Webcam not working on Windows 11
A webcam that won't turn on, shows a black screen, or "isn't detected" on Windows 11 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 & security → 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 11.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my webcam a black screen on Windows 11?
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 & security → Camera before touching drivers.
How do I know my camera is detected on Windows 11?
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 11 isn't exposing one at all: a driver, connection or Settings → Privacy & security problem rather than an app setting.
I've tried everything and the webcam still won't work on Windows 11 — 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 11 settings: recheck Settings → Privacy & security 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.
Why do desktop apps see no camera on Windows 11 when websites work?
Windows 11 has two separate switches under Settings → Privacy & security → Camera: "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera". The second one governs classic apps like OBS and older Zoom installs — if it's off, browsers work but desktop apps see nothing. Also check Device Manager → Cameras for a warning icon on the device.