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:
Type "Microphone privacy settings" in the search bar
Select the matching result from the list
Option 2: If there's no search bar:
Open the Start menu and select Settings
Type "Microphone privacy settings" in the Settings search field
Select the corresponding result
Step 1: Enable device access
First, check that microphone access is enabled for the device.
This setting controls general access to recording devices on your computer.
Step 2: Allow apps to access microphone
Make sure this toggle is also enabled.
Step 3: Enable for desktop apps and browsers
Scroll to the bottom and enable access for desktop applications.
You can also control access for individual apps in the list above this setting.
Camera settings
Option 1: Use the search bar:
Type "Camera privacy settings" in the search bar
Select the matching result
Option 2: Through Settings:
Open Start menu → Settings
Type "Camera privacy settings" in the search field
Select the result
Step 1: Enable device access
First, ensure camera access is enabled.
Step 2: Allow apps to access camera
Enable both of these settings.
Step 3: Enable for desktop apps and browsers
Scroll down and enable access for desktop applications.
You can control access for individual apps in the list above this setting.
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