Camera works in Windows Camera but not in one app

• Estimated time: 5 min
• Easy
• Low risk

The comparison is useful only with the same device.

1. Open Windows Camera and check the image without recording private information. If you have both a built-in camera and external webcam, identify which works. Close Camera afterward: leaving it open can change the next app’s test.

2. If it also fails here, record the code. NoCamerasAreAttached, 0xA00F4243/0xA00F4289, or a 0xA00F4292 restriction belongs with its related guide. If it works, proceed to selection or permissions rather than hardware replacement.

• Estimated time: 5 min
• Easy
• Low risk

An app can retain a disconnected or virtual camera as its selection.

1. Open the app’s video selector and choose the device tested in Camera. Also check its video-off control and preview without starting a public call just to test.

2. If an image appears, that app’s selection or control explains the result: stop. If only another camera works, keep which device fails for support; do not declare all cameras faulty.

• Estimated time: 5 min
• Easy
• Low risk

Desktop apps do not always have the same individual control as Microsoft Store apps.

1. In Windows 11, open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera; in Windows 10, Privacy > Camera. Review camera access and the permission appropriate to the app. For desktop programs, check Let desktop apps access your camera; not all appear separately.

2. If policy prevents changing it, contact the administrator. After correcting a relevant permission, reopen the app and compare. If only that app still fails while another video app works, app-specific configuration becomes more likely.

• Estimated time: 5 min
• Easy
• Low risk

Browser access in Windows does not automatically authorize every site.

1. In the browser, review camera permission for the exact site and the device selected by the page. Authorize only a trusted site needing video. If another authorized site works, keep that difference before changing Windows.

2. After correcting permission, reload the site and test its preview. If only that site fails, contact its support or browser support with the Camera result; do not reinstall drivers as the first response.

• Estimated time: 5 min
• Easy
• Low risk

Recovery after closing another use provides evidence of concurrent access, not a broken driver.

1. Finish or save recordings and calls. Close known camera-using apps normally, including Windows Camera, and open only the affected app. If a recognized process remains open, close it after saving; do not terminate random system services.

2. If it now works, avoid the combination that occupied the device. If it persists only in one app with correct input and permissions, check its supported update or support. Do not remove the device or install third-party webcam utilities.