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To test a webcam in Windows 11, open Start, search for Camera, and launch the Camera app. A live preview confirms that the camera can provide video to that app. If you need to check another camera or troubleshoot a blank preview, use the checks below.
Test your webcam with the Camera app
- Select Start, type Camera, and open the Windows Camera app.
- Look for a live image in the preview. If more than one camera is connected, select the Change camera icon at the top right to choose the device you want to test.
A working preview confirms the camera works in Camera, but it does not guarantee that a meeting app or website is using the same camera or has permission to access it.
Preview a camera in Windows 11 Settings
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras.
- Under Connected cameras, select a camera to open its preview and available controls.
The controls depend on the camera and Windows version. Some infrared, DirectShow, and proprietary cameras may not appear on this page, so an absent listing alone does not mean that no camera is connected.
Let an app or website use the camera
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
- Check that Camera access and Let apps access your camera are on. Store apps may have individual access switches in the list.
- For browsers and many conferencing programs, also enable Let desktop apps access your camera. A meeting website may separately request camera permission in the browser.
If a device-level setting is greyed out, an administrator may need to change it. Windows may show a camera light while the camera is active; on devices without a light, Windows displays a notification when the camera turns on or off. These are activity indicators, not proof that the video preview is working.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
If the preview is black or missing
Work through these checks before concluding that the webcam is faulty:
- Check physical controls. Open any privacy shutter, check for a camera switch, and try the keyboard camera key if your device has one.
- Check the connection. For a USB webcam, make sure the cable is firmly connected and try another USB port if Windows does not detect it.
- Close other camera-using programs. Quit other apps that may be using the camera, then reopen Camera and test again.
- Check permissions and device status. Review the camera privacy switches above and check whether the camera is disabled in Device Manager.
- Check updates and restart. Look for Windows updates, including optional driver updates. Microsoft also recommends restarting after updates or when the problem began recently.
- Run the camera troubleshooter. In Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run its camera troubleshooter.
- Inspect the lens and lighting. Remove obstructions and clean the lens. Hardware faults, outdated drivers, poor lighting, or an obstructed lens can all contribute to a black image.
If Windows shows an error code, use Microsoft’s troubleshooting section for that specific code. A failure in just one calling app does not by itself show that the camera is physically broken.
Rank #2
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
When Camera works but your call app does not
Microsoft notes, “If the camera works in the Camera app, the problem might be with the app you’re trying to use.” Check the calling app’s selected camera and its camera permissions first. If you join through a browser, verify the site’s permission in the browser as well as Windows’ desktop-app access setting.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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