up on the new profile.

Follow the steps below to get it done:

  1. Go to the Start menu and click on Settings (the gear icon).
  2. In the Settings window, click on Accounts and then click on ‘Family and other users’ from the left pane.
  3. On the right-hand side of the page, under ‘Other Users,’ click on the ‘Add someone else to this PC’ option.
  4. Enter the required credentials for the new user account.
  5. Click on ‘Change account type.’
  6. Expand the drop-down menu and select the ‘Administrator’ option to set the account to the admin level.
  7. Restart your PC.
  8. Log in to the newly created account and then check if your webcam is functional.

If the camera works while you are logged in to the new account, it means that there is a problem with your old user profile. In that case, you might be able to fix it by following the steps below:

  1. While logged in to your new account, follow Steps 1 and 2 above.
  2. Once you are on the ‘Family and other users’ page, select your old user account.
  3. Click on ‘Change account type’.
  4. Select the Standard User account type and click the OK button.
  5. Click on the Change account type button again and select ‘Administrator’.
  6. Click the OK button.
  7. Repeat Steps 3 to 6 a couple of times. Doing so is said to help repair the problematic user profile.
  8. Restart your PC and log into your old account. Check if your camera will work.

Fix 10: Perform a Registry Tweak

Try removing LowerFilters and UpperFilters files from your registry to fix your imaging device. Follow the procedure below:

  1. Go to the Start menu and type ‘System configuration’ in the search bar.
  2. Click on the option from the search results.

Alternatively, hold the Windows logo key and press R to invoke the Run dialog. Then type ‘msconfig.exe’ in the text field and click OK or press Enter.

  1. In the window that opens, go to the Boot tab and mark the ‘Safe boot’ checkbox under the Boot options section.
  2. Click the OK button.
  3. Save any open files and then click the Restart button when the prompt appears.
  4. Once Windows boots into Safe Mode, navigate to the following location: C:windowssystem32drivers. You can do this easily by copying the address. Press the Windows logo key + R shortcut to open the Run dialog. Paste the address and click OK or press Enter.
  5. Once the File Explorer page opens, locate the file named ‘lvmvdrv.sys’ and rename it as ‘lvmvdrv.sys.backup.’ However, if you can’t find the file, just move on to the next step.
  6. Now, open the Run dialog box (Windows logo + R) and type ‘Regedit’ in the text field and press Enter or click OK.
  7. Click the Yes button when presented with the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  8. In the Registry Editor window that opens, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlClass{6BDD1FC6-810F-11D0-BEC7-08002BE2092F}.
  9. Before we go any further, you need to create a backup of the folder. Right-click on {6BDD1FC6-810F-11D0-BEC7-08002BE2092F} and click ‘Export’ from the context menu. Select a secure location and click Save.

Note: If something goes wrong while or after performing the edit below, simply go to the location where you saved the backup of the registry folder and open the folder to load the default registry values.

  1. Once you’ve completed Step 11, click on {6BDD1FC6-810F-11D0-BEC7-08002BE2092F}. On the right-hand side of the page, right-click on LowerFilters or UpperFilters (if one is not on the list, the other should be there) and click Delete from the context menu.
  2. Close Registry Editor. Restart Steps 1 to 5 and restart your system to boot your system into normal mode.
  3. Check whether your built-in webcam now works.

Fix 11: Reset Your PC

If you have tried all the above solutions and your PC’s built-in webcam is still not operational and Windows and apps can’t detect it, the next option you have is to reinstall your Windows 10 OS. Before you do so, it is best practice to back up your files. Although you will be presented with the option to keep all your files, it is still a good idea to perform a backup manually.

Once you have backed-up your files, follow these steps to reset your PC:

  1. Open the Settings app by holding the Windows logo key on your keyboard and then pressing I.
  2. Click on Update and Security.
  3. On the left pane of the page, click on Recovery.
  4. On the right pane of the page, click Reset this PC.

We hope that this guide has been of help to you and that your built-in webcam now works.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comments section below. We’ll be happy to hear from you.

Cheers!