The integrated camera on my Lenovo Thinkpad has stopped working

Hi Mark Garrett,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

Have you tried Q&A Assist suggestions and successfully get the camera to work again?

You may do further troubleshoot by following instructions:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows.
• Camera or webcam not working or cannot turn on in Windows 10 or 11 - ideapad, ThinkPad.

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If you have any updates, or you have any difficulties following the instructions, please feel free to let me know.

Thank you for your time.

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Try the following steps to restore the integrated ThinkPad camera so it works in Windows and then in Microsoft Teams:

1. Test the camera in the Windows Camera app
   • Select Start > Camera.
   • If the preview works here but not in Teams, the issue is with Teams or its settings, not the camera itself.
2. Check for Windows and camera driver updates
   • Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • Then go to Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera or imaging device driver updates.
   • Restart the PC, then test again in the Camera app and in Teams.
3. Run the Windows camera troubleshooter
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Camera and select Run.
   • Apply any fixes it suggests, then test the camera again.
4. Verify antivirus or security software is not blocking the camera
   • Some antivirus or firewall products can block camera access.
   • Temporarily disable camera protection/webcam shield in that product and test the camera.
5. Check the camera hardware and privacy controls
   • On many ThinkPads there is a physical privacy shutter over the camera; slide it fully open.
   • Some models also have a function key (for example, a key with a camera icon) that enables/disables the camera. Press that key (or Fn + that key) once to re‑enable the webcam.
6. Confirm the camera appears correctly in Device Manager
   • In Search on the taskbar, type device manager and open it.
   • Look under Cameras, Imaging devices, or Sound, video and game controllers for the integrated camera.
   • If it is missing, select the Action menu > Scan for hardware changes and wait for Windows to detect and reinstall it.
7. Repair the camera driver
   • In Device Manager, right‑click the camera > Properties > Driver.
   • If available, select Roll Back Driver, confirm, then restart and test.
   • If that does not help, in Device Manager right‑click the camera > Properties > Driver > Uninstall Device.
   • Check Delete the driver software for this device and select OK.
   • In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the driver, then restart and test again.
8. Switch to the in‑box Windows UVC driver (if the device is detected but unstable)
   • In Device Manager, right‑click the camera under Cameras or Imaging devices and select Update driver.
   • Select Browse my computer for drivers.
   • Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   • Choose USB Video Device and select Next.
   • Close Device Manager, restart, then test in the Camera app and in Teams.
   • Note: The in‑box UVC driver may not support all camera features (for example, Windows Hello face recognition).
9. If the camera still does not work anywhere
   • Go to Lenovo’s support page for the specific ThinkPad model and reinstall the OEM camera driver.
   • If it still fails in all apps after driver reinstall, the integrated camera hardware or its connection may be faulty and may require service.

Once the camera works in the Windows Camera app, open Microsoft Teams, go to Settings > Devices, and select the integrated camera as the default camera for meetings and calls.

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows
• 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