my laptop camera and audio is not working

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

• Is your audio not working at all (like playing music/videos), or is it just the microphone/audio when you try to use the camera?
• Do you use the device's built-in camera or an external camera?

What message is displayed in the camera's Device Status in Device Manager?

1. Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager";
2. Click on the "View" menu and select "Show hidden devices";
3. Expand "Cameras";

(If this category is not displayed, let me know.)

4. If the camera is listed, right-click and select "Properties". Check if there is an error in "Device Status".

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

• Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

Maximize the window and use the screenshot tool.

Looking forward to your reply.

Use these steps to troubleshoot the black camera preview and related audio issues in Windows 11.

1. Check hardware switches and function keys
   1. Look along the top row of keys (F1–F12) for a key with a camera icon. Press that key, or press Fn + that key, to enable the webcam.
   2. Check the laptop bezel around the camera for a small privacy slider/shutter and slide it open.
   3. Some laptops have a side switch or a keyboard button that turns the camera on/off; make sure it is set to on.
2. Test the camera in the Camera app
   1. Open Start > Camera and see if the preview works.
   2. If the camera works here but not in Edge or other apps, adjust the camera and microphone permissions in those apps.
3. Reinstall or roll back the camera driver (if the preview is still black)
   1. Open Device Manager.
   2. Expand Cameras and double‑click the camera device (for example, Intel(R) AVStream Camera).
   3. On the Driver tab:
      • If the issue started after an update, select Roll Back Driver, confirm, then restart and test the Camera app again.
      • If rollback is not available or does not help, select Uninstall Device, check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, select OK, then in Device Manager choose Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the driver. Restart and test again.
4. Run the built‑in troubleshooters
   1. In Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run the Camera troubleshooter. It will automatically diagnose and attempt to fix common camera problems.
   2. For audio issues, open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Playing Audio troubleshooter to detect and repair sound problems.
5. If the camera still does not work
   1. For Surface devices, avoid uninstalling drivers on Windows Arm‑based models; instead, follow the guidance to force a shutdown and restart your Surface and, if needed, use Restore or reset Surface for Windows.
   2. If none of the above steps help, download and reinstall the webcam and audio drivers from the laptop manufacturer’s support site.

These steps address the most common causes: disabled camera via key/slider, driver issues after updates, and app‑specific permission or audio problems.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• Surface camera not working
• my camera does not function in windows - Microsoft Q&A
• my camera is not listed under device manager camera is not listed and it's not under imaging devices - Microsoft Q&A
• Issue when going to a live teams meeting - Microsoft Q&A
• How to fix this. no audio device is installed - Microsoft Q&A
• Can’t get sound to come through on WebCam - Microsoft Q&A