My face isn't showing up on Zoom calls for others to see. They just see a black screen.

Follow these steps to resolve the black video issue in Zoom on Windows:

1. Confirm the camera works in Windows
   1. Select Start > Camera.
   2. Check if the preview shows the face.
      • If the Camera app also shows a black screen, continue with the steps below.
      • If the Camera app works but Zoom does not, the problem is with Zoom’s settings (select the correct camera in Zoom’s video settings and disable any virtual camera there).
2. Check physical camera controls on the laptop
   Many laptops have hardware controls that can block or disable the camera even when the white light is on:
   • Look at the function keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon and press it (often with Fn + that key) to enable the webcam.
   • Check around the camera lens for a privacy slider/shutter and slide it open so the lens is not blocked.
3. Ensure Windows privacy settings allow camera access
   1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
   2. Make sure Camera access is turned On.
   3. Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned On.
   4. Under app lists, ensure access is allowed for the browser or Zoom desktop app.
   5. If using the Zoom desktop client (a desktop app), ensure Let desktop apps access your camera is turned On.
4. Update the camera driver
   1. Select Start > Device Manager.
   2. Expand Cameras and locate the internal camera.
   3. Right-click the camera and select Update driver.
   4. Select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install any available update.
   5. Restart the PC and test again in the Camera app and then in Zoom.
5. Check for Windows updates
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. Install all updates. If View optional updates or Advanced options > Optional updates shows camera or driver updates, install them.
   3. Restart the PC and test the camera again.
6. Test in another app
   After the above steps, test video in another app (for example, Microsoft Teams or the Windows Camera app).
   • If video works there but not in Zoom, adjust Zoom’s video settings (select the correct camera and disable any background/virtual camera that might be blocking video).
   • If video is still black in all apps, this points to a hardware issue with the camera.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A