Webcam Keeps Freezing on Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

Did you notice the camera not working on your laptop or webcam freezing or lag during video calls on your Windows 11 PC? You’re not alone. Many users have reported this issue, after Windows 11 upgrade Webcam keeps freezing every few minutes during Zoom meetings, Microsoft Teams calls or while using the built-in Camera app.

I will take a picture and it works fine but when I want to record it will freeze and not record anything I have to constantly restart the webcam until it finally works.

This issue can occur due to various factors, including outdated or incompatible drivers, incorrect privacy settings, or problems with the camera itself. Here are several ways to troubleshoot and fix these webcam freezing issues in Windows 11.

Why Laptop webcam keeps freezing Windows 11

The webcam freezing issue can be caused by various software and hardware issues. Software problems include outdated drivers, privacy settings blocking camera access, or conflicts with antivirus software. Hardware issues can involve a faulty camera or USB connection.

• Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Outdated webcam drivers can lead to freezing. Update your webcam drivers through Device Manager.
• Privacy Settings: Ensure your privacy settings allow the camera to be accessed by the relevant applications.
• Antivirus Interference: Some antivirus programs might mistakenly block webcam access. Check your antivirus settings or temporarily disable it to test.
• Software Conflicts: Other applications using the camera simultaneously or a corrupted camera app can cause freezing.
• Faulty Webcam: A failing webcam can freeze or stop working entirely. Consider testing with an external webcam to rule out a hardware problem.
• USB Connection Problems: If using an external webcam, a faulty USB cable or hub can cause freezing. Try a different port or cable.

Check App Permissions for Camera Access

Incorrect privacy settings can prevent apps from accessing your webcam properly, which may cause freezing or black screens. Ensuring that camera access is granted to the apps you use helps resolve this issue.

Make sure the camera app has permission to access the webcam.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security> Camera.
• Ensure Camera access and Let apps access your camera are turned ON.
• Review the list and allow access for apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype.
• Relaunch the app and test the camera again.

Update Your Webcam Driver

An outdated or corrupt webcam driver is the common reason behind camera issues, including freezing or delayed response. Updating or reinstalling the driver ensures better compatibility with Windows 11 and camera-dependent applications.

• Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand Cameras or Imaging devices.
• Right-click your webcam > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
• Restart your PC after the update.

If no new driver is found, visit the webcam manufacturer’s website and manually install the latest driver.

Update the Camera App from the Microsoft Store

If your webcam freezes only when using the Windows Camera app, an outdated version of the app may be the cause. Microsoft often releases updates to fix bugs, enhance compatibility, and improve performance.

Keeping the Camera app up to date ensures better stability and compatibility with Windows 11 and your webcam hardware.

• Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
• Click on Download in the bottom-left corner.
• Look for Camera in the list of installed apps.
• If an update is available, click Update.
• Once updated, reopen the Camera app and test the webcam.

In addition, Outdated Windows builds can cause software conflicts that affect camera performance. Go to Settings > Windows Update, then click Check for updates. Download and install any pending updates and restart Windows to apply changes.

Disable USB Power Saving Settings

Windows 11 may automatically disable USB ports to conserve power, which can interrupt webcam functionality and cause freezing, especially with external USB webcams.

• Press Windows key + X and Open Device Manager.
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
• Right-click each USB Root Hub > Properties > Power Management tab.
• Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
• Click OK and restart your PC. Now, check if the webcam is working as expected.

Run the Camera Troubleshooter

System misconfigurations or hidden camera issues can go undetected. Running the built-in Camera troubleshooter automatically detects and resolves common problems affecting your webcam.

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to Camera and click Run.
• Follow the prompts to apply the recommended fixes.

It can help resolve issues such as the camera not being detected, not working in specific apps, or displaying errors.

Lower Camera Resolution Settings

Some webcams may freeze or lag when set to high resolutions, especially if your system or USB connection cannot handle the data load. Lowering the resolution helps reduce strain and improve stability.

• Open the Camera app and click the gear icon for Settings.
• Adjust the photo and video resolution to 720p or lower.
• Alternatively, change the resolution in your video conferencing app settings.

Close Background Apps That Use the Camera

Again, Background apps like OBS Studio, Snap Camera, or virtual webcam tools may interfere with your camera’s primary usage, causing freezing or unresponsiveness. Closing these apps prevents conflicts and restores webcam behavior.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• End tasks for apps that might use the camera in the background.
• Restart your video call application.

Reinstall the Webcam Driver

Corrupted drivers can cause frequent camera freezing or disconnections. Reinstalling the webcam driver ensures a clean and stable configuration by removing any damaged driver files.

• Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager
• Locate Camera or “Imaging Devices” and expand it, right-click your webcam and choose Uninstall device.
• When the confirmation window opens, check the “Delete the driver software…” box and press OK.
• Restart your computer to let Windows reinstall the default driver.

Alternatively, you can install the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.

Tweak the Windows registry

Here is another effective way to fix the Windows 11 Webcam freeze problem

• Press Windows + R, type’ regedit’, and press OK to open the Windows Registry Editor.
• Backup registry Database, then navigate to the following key.
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Media Foundation\Platform
• Just right-click inside the right pane and select New>DWORD value.
• Name the new value ‘EnableFrameServerMode’ and make sure its value is set to ‘0’.

• That’s all, close the registry editor, and restart Windows to take effect the change.
• Let’s open the webcam and check it’s working smoothly.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and drivers. This helps identify if any third-party software is causing the freezing.

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Under Services, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items, then restart your PC.

Test with an External USB Webcam

If none of the above solutions work, it’s possible that your built-in webcam is faulty or incompatible with Windows 11. Connecting an external webcam can help you determine whether the issue is hardware-related.

Sometimes, the current USB port may not supply stable power or bandwidth. Try plugging the webcam into a different USB port—preferably on the back of your PC if using a desktop.

Some security tools may block camera access or interfere with webcam drivers. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software and test the camera again. Be sure to re-enable it after testing.

Suppose you’ve tried all software-based fixes and your webcam still freezes. In that case, it might be time to consider replacing the webcam, especially if it’s an older or generic model without proper driver support for Windows 11.