How to Activate the Camera in Windows 10 (2020)

Last Updated: November 1, 2020

This wikiHow will teach you how to activate the camera app in Windows 10 as well as how to give other apps permission to use your camera. Many Windows 10 computers come with built-in webcams, such as all-in-one desktops and laptops. If you need to buy a webcam for a PC without a built-in webcam, you can refer to How to Buy a Webcam and How to Set up a Webcam.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Camera Application

1
Press ⊞ Win. You can press this key with the Windows logo to open the Start menu, but you can also click the Windows logo in your Start menu.
2
Click Camera. It's in the "C" section of listed apps.

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3
Click
to change the settings and take a video instead of a picture. You'll see both the video camera and camera icons on the right side of the application window.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Allowing Apps to Access Camera

1
Press ⊞ Win. You can press this key with the Windows logo to open the Start menu, but you can also click the Windows logo in your Start menu.
2
Click
. You'll see this gear icon on the left side of the menu.
3
Click Privacy. It's at the bottom of the menu next to an icon of a padlock.
4
Click Camera. You'll find this menu option in the menu on the left side of the window under the header "App permissions."
5
Click the toggle on
under "Allow apps to access your camera." This setting will allow any apps you install access to your camera.^{[1]
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Microsoft Support
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