Camera isn't working

Bonnie Stapleton 0 Reputation points
2026-08-06T12:40:44.9133333+00:00

My camera isn't working or isn't connected. Yesterday I installed Norton antivirus and now my camera doesn't work

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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  1. Kapil Arya 38,206 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-06T13:23:21.7066667+00:00

    Can you pls share, if you received any error code or message?

    Meanwhile, please refer suggestions in this support article: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/camera-doesn-t-work-in-windows-32adb016-b29c-a928-0073-53d31da0dad5

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  2. David-M 121.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-06T13:20:12.3833333+00:00

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

    Since this issue started right after installing Norton, Norton's SafeCam feature is likely blocking camera access to protect privacy.

    Here is how to adjust the camera permissions inside Norton:

    1. Launch the main Norton application interface.
    2. Click "Privacy" on the left-hand menu panel.
    3. Locate the "SafeCam" card on the Privacy dashboard and click "Open".
    4. Switch to the "App permissions" tab.
    5. Click the button to add a program (such as "Add Application" or "+ Add").
    6. Select the application needing camera access (e.g., Camera app, Zoom, or web browser). Use the "Manually Select App" option if it does not appear on the list.
    7. Switch the permission state for that application from "Blocked" to "Allowed".

    Official reference link: https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/norton-360-with-lifelock-3/all/solutions/v20240108184626606

    Next, check the Windows camera privacy settings:

    • Open Start, then go to "Settings" (or press Windows Key + I).
    • Navigate to "Privacy & security", then select "Camera".
    • Confirm that "Camera access" is turned On.
    • Confirm that "Let apps access your camera" is toggled On.

    If the camera still does not work after adjusting these options, reply with the laptop's manufacturer and exact model (or indicate whether an external USB camera is being used). That will help determine whether a physical privacy shutter or a keyboard function key (FN shortcut) disabled the hardware.

    Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

    Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-08-06T12:41:05.3433333+00:00

    Since the issue started right after installing Norton, first check whether Norton is blocking camera access.

    1. Open Norton from the Start menu.
    2. Look for camera, webcam, privacy, firewall, or protection settings.
    3. Temporarily disable the setting that could block camera access, then test the camera.
    4. Update Norton, then test again.

    Then verify whether the problem is system-wide or only in one app:

    1. Open Start > Camera.
    2. If the preview works there, the camera hardware and Windows camera service are working, and the problem is likely with the specific app.
    3. If it does not work in the Camera app, continue with Windows troubleshooting.

    Next, check for Windows and camera driver updates:

    1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
    2. If no camera update appears, go to Advanced options > Optional updates and look for camera driver updates.
    3. Install available updates and restart the PC.

    If the camera still is not detected, run the built-in camera troubleshooter:

    1. Go to Start > Settings > System.
    2. Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
    3. Find Camera and select Run.

    If that does not fix it, check Device Manager:

    1. Open Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
    2. Look under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers.
    3. If the camera is missing, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    4. If the camera appears, right-click it and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

    If the camera still fails after Norton is disabled and Windows troubleshooting is complete, uninstall and reinstall the camera driver:

    1. In Device Manager, right-click the camera and select Properties.
    2. Open the Driver tab and select Uninstall Device.
    3. If shown, select the option to remove the driver for this device.
    4. In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    5. Restart the PC and test the Camera app again.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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