Windows Camera app fails to launch, Error code 0xA00F424A

Here is the list of solutions that you can follow to fix the camera app issue on Windows

Check camera compatibilityInstall the previous version of the camera driverUninstall the camera driverReset the Camera appUninstall & reinstall the Camera app

You will need to have an admin account to execute these steps.

1] Check camera compatibility

According to Microsoft, if your webcam was designed before the Windows 7 launch, it may not be compatible with modern camera applications such as Windows 11/10 Camera app. To find out whether it is compatible or not, do this: Open Device Manager. In the Device Manager window, you will see Imaging devices. Expand the list—Right-click on the camera name and select Properties.

Next, switch to the Driver tab and click on Driver Details. If your camera were designed before Windows 7, you would find a stream.sys file in the list.

Otherwise, you will find ksthunk.sys and usbvideo.sys files.

2] Install the previous version of the camera driver

Sometimes installing an older version of the camera driver solves this issue. However, not all the cameras need a driver to run with Windows 11/10. If you have such a camera, you may not be able to execute the following steps. Open Device Manager > Select the Imaging device > Right-click on it and select Properties. Next, switch to the Driver tab and click on Roll Back Driver. Select Yes in the next popup window and restart your computer.

3] Uninstall the camera driver

If rolling back, the driver does not help; you may need to uninstall the camera driver and reinstall the driver. To do so, Open Device Manager > Select the Imaging device > Right-click on it and select Properties. Next, switch to the Driver tab and then click on Uninstall button. Also, select the checkbox that says Delete the driver software for this device and click on the OK button. Restart your computer and then use the Scan for hardware changes button on the Device Manager’s menu bar. Your camera should reinstall the necessary driver automatically.

4] Reset the Camera app

Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Search for the camera app and select Advanced options on the next screen that appears. Select Reset to reset this Windows App.

5] Uninstall & reinstall the Camera app

Use our 10Apps Manager to uninstall and then fresh install the Camera app. I hope something here helps you solve this issue. Related reads:

We can’t get to the camera roll right nowThe camera Roll folder missingWe can’t find your camera. Error code 0xA00F4244The Camera app can’t be used with this version of WindowsThis app needs your permission to use your cameraHow to find out which app is using the webcam in Windows.

How do I turn on the camera on the PC?

You can launch the Camera app from the Start menu, or you can open the software you want to use, e.g., Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and then click on the setting to configure the camera app.

Which function key turns on the camera?

While there is no dedicated key from Windows that can launch the camera app, if the Laptop OEM or Keyboard OEM offers, then look for the markers on the keyboard to figure it out. However, the camera app can only be used through the app, and nothing else turns on the camera.