Applies ToWindows 11

In Windows 11, the Camera settings in the Settings app helps manage the cameras connected to a Windows device. Select one of the following topics to see more:

Default settings for each camera can be set in Camera settings. The settings are stored for each camera and each user account, although they don't synchronize between multiple Windows devices.

When an app uses the camera, the camera starts with default settings. However, apps using the camera might apply different settings at any time while using the camera. Not every app uses the default settings.

Modify default settings for a camera

  1. Select Start and then select Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras . Or Select the following Bluetooth & devices > Cameras shortcut:Open Bluetooth & devices > Cameras

  2. In the Bluetooth & devices > Cameras window, under Connected cameras, select the desired camera from the list.

  3. Windows starts the camera, displays a preview, and shows controls to adjust various settings.

  4. Use the controls and adjust the image. Changes are shown immediately. Any changes made are saved as the new default settings.

  5. Some camera manufacturers include an app that allows additional configuration changes. For those cameras, a button under the Related settings section opens the manufacturer's app.

Depending on the camera's capabilities and version of Windows 11, some or all the following controls might be available:

  • Basic camera controls such as Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, and Sharpness.

  • Windows Studio Effects.

  • Rotation - some external cameras can be rotated to adjust for different mounting.

  • Video HDR - uses HDR capture techniques to ensure bright and dark parts of the image all appear natural and detailed.

Note:

Some cameras don't appear in the Camera settings page. For example:

  • Infrared (IR) cameras used for Windows Hello Face authentication.

  • Cameras using DirectShow technology - these cameras might include DSLR or action camera manufacturers that can be used as webcams.

  • Proprietary cameras that aren't managed by Windows - these cameras might include industrial cameras and many networked cameras.

  1. Select Start and then select Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras . Or Select the following Bluetooth & devices > Cameras shortcut:Open Bluetooth & devices > Cameras

  2. In the Bluetooth & devices > Cameras window, under Disabled cameras, select the desired camera to enable, and then select the Enable button.

Notes: 

  • Administrator access is required to enable cameras.

  • If there isn't a disabled cameras section, no cameras are disabled.

  1. Select Start and then select Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras . Or Select the following Bluetooth & devices > Cameras shortcut:Open Bluetooth & devices > Cameras

  2. In the Bluetooth & devices > Cameras window, under Connected cameras, select the desired camera to disable.

  3. In the Bluetooth & devices > Cameras > <Camera> window, select the Disable button.

  4. Confirm disabling the camera by selecting the Yes button.

To reenable the camera, see the Enable a camera section in this article.

Notes: 

  • Administrator access is required to disable cameras.

  • On some devices, disabling a camera disables multiple cameras on the Windows device. Windows shows a warning if multiple cameras are disabled after selecting the Disable button.

  • Some cameras might require you to reboot your device to disable the camera.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.