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7 Quick Ways to Fix Camera Freezing in Windows 11

Make sure apps have access to the camera

6 min. read

Updated onApril 2, 2024

updated onApril 2, 2024

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Key notes

For many, the webcam is a vital part of the PC, allowing them to join online meetings in Teams, Google Meet, or Skype, amongst others. Also, some rely on it to record videos. But a few users found that Windows 11 camera is freezing.

The problem is not new. Users faced webcam issues in Windows 10 as well, but given that the latest iteration is relatively new, many more issues can cause Windows 11 camera problems. So, troubleshooting things is a tad more difficult. Keep reading to find out more!

Why is my camera freezing on Windows 11?

Here are the common reasons you are facing Windows 11 camera problems and freezes:

How do I fix camera freezing in Windows 11?

Before we move to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:

If none work, head to the fixes listed next.

1. Use the built-in troubleshooter

Often the built-in troubleshooters help quickly fix issues arising out of trivial misconfiguration. Also, theWindows Store Appstroubleshooter helps when the Camera app keeps freezing or crashing in Windows 11.

2. Check the privacy settings

When users found Microsoft Teams or Google Meet freezing the webcam in Windows 11, it was the missing permissions or misconfiguredcamera settingsto blame. Simply granting camera access did the trick!

3. Reinstall the webcam drivers

Many users found that when the integrated or external webcam didn’t work, reinstalling the webcam drivers got things up and running if Windows 11 camera keeps freezing.

4. Repair the corrupt system files

When Windows has corrupt system files, the integrated webcam, a critical hardware component, may fail to work. In this case, theDISM tooland SFC scan help repair these corrupt files with their cached copy stored on the PC.

In case the command failed to work, there is another way to fix it. You can effectively solve corrupted system files withstandalone repair toolsfor Windows devices.

5. Update drivers

When running outdated drivers, you may find the Windows 11 camera freezing from time to time. And if youdownload camera driver in Windows 11, things should work.

Besides, if you can’t find the driver update automatically, head to the manufacturer’s website, locate the latest driver version, andmanually install the driver.

6. Download the latest version of the Camera app

For users who rely on the Camera app to record videos or capture simple selfies, it could be the app itself to blame and not the camera hardware component for freezing in Windows 11. And updating the app should get things running.

7. Modify the Registry Editor

When everything else fails to fix a freezing camera in Windows 11, you can always rely on the Registry hack shared byRafael Rivera. Some quick changes to the Registry, and you should have the webcam up and running.

Before you start with the modifications, back up the Registry Editor orcreate a restore pointto revert the changes in case things don’t turn out as expected. Also, follow the steps as it is, and do not change any other keys.

That’s it! One of the solutions here should help fix a freezing camera in Windows 11 or even when thecamera is not working. In case things don’t work out, as a last resort,reset Windows to factory defaults.

Before you leave, discover thebest Camera app alternativesand use one today for an enhanced feature set.

For any queries or to share which solution worked for you, drop a comment below.

7 Quick Ways to Fix Camera Freezing in Windows 11#

Why is my camera freezing on Windows 11?#

How do I fix camera freezing in Windows 11?#

1. Use the built-in troubleshooter#

2. Check the privacy settings#

3. Reinstall the webcam drivers#

4. Repair the corrupt system files#

5. Update drivers#

6. Download the latest version of the Camera app#

7. Modify the Registry Editor#