Getting your default camera sorted in Windows 11 isn’t too tricky, but it can be one of those silent tasks that bugs you for ages if you don’t know where to look. Sometimes your laptop or external webcam gets switched around, and all of a sudden it’s not the one you want for Zoom calls or recording. A bit odd, but… Windows doesn’t always make it completely straightforward how to lock in that perfect camera as the default.
Step-by-Step on How to Set the Default Camera in Windows 11
Getting this sorted is pretty simple — just have a squiz in Settings. Here’s the rundown:
Step 1: Open the Settings app
Click on Start and then hit Settings or just press Win + I. Too easy. The Settings app is where all the magic happens — think of it as your control centre for most device tweaks.
Step 2: Go to Bluetooth & devices
Once Settings pops up, find and click Bluetooth & devices. Yeah, it sounds like it’s only about Bluetooth, but it also covers all your connected hardware — including cameras.
Step 3: Find and click on Cameras
Scroll down a bit or look in the sidebar for Cameras. That’s where Windows lists all webcams and external cameras. If your camera isn’t showing up, try ejecting and plugging it back in or updating the driver.
Step 4: Pick the camera you want as default
Click on the camera device you want. Under the device name, you should see a button or toggle labeled Set as default. On some setups, it’s not super clear — sometimes you’ll need to jump into the device’s properties or adjust app permissions.
Step 5: Confirm and restart the apps
Once set, Windows should prioritise that camera for apps that auto-detect hardware (like Teams, Zoom, Skype). You might need to restart those apps for the change to kick in. Because of course, Windows makes it a bit more complicated than it needs to be.
Sometimes, Windows won’t switch over straight away if apps have stored camera info, so a reboot or at least closing and reopening the app is a good idea.
Tips to Get It Working Smoothly
- Check Compatibility: Not all cameras get along with Windows 11. Make sure yours is supported, especially if it’s an older or third-party device.
- Update Drivers: Head to the manufacturer’s site or use
Device Manager(Win + X > Device Manager) to make sure your camera driver’s up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause all sorts of detection dramas. - Test it Out: Before jumping on a big call, fire up a camera app (like the Windows Camera app or Teams) to see if your preferred device is being used.
- Check Back Regularly: Because of Windows updates or driver tweaks, what was your default yesterday might not be today. It’s a good idea to double-check now and then.
Quick FAQs
How do I find camera settings in Windows 11?
In Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. If your camera isn’t showing, a quick driver update usually does the trick.
Can I have multiple default cameras?
Nah, Windows only lets you pick one. If you want different cameras for different apps, you’ll need to set them within each individual app’s settings, which can be a bit of a faff.
What if it doesn’t show up?
Try unplugging and plugging in the camera again, or uninstalling it in Device Manager and scanning for hardware changes. Sometimes Windows just needs a nudge to recognise a device.
How do I disable a camera?
In the same Cameras list, select the device and click Disable. That’s handy if you’ve got privacy concerns or just want to turn it off for now.
Shortcut to camera settings?
No quick key for this specific setting, unfortunately. But pinning Settings to the taskbar saves a few clicks. Or, if you’re deadset, head straight to Device Manager.
Summary
- Open Settings (Win + I)
- Click on Bluetooth & devices
- Select Cameras
- Pick your preferred camera
- Hit Set as default
Hopefully this guides you through it and saves a bit of hassle. Just keep in mind, Windows can be a bit quirky, and what works on one machine might not on another. Driver setups and app-specific settings can throw a spanner in the works too. But in most cases, these steps will do the trick — especially after a reboot or driver update. Fingers crossed this helps, mate.