Changing the default camera on Windows 11 isn’t exactly a walk in the park — not because it’s hard, but because Windows kind of makes it tricky to set a specific camera as your main input, especially when multiple cameras are involved. If you’re switching between a built-in laptop camera and an external webcam, or just want to be sure a particular device always takes precedence, this guide should help. It’s a bit of a dance, but once set up, your video calls (Zoom, Teams, whatever) will pick your preferred device without fuss. Just beware: sometimes Windows might revert changes after a reboot, so you might need to redo parts of this here and there.
How to Change Default Camera in Windows 11
Fix 1: Check your camera settings in Device Manager
This one’s kinda weird, but sometimes Windows doesn’t like to pick the right camera unless you tell it explicitly. Head over to Device Manager (hit Win + X and select Device Manager).Look under Cameras or Imaging Devices. Find your external camera (or whichever camera you want to prioritize) and right-click. Then choose Disable device for all other cameras you don’t want to use, or, if you’re feeling brave, right-click and choose Update driver to make sure everything’s running fresh. Sometimes Windows defaults to built-in cameras no matter what, especially if they’re enabled by default. Disabling those is a quick fix, and on some setups, it actually forces the apps to use the connected, better camera.
Pro tip: If your external camera isn’t showing up, double-check the connection, and maybe unplug and replug it. Also, check if the camera drivers are up-to-date, because outdated stuff can cause it to behave weirdly. On some setups it takes a couple of reboots after the driver update or disabling, but it usually gets there.
Fix 2: Change app permissions and default camera in Settings
This is more straightforward if Windows actually sees your camera and it’s just about permissions. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. Make sure the toggle for Allow apps to access your camera is turned on, and also check that the particular app you’re using (Zoom, Teams) has permission to access cameras. Sometimes, apps default to their own camera settings, so opening the app’s preferences can help. For example, in Teams or Zoom, there’s a video settings menu—pick your preferred camera there.
On some machines, changing device defaults in Windows doesn’t automatically update app settings. You’ll have to switch the camera inside each app, but setting permissions helps Windows recognize and prioritize the right input overall.
Fix 3: Use third-party tools for more control
Yeah, Windows doesn’t always get the job done neatly, so some people swear by tools like Winhance or camera switchers. These apps let you assign default cameras, toggle between multiple inputs easily, and sometimes even fix driver conflicts or low-level issues that Windows itself won’t touch. Not perfect, but on some setups, this is the only way to reliably automate switching if Windows constantly reverts your choice.
Fix 4: Disable and Re-enable your camera devices (sometimes helps)
If everything else fails, try this quick trick: go back into Device Manager, right-click your camera, choose Disable device. Then, after a few seconds, right-click again and choose Enable device. This forces Windows to re-detect the device and sometimes resets any misconfiguration that’s messing with your default camera settings. Doesn’t always work, but worth a shot, especially after driver updates.
Of course, Windows sometimes likes to be stubborn and revert your changes after a reboot, so you might end up repeating some of these steps periodically. That’s just part of the fun when dealing with multiple video input devices.
Tips for Changing Default Camera in Windows 11
- Make sure all cameras are plugged in and detected in Device Manager before messing with settings.
- Keep your camera drivers updated—check via Device Manager > Cameras > [your camera], right-click, Update driver.
- Close camera applications before changing device preferences; some apps lock onto cameras once they’re launched.
- Rename your cameras in Device Manager or using specialized software — makes it easier to identify which is which.
- Sometimes a quick reboot after all changes is necessary to really lock in the default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I see my camera in the list?
It’s either disconnected, disabled, or driver issues. Double-check physical connections, and if you see it in Device Manager, try updating or re-enabling.
How do I update my camera drivers?
In Device Manager, find your camera, right-click, and pick Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers. If it still doesn’t work, visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
What if the camera doesn’t work after setting it as default?
Try rebooting, then double-check app-specific settings. Sometimes, Windows shows the camera as default, but the app needs its own configuration.
Can I set different default cameras for each app?
Yeah, most apps like Zoom or Teams have their own camera settings — so you can pick a different input inside the app itself. Windows doesn’t globally set per-app defaults, unfortunately.
Is it possible to switch back to the previous default camera?
Totally. Just go through the same steps to select the previous device, or re-enable the camera device you originally used. Sometimes you need to re-enable or re-select to get back to your usual setup.
Summary
- Check your camera connections and device manager.
- Disable other cameras if needed to force Windows to pick your main device.
- Update drivers regularly to avoid hiccups.
- Adjust permissions and app settings for smooth operation.
- Use third-party switchers if Windows refuses to cooperate.
Wrap-up
Getting your preferred camera to always be the default often involves a little fiddling, especially with multiple devices. Sometimes Windows just isn’t the brightest when it comes to handling default device settings, but with a bit of patience and some driver tweaks, it’s manageable. Expect to do this every now and then if hardware configurations change or if Windows updates mess with your setup. Still, once it’s set, things tend to run pretty smoothly — at least until the next update happens.