How to Change Camera Settings in Windows 10

To change camera settings in Windows 10, first go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and make sure apps can use the camera. Then open the Camera app and select the Settings (gear) icon to change photo and video quality, add a framing grid, or turn on Pro mode for brightness and other controls.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 27, 2026. The Camera app’s settings labels follow the app.

Allow apps to use the camera

1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera.
2. Under Allow access to the camera on this device, select Change and make sure it’s On.
3. Turn on Allow apps to access your camera, and turn on the apps you want in the list.
4. Turn on Allow desktop apps to access your camera. Browsers and most video call apps need this. A browser call is a common case, for example when you join a FaceTime call from a Windows PC.

Change settings in the Camera app

1. Select Start, type Camera, and open the Camera app.
2. Select the Settings (gear) icon.
3. Change what you need:

• Pro mode: shows brightness and other manual controls on the camera screen.
• Framing grid: adds a grid to help you line up photos.
• Photo quality and Video quality: pick the resolution before you record a video on Windows 10.

Switch cameras

If your PC has more than one camera, such as a built-in one and a USB webcam, select the Change camera icon at the top of the Camera app.

Windows 10 doesn’t have one setting for a default camera. Choose the camera in each app’s own settings, such as a video call app. If an app keeps picking the wrong one, you can turn off the camera you don’t use in Device Manager > Cameras (right-click > Disable device).

Flip or mirror the camera

Windows 10 doesn’t have a setting to flip or mirror your camera. Many video call apps have a Mirror my video option in their video settings. Some webcams also come with the maker’s own app with flip options. To turn a photo you already took, open it and select Rotate.

Choose where photos and videos are saved

The Camera app saves to Pictures > Camera Roll. To use another folder or drive, open File Explorer, right-click Camera Roll, select Properties > Location > Move, and pick the new folder. New photos and videos go there from then on.

See which apps can use your camera

• On the Privacy > Camera page, Microsoft Store apps each have their own switch, so you can allow a video call app and block the rest.
• Desktop apps, including most browsers, Zoom, and Teams, share one switch: Allow desktop apps to access your camera. You can’t allow one and block another here.
• Your camera’s light turns on whenever an app is using it. If it lights up unexpectedly, close open apps and check this page.

Use your webcam maker’s app for more control

Windows 10 keeps camera settings simple. For things like auto-focus, white balance, zoom, and background blur, check the software from your camera or PC maker, such as Logitech’s app for Logitech webcams or Lenovo Vantage on Lenovo laptops. Settings you change there usually apply in every app.

If the camera doesn’t work

• The picture is black. Many laptops have a sliding privacy shutter over the lens, or a key with a camera icon (often an F key) that turns the camera off. Open the shutter or press the key.
• “We can’t find your camera” (error 0xA00F4244). Check Settings > Privacy > Camera first. Then open Device Manager and look under Cameras or Imaging devices. If the camera has a down arrow, right-click it and select Enable device.
• An app says the camera is in use. Only one app can use the camera at a time. Close other video apps, including ones running in the background such as Teams or Zoom.
• It stopped working after an update. In Device Manager, right-click the camera, select Uninstall device, and restart. Windows reinstalls the driver. If that fails, download the camera driver from your PC maker.
• A USB webcam isn’t detected. Plug it straight into the PC rather than a hub, and try another port.

Frequently asked questions

How do I test my camera?

See how to test your camera on Windows 10.

Why does an app say it can’t find my camera?

Check the privacy settings above, then check that no other app is using the camera. Also see Microsoft’s guide in the sources below.

What about my microphone?

See how to fix a microphone not working in Windows 10.

Location access is managed in the same Privacy section. See how to turn off location in Windows 10.

If the camera still won’t work, see how to install camera drivers in Windows 10.

If you use Windows 11, here’s how to choose which camera an app uses in Windows 11.

Microsoft’s guides are How to use the Windows Camera app, Manage app permissions for a camera in Windows, and Camera doesn’t work in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.