Laptop webcam no longer works – here's what you can do
June 15, 2025 - 4:00 a.m. Reading time: 3 min.
It's frustrating when your laptop webcam stops working. There are many possible reasons for this. Read here how to solve the problem.
Many professionals are working from home these days. Some still have regular meetings with colleagues. Thanks to tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, these meetings can also be conducted online – even with line-of-sight via camera, if desired. But what do you do if your laptop's webcam suddenly stops working? Here's the solution.
There are many possible reasons why your laptop webcam might no longer work. Configuration errors or problems with drivers or other software could be to blame, but in the worst case, a hardware defect could also be the cause. The following list provides a few possible solutions :
- Enable the webcam: Most applications that access the webcam have a feature that allows you to turn the camera on and off. Make sure the webcam is enabled there. If necessary, test the camera in another application to rule out software issues.
- Find the switch: Some laptops have a hardware switch that allows you to completely detach the built-in webcam from the system. Sometimes this is located on the side of the device, but sometimes there is a small slider directly on the camera that also covers the camera lens. Make sure the camera is turned on and the lens is clear .
- Check permissions: For an application to access your camera, it needs the appropriate access rights from the operating system. Open Windows Settings and check under "Privacy > Camera" to see if access to the webcam is permitted in general and for the desired app.
- Update the driver: Your laptop webcam might no longer work because of an outdated driver that's causing problems. Open Windows Device Manager and locate your camera in the list under " Imaging Devices ." Then right-click and select "Update Driver."
- Install Windows updates: Your laptop's operating system can also be responsible for webcam issues. However, an update may already be available to correct the problem. To do this, open the "Update & Security" section of Windows Settings and let the system search for and install updates.
- Check your antivirus software: Third-party security software can sometimes inadvertently block legitimate apps or traffic. This applies, for example, to firewalls or antivirus software . If you use such tools, temporarily disable them and test if your webcam works again. If it does, consider switching security software.
If you've tried all the solutions above, but the camera still won't turn on, then there may be a hardware defect causing your laptop's webcam to stop working.
If necessary, contact the device manufacturer or a computer specialist for further assistance. A specialist can perform further tests on your laptop and, if necessary, repair or replace the camera.
t-online
