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How to change privacy settings in Windows

This article demonstrates the steps to adjust camera and microphone privacy settings on Windows 10.

Windows 10 has privacy settings that control which apps can access your camera and microphone. If your devices aren't working in certain apps or browsers, these settings may be blocking access.

Microphone settings

Option 1: Use the search bar in the bottom left corner of the screen:

  1. Type "Microphone privacy settings" in the search bar
  2. Select the matching result from the list

Option 2: If there's no search bar:

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings
  2. Type "Microphone privacy settings" in the Settings search field
  3. Select the corresponding result

Camera settings

Option 1: Use the search bar:

  1. Type "Camera privacy settings" in the search bar
  2. Select the matching result

Option 2: Through Settings:

  1. Open Start menu → Settings
  2. Type "Camera privacy settings" in the search field
  3. Select the result

Quick reference

Make sure all three settings are enabled for both camera and microphone:

  • Device access — the main toggle at the top
  • App access — allow apps to use the device
  • Desktop app access — required for browsers and non-Store apps