Webcam not working on Windows 10
A webcam that won't turn on, shows a black screen, or "isn't detected" on Windows 10 usually comes down to camera permission, another app holding the camera, or a privacy shutter. Try these, then confirm with the live preview.
Step-by-step fix
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Check the camera permission in Settings → Privacy → Camera and allow your browser/app.
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Close any other app that might be using the camera (Zoom, Teams, Discord) — only one app can hold it at a time.
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Make sure there's no physical privacy shutter or tape over the lens, and that the camera is enabled in Device Manager / system settings.
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Run the CheckMyMic webcam test — you should see a live preview, resolution and FPS.
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Still black? Update the camera driver and restart Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my webcam a black screen on Windows 10?
A black preview almost always means another app already holds the camera, or a privacy shutter is closed. Close other video apps and check the lens, then re-run the webcam test. Still black? Recheck the camera permission under Settings → Privacy → Camera before touching drivers.
How do I know my camera is detected on Windows 10?
Open the CheckMyMic webcam test and press Start camera — if it lists a device and shows a preview, it's detected. "No camera detected" means Windows 10 isn't exposing one at all: a driver, connection or Settings → Privacy problem rather than an app setting.
I've tried everything and the webcam still won't work on Windows 10 — what now?
Split the problem: run the CheckMyMic webcam test in a different browser, and — for an external camera — on another computer or USB port. Working elsewhere means Windows 10 settings: recheck Settings → Privacy and the driver. Failing everywhere points at the camera itself. If it only fails in one app, our Zoom, Teams and OBS camera guides cover the app side.
Websites can use my camera but desktop apps can't on Windows 10 — why?
Check Settings → Privacy → Camera: "Allow apps to access your camera" must be on, and further down "Allow desktop apps to access your camera" is a separate toggle that covers OBS, Zoom's desktop client and similar. Then look in Device Manager → Imaging devices/Cameras for a disabled or warning-flagged entry.