If your laptop’s webcam isn’t working, you might be able to fix it yourself by trying these solutions from our in-house tech wizards.
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Update your software
Windows 11:
To see the available updates, go to “Start” > “Settings” > “Windows Update”.
Windows 10:
To see the available updates go to “Start” > “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update”.
If you see an error message
First, make sure that:
- Your laptop is plugged into a power source.
- You have backed up all your personal data.
- You have administrator access – this isn’t mandatory, but note that some updates may require an admin status.
Step 1. Leave some space for the updates
Your laptop requires a minimum of 16 GB of free space to upgrade to a 32-bit OS, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS.
Step 2. Restart your laptop for the updates to apply
Restarting your laptop will allow you to enjoy the last installed updates.
To restart your device go to “Start” > “Power” and either select “Update and restart” or “Update and shut down”.
Step 3. Download all new updates.
Now that you have tried the previous recommendations, we suggest running new updates again.
To do so, go to “Start” > “Settings” > “Windows Update”.
→ For Windows 10: go to “Start” > “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update”.
Step 4. Remove external hardware
Remove any external devices that are connected to your laptop and then try to download updates again. If you’re still running into issues, move on to the next step.
Step 5. Look for potential errors
Type “device manager” in the search box on the taskbar and select the results.
A window will appear – look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark.
Select the relevant device(s) name.
Click “Action” and select either “Update driver” or “Uninstall” to correct the errors.
Step 6. Solve error code when updating
If you are receiving an error notification when installing Windows updates, we suggest running the “Update Troubleshooter”.
To do so, go to “Start” > “Settings” > “System” > “Troubleshoot” > “Other troubleshooters”. Look for the “Most frequent” menu and select “Windows Update” > “Run”.
→ For Windows 10: go to “Start” > “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot” > “Additional troubleshooters”. Look for the “Get up and running” menu and select “Windows Update” > “Run the troubleshooter”.
When the troubleshooter’s job is done, restart your device.
When your laptop turns back on, check for new updates by going to the “Start” > “Settings” > “Windows Update” > “Check for updates” and install any that you see.
Step 7. Solve issue of incomplete updates installation
Depending on your connection speed and the size of the updates, the installation may take a considerable amount of time. If you see that the installation stays blocked at a percentage, try checking for updates again or using the “Update Troubleshooter” (for the last one, check the previous step, “Solve error code when updating”).
To check for updates, go to “Start” > “Settings” > “Windows Update”.
Update drivers
- Select the Windows logo or the “Search” symbol in the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
- Search for and click the “Device Manager” icon that appears in the “Best Results” section.
- Select the “>” symbol in front of the device you are troubleshooting.
- Right-click on the lines that appear and select “Update driver” then select the “Automatic Search” option.
- If Windows finds an update, select “Update driver”.
- If Windows doesn’t find an update, you can try searching for one on the manufacturer’s website.