Camera or Microphone Not Working (Teams/Zoom) on Windows 11

Category: Windows 11 · Audience: Customers & Technicians · Est. time: 10–20 min

Summary

No camera or mic in Teams/Zoom is usually a privacy permission, the wrong device selected, or another app holding the camera. Check permissions first — it's the most common cause on Windows 11.

Symptoms

• Black camera preview or "no camera found"
• Others can't hear you / mic shows no activity
• Works in one app but not another

Solution

1. Check app permissions. Settings → Privacy & security → Camera → ensure Camera access is On and the specific app (Teams/Zoom) is allowed. Repeat under Microphone. This blocks the camera silently if off.
2. Check the physical basics. Open the laptop camera privacy shutter/switch if fitted; confirm an external webcam/headset is plugged in and (for USB) try another port.
3. Select the right device in the app.

• Teams: ⋯ → Settings → Devices → pick the correct Camera and Microphone/Speaker.
• Zoom: Settings → Video / Audio → select the right devices and Test.

1. Close apps holding the camera. Only one app can use the camera at a time. Close other conferencing/camera apps (and browser tabs) and retry.
2. Test in the Camera app. Open the built‑in Camera app. If it works there, the issue is app‑side (permissions/selection); if not, it's system/driver.
3. Update/reinstall drivers (Technician). Device Manager → Cameras / Audio inputs and outputs → right‑click → Update driver; if still broken, Uninstall device → reboot.

If that doesn't work

• For meeting audio, run Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Recording Audio → Run.
• Test the webcam/headset on another PC to rule out hardware.
• Escalate to BBN Support with the app used and whether the built‑in Camera app works.

Prevention

• After major Windows/Teams updates, re‑check camera/mic permissions before a call.