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To open Camera in Windows 10, select Start, type Camera, then select the Camera app in the results. Choose the app itself—not a result for camera privacy settings. A live preview appears when Windows can access a built-in or connected webcam.
Open Camera from Start or Search
- Select Start or press the Windows key.
- Type Camera.
- Select Camera from the search results.
If you prefer to browse, open Start and look through the installed-app list for Camera. It may be in the alphabetical list; searching is usually quicker. Microsoft’s Camera app guide covers opening and using the app.
What happens when Camera opens?
The Camera window opens, and a live preview should appear if Windows detects an available camera. If Windows asks whether the app can use the camera, allow access. You can select photo or video mode and use the capture button to take a picture or start recording. The available features can vary by camera and app version; Microsoft also documents scanning options such as QR codes and documents in supported configurations.
If Windows blocks camera access
For Windows 10, open Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera. Check these controls:
#1 Best Overall
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- Allow access to the camera on this device: Select Change if needed, then turn access on.
- Allow apps to access your camera: Turn this on for apps that use the Windows app permission system.
- Allow desktop apps to access your camera: Turn this on if you want a browser, Teams, Zoom, or another traditional desktop program to use the camera.
Store apps may be listed individually on the Camera privacy page. Traditional desktop programs generally rely on the desktop-app setting instead. If a control is unavailable or you cannot change it, your school or workplace may manage the device; contact its IT administrator rather than trying to bypass the restriction. See Microsoft’s camera permission instructions.
If Camera opens but shows a black screen
Try these checks in order. A permission setting is only one possible cause:
Rank #2
- Studio-quality video conferencing - With a 1/2.9-inch RGB sensor, 95° lens, and 4x digital zoom, this 1080p FHD webcam allows users to set the scene for every call. What’s more, dual microphones pick-up voices within a 2-meter range, accurately and clearly
- Very flexible, very secure - The Lenovo Performance FHD Webcam features a range of mounting options, from top-of-monitor to tripod, with wide-angle pan/tilt controls and 360° lens rotation support. And for extra security, it has a sliding privacy shutter.
- Business-ready, pocket-friendly - With advanced face recognition technology, this Windows Hello (4.1) FHD webcam enables multiple users to login securely, easily – without entering a password or switching accounts. It’s also very affordably-priced, too.
- Resolution; RGB Mode 1920 x 1080 (MJPG) @ 30 frame rate (default); IR Mode: 352 x 352 @ 15 frame rate
- Interface: Type-C Cable Length: 1.8 m (5.9 ft)
- Check physical privacy controls. Open any sliding shutter, and check for a camera switch or keyboard function key that disables the webcam.
- Close other camera apps. Quit video-call software, browser tabs, and other camera utilities, then reopen Camera.
- Review permissions. Recheck Settings > Privacy > Camera and the relevant switches above.
- Restart the PC. This can clear a temporary device or app conflict.
- If it is a USB webcam, confirm the cable is secure and try another USB port.
- Check Device Manager. Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it. Look under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers. If you do not see the device, select Action > Scan for hardware changes, then restart and test again.
For a useful diagnosis, test the webcam in Camera before troubleshooting a video-call app. If Camera shows an image but Zoom, Teams, or a browser does not, the webcam is working at the Windows level; check that program’s camera permission and selected camera. Microsoft’s camera troubleshooting guide covers hardware switches, connections, drivers, and other common causes.
If the camera stopped working after an update
In Device Manager, expand the category containing the camera and open its Properties. On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver if that option is available. It is not available for every device. If rollback is unavailable or does not help, you can uninstall the camera device, then select Action > Scan for hardware changes so Windows can detect and reinstall it. Restart the PC and test Camera again.
Rank #3
- Spectacular video quality: superb resolution, frame rate, color, and detail, featuring autofocus and 5x digital zoom; this Ultra HD webcam supports up to 4K at 30 fps
- Look great in any light: RightLight 3 automatically adjusts exposure and contrast to compensate for glare and backlighting
- Adjustable field of view: Choose from three dFOV presets to perfectly frame your video; frame an ideal head and shoulders view with 65° diagonal, and more of the room with 78° or 90° diagonal
- Sound excellent anywhere: With dual omnidirectional microphones and noise-canceling tech, this webcam with microphone captures clear audio from up to 1.2 meter away while reducing background noise
- Make it your own: The Logi Options+ app (3) simplifies personal device control with zoom in/out, color presets, color adjustments, set manual focus, and easy firmware updates
For a compatible external webcam, the driver-update workflow may offer USB Video Device, Microsoft’s generic USB Video Class (UVC) driver. It can provide basic operation, but may not support manufacturer-specific features such as special controls or Windows Hello facial recognition. Prefer the webcam maker’s driver when a needed feature requires it.
If the Camera app is missing
- It may be installed but hard to find: Search for Camera from Start and check the full app list.
- It appears in search but will not launch: Check permissions, restart Windows, and use Device Manager to see whether Windows detects the webcam.
- It appears to have been uninstalled: Search the official Microsoft Store Camera listing. Check the listing for compatibility with your Windows installation. Avoid downloading camera-app installers from unfamiliar third-party sites.
Take a photo or record a video
To take a photo, open Camera, select Photo mode, then select the capture button. Select the thumbnail to review the result. To record, choose Video mode, select the capture button to start, and select the red Stop button to finish. The thumbnail lets you review the recording; the app’s More menu can open the saved item’s folder.
Rank #4
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Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Camera may continue to work on an existing installation, but Windows 10 no longer receives Microsoft’s normal free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Continued app usability is not the same as continued operating-system support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 720p HD widescreen video - 720p sensor captures true HD quality video at up to 30 fps.
- World-class optics - Auto Focus, High-precision glass element lens
- Clear, high-quality video - ClearFrame Technology for smooth, detailed video.
- Crystal-clear audio - Digital, noise-canceling microphone helps improve speech quality.
- Aluminum body
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