Windows Camera
Windows Camera: A free Windows capture app for straightforward photos and video. Ranked #17 of 18 in Camera Apps by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users needing basic built-in camera capture.
At a glance
- Editor score6.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows users needing basic built-in camera capture
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Captures still photographs and records video on Windows devices.
- Works with built-in and connected cameras, with camera switching.
- Free Microsoft app available for Windows desktop capture.
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability limits use across other platforms.
- Maximum quality and capabilities depend on the device and camera hardware.
- Focused capture scope offers little verified editing or advanced control.
Our verdict on Windows Camera
Windows Camera is Microsoft's camera application for Windows PCs and tablets. It is aimed at people who want a straightforward way to take still photographs or record video using a built-in webcam or another supported connected camera. The app can switch between available cameras and provides settings for configuring the camera application. It suits solo users, households, students and small teams that need basic desktop capture without adopting a separate camera suite.
There is no purchase decision between feature tiers: Windows Camera is free, and it is included with Windows while also being available as a free Microsoft Store application. Its platform scope is focused on Windows desktop devices, including PCs and tablets. That makes it a practical fit when the required camera is already attached to a Windows system. Setup effort should generally center on selecting an available camera and adjusting application settings, while the actual image and video results depend on the connected hardware and Windows device.
The product's strength is its narrow, accessible capture workflow rather than a broad production toolkit. It covers stills, video, camera selection and basic settings, but users looking for substantial editing, integrations or advanced capture controls should consider a more specialized camera application. Maximum resolution and other capabilities vary with the device and camera, so expectations should be matched to the hardware. Choose Windows Camera for uncomplicated Windows-based capture; choose an alternative when cross-platform access, deeper controls or a wider post-capture workflow is essential.
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Windows Camera pricing
Windows Camera fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Platforms | windows |
| Manual camera controls | Not verified |
| Video capture | Yes |
| Max video resolution | Not verified |
| RAW photo capture | Not verified |
| External camera support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Windows Camera
- VSCOA multi-platform editor and portfolio suite for creators at every stage.9.3
- CyberLink YouCamA Windows webcam app with effects and streaming tools, sold as a lifetime license or subscription.9.1
- ManyCamManyCam brings multi-source scenes, virtual outputs, recording, and streaming to calls and broadcasts.8.8
See all Windows Camera alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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