Your webcam is acting up again. You open a video call app, and bam — a message jumps out at you: “Your webcam is being used by another application.” Ugh, really? You didn’t even open anything else. Don’t worry. We’ve all been there. Let’s fix it, step-by-step, without pulling your hair out.
Why This Happens
The error typically means another program is holding your webcam hostage. This sneaky app might still be running in the background, sipping digital coffee with your camera, while you just want to Zoom.
Here’s how to kick out the uninvited guest and get your camera back in action:
1. Restart Your Computer
Yes, the oldest trick in the book. But surprisingly, it works — like, a lot! Restarting your PC can close all programs stealthily using the webcam.
- Step: Click Start, then Restart.
- Reason: It resets everything and clears the line for your webcam to reconnect properly.
If that didn’t do the trick, don’t get grumpy just yet.
2. Close Background Apps
Apps don’t always close just because you clicked the X. Sneaky apps like Skype, Zoom, Teams, or OBS can still be running quietly.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look under the Processes tab for any app that might use the webcam.
- Right-click them and choose End Task.
Now try opening your video app. Did it work? If yes, high five! If no, stay with me.
3. Check App Permissions
You may have accidentally told your PC to ignore your webcam. Let’s turn those permissions back on like a boss.
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Camera.
- Make sure “Allow apps to access your camera” is ON.
- Scroll down and make sure the app you want to use has access too.
Still seeing that error? Onward!
4. Update Webcam Drivers
An outdated driver is like a translator stuck in the 90s — it just can’t keep up. Let’s bring your webcam to the modern age.
- Right-click the Start button, choose Device Manager.
- Expand Cameras or Imaging Devices.
- Right-click your webcam and click Update driver.
Let Windows search for updates. If it finds one, install it and restart your PC. Test again.
5. Disable and Re-enable the Webcam
Sometimes a gentle nudge (read: switch off and on) does wonders.
- In Device Manager, right-click your webcam.
- Select Disable.
- Wait a moment, then Enable it again.
This can save your webcam from the digital blues.
6. Uninstall Unused Webcam Software
Many new laptops come with pre-installed camera apps. Some of them clash with others like siblings fighting over the remote control.
- Go to Settings → Apps.
- Find unfamiliar or rarely-used camera software.
- Click Uninstall.
Less is more here.
7. Use the Right App First
If you try opening two video apps at the same time, it’s like trying to be in two Zoom calls at once. Spoiler: It doesn’t work.
So launch only the app you want to use the webcam with — and make sure no other one is running.
8. Try Safe Mode (Advanced)
If things still look grim, boot into Safe Mode. That starts your PC with only the essentials, which helps rule out conflicts.
- Press Win + R, type msconfig.
- Go to the Boot tab and check Safe boot → Network.
- Restart your PC and see if the webcam works in applications.
If it works in Safe Mode, you’ve got a software conflict. Time to investigate which newly installed program might be the villain.
Wrap Up
There you go! One of these fixes should yank your webcam out of its rebellious phase. Next time you see that “another application is using your camera” message, you’ll know just what to do.
Smile! You’re back on camera again.
