Test your camera in Windows using the Camera app
The fastest way to check if your laptop camera works is to open the built-in Camera app. On Windows 10 and 11, search for "Camera" in the taskbar search box and click the app when it appears. The app will ask for permission to use your camera — click "Yes" — and you should see a live video feed of yourself within a few seconds.
If you see the video feed, your camera hardware is working. If the app opens but shows a black screen or says "We can't find your camera," the camera either isn't connected properly or the driver needs attention. Close the app and move to the driver section below.
You can also test your camera in a video call app like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype. Open the app, start a test call or meeting, and look for a camera preview before you join. This tests not just the hardware but also whether the app has permission to use the camera — a common reason for a black screen.
Test your camera on Mac using Photo Booth
On macOS, open Photo Booth (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, then type "Photo Booth"). The app will display a live preview from your camera. If you see yourself, the camera is working. If the preview is black or the app says the camera is unavailable, check the permissions step below.
You can also test your camera in FaceTime or any video call app. Open the app, start a new call or meeting, and look for the camera preview. This confirms both that the hardware works and that the app has permission to access it.
Key Takeaways
- The Camera app on Windows and Photo Booth on Mac are the quickest ways to see if your camera hardware is working at all.
- A black screen in the camera app usually means either the driver is outdated or the app doesn't have permission to use the camera.
- Check your privacy settings in Windows Settings or Mac System Preferences to make sure camera access is turned on for the app you're testing.
- If the camera works in one app but not another, the problem is usually app permissions, not the hardware itself.
- Restarting your laptop fixes many camera problems because it resets the connection between the operating system and the camera hardware.
Check camera permissions in Windows
If your camera app opens but shows a black screen, the camera may be blocked by privacy settings. Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key + I, then go to Privacy & security on the left sidebar. Click Camera.
Look for the toggle that says "Camera access" near the top. Make sure it is turned On. Below that, you'll see a list of apps. Find the app you're trying to use (Camera, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) and make sure its toggle is also On. If it's off, click it to turn it on, then try the app again.
Some laptops also have a physical camera shutter or a keyboard shortcut that disables the camera. Check if there's a small lever or button next to your camera lens, or look in your laptop's manual for a camera disable key (often Fn + a function key with a camera icon).
Check camera permissions on Mac
On macOS, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions) and click Privacy & Security. In the left sidebar, click Camera.
You'll see a list of apps that have requested camera access. If the app you want to use is not listed, it hasn't asked for permission yet — open the app and it should prompt you. If it's listed but the checkbox is unchecked, click the checkbox to turn it on.
If you don't see the app in the list and it still won't work, try restarting your Mac. Sometimes the permission request doesn't appear until you restart.
Update or reinstall your camera driver on Windows
If permissions are on but the camera still shows a black screen, the driver — the software that lets Windows talk to your camera — may be outdated or corrupted. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager.
Look for Cameras in the list and click the arrow next to it to expand it. You should see your camera listed (often with a name like "Integrated Camera" or the manufacturer's name). Right-click it and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows search for the latest version.
If updating doesn't work, right-click the camera again and select Uninstall device. Restart your laptop. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver when it boots back up. This fixes many camera problems because it forces a fresh connection between the hardware and the operating system.
Restart your laptop and check for hardware switches
Before you assume the camera is broken, restart your laptop. Many camera problems are temporary connection issues that a restart fixes. Shut down completely (not sleep mode), wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
While your laptop is restarting, check the physical camera. Look for a small shutter or cover over the lens — some laptops have a mechanical slider you can move to block the camera. Make sure it's not blocking the lens. Also check if your laptop has a keyboard shortcut to disable the camera. This is often Fn + F2, Fn + F6, or Fn + a key with a camera icon. Check your laptop's manual or search online for "[your laptop model] disable camera" to find the exact key.
If your laptop has an external USB camera, make sure the cable is fully plugged in and try a different USB port. Sometimes a loose connection looks like a broken camera.
Test the camera in a different app
If your camera works in one app but not another, the problem is almost always app permissions, not the camera itself. Go back to your privacy settings and make sure the app that isn't working has camera access turned on.
If the app is already listed and has permission, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Sometimes the permission gets stuck in a bad state. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the app, click it, and select Uninstall. Then read and install it fresh from the official website or app store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my camera show a black screen even though it's turned on?
A black screen usually means either the app doesn't have permission to use the camera, or the driver is outdated. Check your privacy settings first — it's the fastest fix. If permissions are on, try updating the camera driver in Device Manager (Windows) or restarting your Mac. If neither works, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.
How do I know if my camera is actually broken or just not working?
Test it in multiple apps. If the camera works in the built-in Camera app or Photo Booth but not in Zoom, the hardware is fine — it's a permissions issue. If it doesn't work in any app, restart your laptop first. If it still doesn't work after a restart, the driver probably needs updating or reinstalling.
Can I test my camera without opening an app?
Not easily. The only way to know if your camera is working is to see a live video feed, which requires an app. The built-in Camera app on Windows and Photo Booth on Mac are the simplest options because they don't require a login or setup.
What if my camera works but looks blurry or has poor lighting?
That's not a broken camera — it's a focus or lighting issue. Make sure the lens is clean (gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth) and that you're in a well-lit room. If the image is still blurry, check if your camera app has focus or brightness settings you can adjust.
Do I need to unplug an external camera when I'm not using it?
You don't have to, but unplugging it is a good idea if you're concerned about privacy or if it's taking up a USB port you need. Just make sure to unplug it safely — don't yank the cable. On Windows, you can also right-click the camera in Device Manager and select Disable device to turn it off without unplugging it.