Find and open your webcam app

Your laptop has a built-in camera, but it does not turn on by itself — you need to open an process that uses it. The easiest way is to search for "Camera" in your system's search bar. On Windows, click the search icon in the taskbar and type "Camera". On Mac, click the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass) in the top right and type "Camera".

When you open the Camera app, you should see a live preview of what the camera sees. If you see a black screen or a message saying the camera is not found, your webcam may be disabled in your settings — see the troubleshooting section below.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Camera app by searching for it in your system search bar; Windows and Mac both include a built-in camera process.
  • If your camera shows a black screen, check your privacy settings to make sure the Camera app has permission to use the webcam.
  • Most video calling apps like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet will ask permission to use your camera the first time you join a call.
  • You can disable your webcam in privacy settings if you want to prevent any app from using it without your knowledge.
  • If the Camera app does not open or shows "camera not found," restart your laptop and check Device Manager (Windows) or System Report (Mac) to see if the hardware is recognized.

Grant camera permission to apps

Before any app can use your webcam, your operating system requires you to give it permission. The first time you open a video call in Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or another app, you will see a popup asking "Allow [app name] to access your camera?" Click "Allow" or "Yes" to proceed.

If you accidentally clicked "Don't Allow" or "Block," you can change this later. On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, and you will see a list of apps with toggles next to each one. Turn the toggle on for any app you want to use your camera. On Mac, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, and check the box next to the app you want to allow.

Use your webcam in video calls

When you join a video call in Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or a similar app, the camera usually turns on automatically once you have given permission. You will see your own video preview on screen. Most apps show a camera icon with a slash through it if the camera is off — click that icon to turn it on or off during a call.

If your camera does not appear in a video call, check two things: first, make sure the Camera app permission is turned on in your privacy settings (see the section above). Second, some apps let you choose which camera to use if your laptop has more than one. Look for a settings icon or gear icon in the video call app, find "Camera" or "Video Device," and select your built-in webcam from the list.

Take photos and record video with your webcam

The built-in Camera app on both Windows and Mac lets you take still photos and record short videos. Open the Camera app, and you will see icons at the bottom or side of the window. The camera icon takes a photo, and the video icon starts recording. Click the same button again to stop recording.

Photos and videos are saved automatically to your Pictures folder (Windows) or Photos app (Mac). You can then move them, edit them, or share them like any other file on your computer. If you want to delete a photo or video, open your file manager or Photos app, find the file, and delete it.

Disable your webcam if you want privacy

If you do not want any app to use your camera, you can turn off camera permission for all apps at once. On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and toggle off "Camera access." On Mac, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and uncheck all apps in the list. You can also cover your camera lens with tape or a sliding cover if you prefer a physical barrier.

Turning off camera access does not harm your laptop — it straightforward prevents apps from using the hardware. You can turn it back on anytime by following the same steps. Some people disable their camera when they are not using it for security reasons, and some do it just to save battery power.

Troubleshoot a camera that will not turn on

If your Camera app opens but shows a black screen, or if it says "camera not found," start by restarting your laptop. Many camera problems clear up after a restart. If the problem persists, check your privacy settings to make sure Camera app permission is turned on (see the section above).

If privacy settings look correct, your camera hardware may not be recognized by your operating system. On Windows, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Device Manager." Look for "Cameras" in the list and expand it. If you see a yellow warning icon or a question mark, right-click the camera and select "Update driver." On Mac, restart your laptop in Safe Mode by holding Shift while it boots, then restart normally — this sometimes resets camera drivers.

If you have tried these steps and your camera still does not work, the hardware itself may be damaged or disconnected inside your laptop. At that point, contact your laptop manufacturer's support line or take your laptop to a repair shop. Do not open your laptop yourself unless you are trained to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my webcam without opening the Camera app?

Yes. Any app that uses video — Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Discord, or others — will open your camera directly when you start a call or video chat. You do not need to open the Camera app first. The Camera app is mainly for taking photos and recording videos when you are not in a call.

Why does my camera show a mirrored image of me?

The Camera app and most video call apps mirror your image by default so it looks natural to you, the same way a mirror works. The person on the other end of a video call sees the correct, non-mirrored version. This is normal and not a problem.

Is my webcam always on and recording?

No. Your webcam only turns on when an app requests it, and only after you have given permission in your privacy settings. If you want extra peace of mind, you can disable camera permission for all apps in your privacy settings, or cover your camera lens with tape or a sliding cover.

What if my laptop has no built-in camera?

Some older or business laptops do not have a built-in camera. If yours does not, you can buy an external USB webcam and plug it into any USB port on your laptop. Once plugged in, it will work the same way as a built-in camera — apps will see it and ask permission to use it.

Can I use my phone as a webcam for my laptop?

Yes, but you need a third-party app to do it. Apps like DroidCam (for Android) and Codeshot (for iPhone) let you connect your phone to your laptop over WiFi or USB and use your phone's camera as a webcam. read the app on both devices, follow the setup instructions, and select your phone as the camera in your video call app.