Camera Roll Folder Missing in Windows 11: Easy Fixes

If your Camera Roll folder is missing on Windows 11, you can restore it quickly so the Camera app saves photos and videos correctly. Just follow these steps.

What To Do If Camera Roll Folder Is Missing on Windows 11?

1. Check the Default Pictures Directory

Start by verifying if the folder is still present in your main Pictures directory.

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Go to This PC > Pictures.
3. Look for a folder named Camera Roll.
4. If it is missing, continue to the next section to recreate it manually.

If your Camera app behaves strangely after restoring the folder, see how to stop apps from using your camera in the background.

2. Create a New Camera Roll Folder Manually

You can easily make a new folder to restore the default save path.

1. Open the Pictures folder.
   
2. Right-click inside the window and select New > Folder.
   
3. Name the folder Camera Roll exactly.
4. Restart your PC or reopen the Camera app.
   
5. Take a test photo to confirm that the new folder is recognized.

3. Restore the Folder Using the Camera App Settings

If the app cannot find your folder, set the correct save location again.

1. Open the Camera app from the Start menu.
2. Click the Settings gear icon in the top left.
3. Under Related settings, select Change where photos and videos are saved.
   
4. Point the location to Pictures > Camera Roll.
5. If needed, browse and create the folder again.

For more help adjusting camera save paths, see how to change the Camera app save location in Windows 10.

4. Use Windows Storage Settings to Restore the Default Location

Windows can recreate the default save folders if they go missing.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Click Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.
   
4. Under New photos and videos will save to, select This PC (C:).
5. Windows will recreate missing default folders automatically.

5. Run the Windows Photos App Troubleshooter

The built in troubleshooter can detect and fix folder issues automatically.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps.
3. Click Run.
4. Apply any fixes offered and test the Camera app again.

6. Check OneDrive Folder Redirection

OneDrive backup can change where your Pictures and Camera Roll folders live.

1. Open OneDrive Settings from the taskbar.
2. Go to Sync and Backup > Manage Backup.
3. If Pictures is backed up, click Stop Backup temporarily.
4. Create a local Camera Roll under Pictures.
5. Re enable backup after confirming the folder works.

Why the Camera Roll Folder Disappears

The Camera Roll folder can disappear after a Windows update, a user profile reset, manual deletion, or when cloud sync and permissions changes interrupt the default save path.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Restoring the Camera Roll folder is quick and ensures your photos save correctly. For older systems, you can also review where Camera pictures are stored in Windows 8 for reference.