Test your camera in the built-in apps on your computer
The fastest way to test your camera is to use the software that came with your operating system. Windows and Mac both have camera apps that let you see a live feed when ready, with no setup required.
On Windows 10 or 11, open the Camera app by typing "Camera" into the search box at the bottom left of your screen and clicking the result. The app opens to a live preview. If you see your face or the room in front of your laptop, your camera works. If the screen stays black or shows an error message, move to the troubleshooting section below.
On Mac, open Photo Booth by clicking the Finder icon in the dock, navigating to Applications, then Utilities, then double-clicking Photo Booth. You will see a live preview after a few seconds. The app also lets you take a test photo to confirm the camera captures images, not just video.
Key Takeaways
- Windows Camera app and Mac Photo Booth show a live feed in seconds and require no installation or account.
- A black screen usually means the camera is disabled in settings, blocked by another app, or physically covered.
- If the built-in app works but video calls do not, the problem is usually permissions or the video call app itself, not the camera hardware.
- Restarting your computer fixes most camera problems because it clears locks that other apps may have placed on the camera.
- If the camera still does not work after restart, check Device Manager on Windows or System Report on Mac to see whether the camera is recognized at all.
Check camera permissions in your operating system settings
Even if your camera hardware works, Windows and Mac prevent apps from using it unless you grant permission first. If the Camera app shows a live feed but your video call app does not, the problem is almost always a permission that was denied or never granted.
On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings (click the gear icon), then Privacy & Security, then Camera. You will see a toggle labeled "Camera access" at the top. Make sure it is turned on. Below that, you will see a list of apps. Turn on the toggle next to any app you want to use your camera with — for example, Zoom, Teams, or your web browser. If an app is not listed, it has not asked for permission yet; open the app and look for a camera or video option, which will trigger a permission request.
On Mac, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Camera. You will see a list of apps that have requested camera access. Check the box next to any app you want to use your camera. If an app is not listed, open it and try to start a video call or enable your camera, which will prompt Mac to ask for permission.
Restart your computer and close other apps using the camera
A restart clears temporary locks that prevent your camera from working. Many camera problems disappear after a restart because another app was holding the camera open or a driver had stalled.
Before you restart, close any apps that might be using your camera — video call apps like Zoom or Teams, streaming software, or security camera apps. Only one app can use your camera at a time, so if Zoom is running in the background, other apps will not be able to access it. After you close those apps, restart your computer normally.
Once your computer has restarted, open the Camera app again and check whether you see a live feed. If you do, your camera is working. If the screen is still black, move to the next section.
Look for a physical camera cover or blocked lens
Many laptops come with a physical shutter or sliding cover over the camera for privacy. Check the top of your screen or the bezel around your camera lens to see whether a cover is closed. Slide it open if it is present.
Also look at the camera lens itself. Dust, a sticker, or a piece of tape can block the image. Gently wipe the lens with a soft, dry cloth — the kind used for eyeglasses works well. Do not use water or cleaning solution, which can damage the camera.
After you have cleared the lens or opened any cover, open the Camera app again and check for a live feed.
Check Device Manager on Windows or System Report on Mac
If the Camera app still shows a black screen after restart and permission checks, your camera may not be recognized by your computer at all. You can check whether your computer sees the camera hardware.
On Windows, right-click the Start button and click Device Manager. Look for a section called "Cameras" and click the arrow next to it to expand the list. If you see your camera listed with no warning icon, the hardware is recognized. If you see a yellow exclamation mark or a red X, the driver needs to be updated or reinstalled. Right-click the camera and select "Update driver," then choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." If there is no "Cameras" section at all, your camera may not be installed or may be listed under a different name like "Imaging devices."
On Mac, click the Apple menu, then About This Mac, then System Report. Click Hardware on the left, then USB. Look for an entry that mentions "Camera" or "iSight." If you see it listed, the hardware is recognized. If you do not see it, the camera may be disconnected or faulty.
Test your camera in a video call app
Once the Camera app shows a live feed, test your camera in the app you actually plan to use — Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or another video call platform. The steps vary by app, but most have a settings or preferences menu where you can preview your camera before joining a call.
In Zoom, open the app, click your profile picture in the top right, click Settings, then Video. You should see a live preview of your camera. In Microsoft Teams, click your profile picture, then Settings, then Devices, then Camera. In Google Meet, go to meet.google.com, click the gear icon, then Camera, and select your camera from the dropdown menu.
If you see a live preview in the video call app but the Camera app also works, the problem is usually a permission that needs to be granted. Go back to your operating system settings and make sure the video call app has camera permission turned on.
Uninstall and reinstall your camera driver on Windows
If Device Manager shows your camera with a warning icon, or if your camera worked before but stopped working, a corrupted driver is often the cause. Uninstalling and reinstalling the driver usually fixes this.
Open Device Manager again, find your camera under Cameras or Imaging devices, right-click it, and select "Uninstall device." A dialog will appear asking whether you want to delete the driver software. Check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device," then click Uninstall. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver when it starts up.
After the restart, open the Camera app and check for a live feed. If the camera still does not work, visit the manufacturer's website — Dell, HP, Lenovo, or whoever made your laptop — and search for your camera model. read the latest driver from their support page and install it manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my camera black in the Camera app but works in Zoom?
This usually means another app is using your camera. Close Zoom and any other video call apps, then try the Camera app again. If it works, the problem was a lock from another app. If it still does not work, restart your computer.
Can I test my camera without opening an app?
Not easily on Windows or Mac. The built-in Camera app is the simplest way. Some websites like meet.google.com will ask for camera permission and show a preview, but the Camera app is faster and does not require a login.
My camera works on my phone but not my computer. Is the camera broken?
No. The camera hardware is probably fine. The problem is almost always a driver issue on Windows, a permission setting, or another app holding the camera. Start with a restart, then check permissions in your operating system settings.
What if my laptop camera is not listed in Device Manager at all?
The camera may be disabled in your BIOS settings, which is the firmware that runs before Windows starts. Restart your computer and press F2, F10, or Delete during startup to enter BIOS (the key varies by manufacturer). Look for a setting called "Integrated Camera" or "Internal Camera" and make sure it is enabled. If you are not comfortable with BIOS, contact your laptop manufacturer's support line.
Do I need to read special software to test my camera?
No. The Camera app on Windows and Photo Booth on Mac are built in and free. You do not need to install anything. If a website or app asks you to read software to test your camera, it is not necessary.