How to disable camera on Windows 11

• You can now disable webcams from the Windows 11 Settings to improve privacy.
• To enable or disable cameras, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, and manage any device connected to your computer.

On Windows 11, the Settings app includes a “Cameras” page that allows you to disable or enable webcams and network cameras, and in this guide, you will learn how to complete this task.

The Cameras settings page is located in the “Bluetooth & devices” section and includes all sorts of settings to manage devices, including USB, built-in, and even network cameras. Although you can restrict app access to these devices using the Privacy settings, the new integration allows you to disable them entirely to improve your privacy further.

Also, there is a new configuration page to adjust various settings, including the backlight that causes shadows on your face. And you can even adjust brightness and contrast, enable Video HDR or Eye Contact, or correct the camera rotation.

This guide will teach you the steps to disable or enable cameras on Windows 11. In addition, we also outline the steps to perform the same tasks with the legacy option (Device Manager).

• Disable camera on Windows 11
• Enable camera on Windows 11

Disable camera on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can disable a camera in at least two ways from the Settings app or Device Manager.

1. Settings app method

To disable a webcam or network camera, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.

3. Click the Cameras tab.

4. Under the “Connected cameras” section, select the camera.

   

5. Click the Disable button.

   

6. Click the Yes button.

Once you complete the steps, the camera will continue to be present, but it won’t be active or available for any application.

2. Device Manager method

To disable a camera through Device Manager, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.

3. Double-click the “Imaging devices” branch to expand it.

4. Right-click the camera and select the Disable device option.

   

5. Click the Yes button.

After you complete the steps, the network camera or webcam will no longer be available for applications.

Enable camera on Windows 11

In the same way, you can also enable any camera through the Settings app and Device Manager.

1. Settings app method

To enable a webcam or network camera, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.

3. Click the Cameras tab.

4. Under the “Disabled cameras” section, click the Enable button for the camera.

   

Once you complete the steps, the camera will be available for all applications.

2. Device Manager method

To enable a camera with Device Manager, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.

3. Double-click the “Imaging devices” branch to expand it.

4. Right-click the camera and select the Enable device option.

   

5. Click the Yes button.

After completing the steps, the webcam or IP camera will again be available on Windows 11.