If your built-in or external camera stopped working after a Windows 10 update, the cause is usually a driver problem, a privacy setting change, or an incompatibility from the update. These steps restore the camera in most cases.
Option 1: Reinstall the camera driver
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager, or press Win + X and choose Device Manager.
Step 2: Find your camera
Expand Cameras and right-click your camera.
Step 3: Uninstall the current driver
- Select Uninstall device.
- If available, check Delete the driver software for this device.
- Click Uninstall.
- Wait for the device to disappear from the list.
Step 4: Install a new driver
Option A: Let Windows install it automatically
- In Device Manager, click Action > Scan for hardware changes.
- Windows detects the camera and installs a fresh default driver.
Option B: Install it manually
- Right-click the device and select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
- Select the folder with the downloaded driver.
Step 5: Restart your computer
Restart so the new driver takes effect. The camera should work with the generic driver.
Option 2: Update or repair the camera driver
- Download the latest driver from the official website, or use a third-party tool like Driver Easy.
- Install it and restart your PC.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my webcam stop working after a Windows update?
Updates can replace or break the camera driver or change privacy settings. Reinstalling the driver usually fixes it.