Overview

This article explains how to troubleshoot a laptop camera that is not working in applications such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, or the Windows Camera app.

In most cases, the issue is caused by the physical camera privacy shutter being closed.

Symptoms

Users may experience:

Camera not showing video
Black screen during meetings
Camera not detected in Teams or Zoom
Camera appears unavailable
Error stating no camera found

Step 1: Check the Camera Privacy Shutter

Before troubleshooting software, check the physical camera lens.

Many laptops have a built-in privacy cover that blocks the camera.

Look directly above the laptop screen near the webcam.

Verify:

✅ Camera lens is visible
✅ Privacy slider is open
✅ No physical cover is blocking the camera

Examples:

Small slider next to the camera
Sliding switch built into the webcam housing
Camera indicator showing blocked

Step 2: Check Camera Function in Windows

Open:

Start → Camera

Test the camera.

If the camera works in the Windows Camera app:

The hardware is working.
The issue is likely application permissions or settings.

Step 3: Turn it off and back on again

A restart can reload and sometimes keeps things live to start up fast so

a full shutdown can clear:

Camera drivers left running
USB devices power stuck
Windows services full reset