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Fix camera and microphone: not working in Windows 11

Fix camera and microphone: not working in Windows 11

If your camera or microphone isn’t working, it may be due to privacy settings that restrict app access. The instructions below provide a step-by step guide to correct this.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Open Privacy Settings 

  • Click the Start button or press Windows + S to open search. 

  • Type Privacy and select Privacy & security settings from the results. 

Results from searching Privacy in Windows search bar, with the Privacy Settings outlined and highlighted

  1. Enable Camera Access 

  • In the Privacy & security window, scroll down to App permissions. 

  • Click Camera. 

    App Permissions list of options with the Camera option outlined

  • Make sure Camera access and Let apps access your camera are both turned on. 

    Settings application with the Camera Privacy Settings open and the Allow apps to access your camera option outlined

  • Scroll down and ensure Let desktop apps access your camera is also turned on (for apps like Teams, Zoom, Skype). 

Camera Privacy Settings page open and scrolled down where Allow desktop apps to access your camera option is outlined

  1. Enable Microphone Access 

  • Go back to the Privacy & security window. 

  • Click Microphone under App permissions. 

    App permissions list of options with the Microphone option outlined

  • Ensure Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone are turned on. 

    Settings application with the Microphone settings tab open, with the Allow apps to access your microphone option being outlined

  • Scroll down and confirm Let desktop apps access your microphone is also enabled. 

  1. Test Your Camera and Microphone 

  • Open the app that was having issues (e.g., Teams, Zoom). 

  • Check if the camera and microphone are now working. 

If the above does not work, check for updated hardware drivers for your device. Managed systems will require admin rights and may require you to contact your Computer Support representative, Faculty Service Desk or an IST Service desk

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Need help?

Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.

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