Devices Enable or Disable Camera in Windows 11


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Camera_app_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to enable and disable a camera or webcam as needed in Windows 11.

In Windows, having a camera as part of your device lets you make Teams video calls, take pictures, record videos, and more.

Some people worry about unknown apps, organizations, or malware using their camera. Whenever your camera is used, you should be in charge. To help you understand when your camera is turned on, the following indicators are provided:
  • If your device comes with a camera light, the light will turn on when the camera is in use.
  • If your system doesn’t have a camera light, you’ll get a notification to let you know when the camera turns on or off.
Sometimes you may want to disable the camera for privacy and security reasons when it's not being used.

Reference:


Contents





Option One

Enable or Disable Camera using Kill Switch


Some laptops (ex: "HP Spectre x360") have a physical switch that toggles your camera on or off.


1 Toggle on or off the privacy camera kill switch for what you want. (see screenshot below)

Camera_kill_switch.jpg





Option Two

Enable or Disable Camera in Settings


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.


1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on Bluetooth & devices on the left side, and click/tap on Cameras on the right side. (see screenshot below)


Camera_Settings-1.png

3 Do step 4 (enable) or step 5 (disable) below for what you want.

4 Enable Camera

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on Enable for the disabled camera you want to enable. (see screenshot below)​

B) Go to step 6.​

Camera_Settings-2.png

5 Disable Camera

A) Click/tap on the camera you want to disable. (see screenshot below)​

Camera_Settings-3.png

B) Click/tap on Disable. (see screenshot below)​

Camera_Settings-4.png

C) Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)​

Camera_Settings-5.png

D) Go to step 6.​

6 You can now close Settings if you like.




Option Three

Enable or Disable Camera in Device Manager


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.


1 Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).

2 Do step 3 (enable) or step 4 (disable) below for what you want.


 3. Enable Camera

This is the default setting.


A) Expand open Cameras or Imaging devices depending on which one you have available. (see screenshot below)​

B) Right click on the camera device you want to enable, and click/tap on Enable device.​

C) Go to step 5.​

Camera_Device_Manager-3.png


 4. Disable Camera

A) Expand open Cameras or Imaging devices depending on which one you have available. (see screenshots below)​

B) Right click on the camera device you want to disable, and click/tap on Disable device.​

C) Click/tap on Yes to confirm.​

D) Go to step 5.​

Camera_Device_Manager-1.png
Camera_Device_Manager-2.png

5 You can now close Device Manager if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

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