To test your camera on Windows 10, select Start, type Camera, and open the Camera app. If you see yourself, your webcam works. If you see an error or a black screen, check the camera privacy settings, the camera’s shutter or switch, and its driver.
Applies to: Windows 10 laptops and desktops with built-in or USB webcams, including Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Test your camera with the Camera app
- Select Start and type Camera.
- Open the Camera app. Select Yes if it asks to use your camera.
- You should see a live picture. Switch between the photo and video buttons to test recording.
If you have more than one camera, select Change camera at the top of the app.
Turn on camera access
If the Camera app says it can’t find your camera, or apps can’t use it, check privacy settings.
- Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera.
- Make sure Allow apps to access your camera is On.
- Turn on each app that needs the camera, and turn on Allow desktop apps to access your camera for apps like Zoom.
Check the camera itself
- Privacy shutter: many laptops have a small slider over the camera. Slide it open.
- Camera key: some laptops have a key with a camera icon, often an F key. Press it to turn the camera on.
- USB webcam: plug it into a different USB port, directly into the PC rather than a hub.
Check the driver in Device Manager
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices).
- If the camera has a down arrow, right-click it and select Enable device.
- If it still doesn’t work, right-click it and select Update driver, or Uninstall device and restart. Windows reinstalls it.
If the camera isn’t listed at all, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
Test your camera in another app
In Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype, open the app’s settings and pick your camera under Video. If it works in the Camera app but not in another app, choose the right camera there, and close other apps that might be using it. For a call that runs in the browser instead, see how to join a FaceTime call from a Windows PC.
If the camera still doesn’t work
- Only one app can use it at a time: close other video apps.
- Security software: some antivirus apps block the webcam. Check their privacy or webcam settings.
- Work or school PC: your organization may turn off the camera.
- Driver from the maker: download the latest camera driver from your laptop maker’s support site.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn on the camera on a Dell or HP laptop?
Built-in cameras are always on unless blocked. Open the shutter, press the camera key if there is one, and check privacy settings.
Why is my camera picture upside down or mirrored?
The preview in many apps is mirrored so it feels natural. Other people usually see it the right way around. Check the app’s video settings to change it.
Can I use my phone as a webcam?
Yes, with a companion app for your phone. Windows 10 doesn’t have this built in.
To change the camera’s quality or which camera an app uses, see how to change camera settings in Windows 10.
To update all your drivers at once, see how to update all drivers on Windows 10. For a USB webcam, see how to see connected USB devices in Windows 10. Microsoft’s guide is Camera doesn’t work in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
If Windows can’t find the camera, see how to install camera drivers in Windows 10.
On Windows 11 with more than one webcam? See how to change the default camera in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.