There is this issue where the camera is locked on Windows 11 Camera app, and it is impossible to use it in any app. In this article, we will see what is causing this and how to fix it.
This issue usually happens in Lenovo laptops due to the app Lenovo Vantage adding an extra layer of security that keeps your camera private, thus locking the camera.
To unlock your camera, you only need to open the Lenovo Vantage App, then go to the Device tab and disable the Camera Privacy Mode under Camera.
Here is a step-by-step process:
- Open the Lenovo Vantage app and go to the Device tab.
- Under Camera, uncheck Camera Privacy Mode
(It is a good practice to uninstall all apps that are not essential to Windows or that you don’t use, to save time, check my article on how to uninstall multiple programs at once.)
This should fix the issue. If it didn’t, or if your laptop is not a Lenovo, keep reading.
How to Fix Camera Locked on Windows 11 by Updating Drivers
Drivers are, more often than not, what causes the hardware to malfunction. So, another proven way to fix camera issues is to update your camera drivers.
I recommend you use a third-party driver installer because many hardware-related issues are due to Windows Update installing the wrong drivers, so you make sure you will get the latest driver.
Here is how to do it:
- Download Driver Booster on the official website and install it.
- On Driver Booster, press the Scan button to scan your system for drivers:
- After the scan is complete, click on the Update button next to your camera.
(You can also click on the Update Now button in the upper-right corner to update multiple drivers at once.)
If you prefer not to use a third-party app, try to find your laptop manufacturer’s support page and download the driver from there.
If updating drivers also didn’t work for you, ensure that your camera is enabled on Windows settings, as explained below.
How to Fix Camera Locked on Windows 11 by Enabling the Camera in Windows Settings
Your camera will only work if it is enabled in Windows settings on both Bluetooth & devices -> Camera and on Privacy & Security -> Camera access; otherwise, your camera will be locked.
Here is how to enable your camera on Windows settings:
On Bluetooth & Devices
- Right-click on the Start button and click on Settings.
- On Settings, click on Bluetooth & devices:
- On Bluetooth & devices, click on Cameras:
- Under connected cameras, click on your camera and then click on the Enable button if it is disabled.
On Privacy & Security
- Right-click on the Start button and click on Settings.
- On Settings, click on Privacy & security:
- On Privacy & security, click on Camera:
- Now turn on the Camera access and Let apps access your camera. Make sure that all apps you want to use on your camera are turned on.
Conclusion
To fix the camera locked on Windows 11, Lenovo users should turn off the Camera Privacy Mode in the Lenovo Vantage app. This setting overrides Windows settings and makes you unable to use your camera.
You should also try to update your camera drivers since hardware issues are usually related to outdated drivers. And you should also make sure that your camera is enabled on both Bluetooth & devices and Privacy & security in Windows settings.
If you have high CPU usage when using your camera, check my article on how to fix Windows Camera Frame Server’s high CPU usage when the webcam is on.
