Fix: Another Application is Using Camera on Windows 10/11

Changing your camera privacy setting is an easy way to fix this issue

Reading time icon 6 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Tooltip Icon

Read the affiliate disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report effortlessly and without spending any money. Read more

Key notes

  • If you face another application using your camera error, it might be because of an outdated driver.
  • You may need to update your Microsoft Store apps or disable the firewall to fix this error.
  • Another quick and effective fix is to update your driver manually or with a dedicated tool.
another application is using your camera

As excellent as Windows 10 and 11 are, they are bound to encounter one or two issues over time. Among prevalent issues faced by users are camera-related problems.

Users are complaining that their camera is not working well on some applications showing a camera is being used by another application error message.

This issue can be frustrating, as it can happen on essential meeting apps like Zoom. Thankfully, we have gathered effective fixes to help you get past the error message in no time.

What does it mean when another application is using your camera?

As the name of the error implies, a background application might be using your camera for some processes. In this case, you need to close the program before using your camera.

Also, it might be that your antivirus is blocking your camera. Again, the quickest way to fix this is to disable or remove the software.

How do I find out if another app is using my camera?

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Choose the Privacy option.
    privacy option another application is using your camera
  3. Now, select Camera in the left pane.
    camera
  4. You will see if it is in use in the right pane.

How do I stop my camera from using other apps?

1. Close the apps using the camera

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Task Manager.
    task manager
  2. Under the Processes tab, right-click on any app that might be using your camera.
  3. Select the End Task option.
    end task

If you are facing the camera being used by another application issue on Windows 10, it might be because another program is indeed using it in the background. With this fix, you should be able to stop the program and free your camera.

2. Disable your firewall

  1. Press the Windows + R keys, type control, and click OK.
    run another application is using your camera
  2. Select the System and Security option.
    system and security another application is using your camera
  3. Select the Windows Defender Firewall option.
    windows defender firewall
  4. Click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option in the left pane.
    turn on or off
  5. Now, tick the radio button for Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (Not recommended) under the private and public networks.
  6. Finally, click the OK button to save the changes.
    turn windows off another application is using your camera

Sometimes, when you get the error message camera can’t be accessed because it’s being used by another application while trying to visit YouTube or a similar website; it might be your Firewall blocking access to the site.

3. Update camera driver

3.1. Update driver manually

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    manager another application is using your camera
  2. Double-click on the Cameras option to expand it.
    cameras
  3. Right-click on driver there and select Update driver.
    update driver
  4. Click the Search automatically for drivers option.
    search automatically another application is using your camera
  5. Wait for the process to complete and install all available updates.

If you are getting it looks like another app is using the camera already 0xA00F4288 error message, you need to update your drivers. The Windows driver updater will help you search and recommend any available update.

3.2. Update driver automatically

There is always the risk of installing the wrong camera driver when you try to update it manually. Also, the reach of the built-in Windows driver updater cannot be compared to a dedicated tool.

For these reasons, we recommend using a dedicated driver updater to automate the process. Outbyte Driver Updater is an excellent tool that automatically updates your outdated drivers before they cause any problems.

It only uses original drivers from trusted manufacturers from its extensive database. Then, you have to approve the driver installation, and Outbyte Driver Updater will take care of the rest. This tool makes sure your drivers are always in top shape at all times.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Install the original driver updates automatically using this great tool.
Free Trial Download Now

4. Update your Microsoft Store apps

  1. Click on the Microsoft Store icon on the Taskbar.
  2. Search for the app causing the problem.
  3. Update it if there is a recent version available for Windows 10/11.

If you are getting a camera and microphone used by another app error on Zoom or some meeting apps, the issue might be caused by an outdated app. Ensure to restart the app after the update.

5. Uninstall problematic apps

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Apps option.
    apps
  2. Click on any of the apps showing the error.
  3. Click the Uninstall button and follow the onscreen instruction to complete the process.
    uninstall
  4. You can now download and install the apps again from official sources.

Another application is using your camera error can be caused by issues with the app you are trying to use. In this case, it is best to uninstall and reinstall it.

6. Change camera privacy settings

  1. Open the Settings app and select Privacy.
    privacy option another application is using your camera
  2. Select the Camera option in the left pane.
    camera
  3. Now, toggle the switch for Allow apps to access your camera forward to enable it.
    allow apps
  4. Scroll down and review the apps that have access to your camera.

Windows lets you easily control which apps and programs can access your camera. If the error message persists, try checking your camera privacy settings and ensure that the app you’re using has access to your camera.

You can also disable all app camera access and then allow only particular apps to access it.

How can I fix the camera is reserved by another app error on Windows 11?

Another app reserves the camera is similar to another application is using your camera error message. The easiest way to fix the issue is to end all processes and programs that might be using your camera.

Another effective fix is to update your camera drivers, as shown in this guide. Lastly, you can change the privacy settings for your camera to allow only the apps you want to use.

Why is my camera on when I am not using it?

If your camera is on when you are not using it, it might be that another background process is currently using it. You can fix this with the solutions in this guide.

This problem can also be due to driver problems. This can be solved using dedicated software to update and fix any broken driver. Lastly, it might be down to malware, which should be easily solved using Windows Defender to scan for viruses.

Another application is using your camera can be exasperating as it prevents you from using some apps properly. But, with the fixes in this guide, you should be able to solve the issue quickly.

If you need a list of the best webcam software for Windows 11, check our guide for the top options in the market.

Feel free to let us know if you were able to solve this problem with any of the fixes in this guide.

More about the topics: camera, windows 10 update