Common reasons your PC's camera and microphone aren't working

It's an annoying problem but one that can be easily fixed

By Roger Fingas Nov. 14, 2026 1:30 pm EST Mr.Bije/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

The webcams on our PCs are essential pieces of equipment. There's a chance you conducted an interview for your most recent job with one, and even major news outlets regularly talk to experts or pundits this way instead of inviting them down to the studio. It helps that cams have gone from choppy and muffled feeds to something closer to broadcast quality, and of course professionals often use dedicated equipment.