Windows 11 comes with a built-in Camera app that makes it easy to take photos, record videos, scan documents, and use your webcam for quick tasks. Most users open the Camera app and start using it without thinking much about settings. But if you have more than one camera connected to your PC, you may need to switch between cameras.
For example, many laptops have an internal front camera, but you might also connect an external USB webcam for better quality. Some users also use a capture card or a secondary camera for recording content. In these cases, knowing how to change the camera inside the Windows 11 Camera app becomes very useful.
In this guide, you will learn how to switch cameras in the Camera app on Windows 11, what to do if the switch option is not showing, and how to fix common problems when Windows does not detect your camera correctly.
Why You Might Need to Change the Camera in Windows 11
There are many situations where switching cameras becomes necessary. If you own a laptop, the Camera app usually opens the built-in camera by default. But you may want to switch to an external webcam because it gives better video quality, better focus, and improved microphone support.
In some setups, a user might have two USB webcams connected. One camera might be placed for face recording, while the other is for desk recording or showing objects. Switching cameras quickly helps you record exactly what you want without disconnecting cables.
Sometimes Windows may also select the wrong camera automatically, especially if you recently plugged in a new webcam or installed camera-related software. In such cases, changing the camera manually is the easiest solution.
What You Need Before Switching Cameras
Before you start, make sure your cameras are properly connected and working. If you are using an external webcam, plug it into a USB port directly. Avoid loose connections because the Camera app may not detect the device correctly.
If you are using a laptop with a built-in camera, make sure your privacy shutter is open if your laptop has one. Many modern laptops include a physical shutter that blocks the camera for privacy. If it is closed, the Camera app may show a black screen.
You should also ensure your Windows 11 system is updated. Sometimes camera bugs are fixed through Windows updates, and an outdated version may cause detection issues.
How to Change Camera in the Camera App on Windows 11
Changing the camera inside the Windows 11 Camera app is very easy when multiple cameras are detected. The app includes a switch camera button, and you can switch instantly.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu
- Search for Camera
- Open the Camera app
- Look for the Change camera icon (switch camera button)
- Click the button to switch to the next available camera
When you click the change camera icon, Windows 11 will switch to your other camera. If you have more than two cameras, you can click the button again to cycle through all available cameras.
In most cases, the switch happens instantly. You will see the live feed change to the other camera in one or two seconds.
Where Is the Change Camera Button Located?
In the Windows 11 Camera app, the change camera button is usually located on the right side of the screen. It looks like a small camera icon with circular arrows around it, showing that it can switch devices.
If you are using the Camera app in a smaller window, the icon may appear slightly differently, but it is usually easy to spot near the camera controls.
If the button is not visible, it usually means Windows currently detects only one camera.
How to Set the Default Camera in Windows 11
Windows 11 does not always give a simple “default camera” option inside the Camera app itself, but you can still control which camera apps use by managing device settings and permissions.
A simple way is to disconnect the camera you do not want. Then open the Camera app again, and it will choose the available camera automatically.
If you want a more permanent preference, you can check settings inside apps like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet. These apps allow you to choose your preferred camera, and that choice stays saved.
For the Windows Camera app, switching manually is usually the easiest and fastest solution.
What to Do If You Cannot Switch Camera in the Camera App
Sometimes users open the Camera app and do not see any camera switch option. This can happen for a few reasons.
The most common reason is that your PC only has one camera available. If there is no second camera connected, Windows has nothing to switch to.
Another reason is that the second camera is not being detected properly. If the external webcam is plugged in but not showing, Windows may not recognize it because of a driver issue or USB connection problem.
In some laptops, the built-in camera may be disabled in BIOS or privacy settings, and Windows cannot access it. This can also prevent switching.
Fix 1: Check If Windows Detects the Camera Device
The quickest way to confirm camera detection is to check Device Manager.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + X
- Click Device Manager
- Expand Cameras or Imaging devices
- Look for your connected camera devices
If your second camera is listed, it means Windows detects it. If it is not listed, unplug the camera and plug it back in. Try a different USB port if needed.
Fix 2: Enable Camera Permissions in Windows 11
Sometimes the Camera app cannot access your camera because permissions are turned off.
To check camera permissions:
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy & security
- Click Camera
- Turn on Camera access
- Turn on Let apps access your camera
- Make sure the Camera app is allowed
After enabling these settings, open the Camera app again and check if the camera switch option appears.
Fix 3: Restart the Camera App
If switching does not work properly, the Camera app might be stuck or not refreshing devices correctly. Closing and reopening the app can fix the problem quickly.
You can close it normally, or force close it using Task Manager.
To force close:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- Find Camera in the list
- Right-click it
- Click End task
Now open the Camera app again and check.
Fix 4: Update or Reinstall Camera Drivers
If your external camera is not working or cannot be switched to, driver problems may be the reason.
To update the camera driver:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Cameras
- Right-click the camera device
- Click Update driver
- Select Search automatically for drivers
If the update does not help, you can reinstall the driver by uninstalling it and restarting your PC. Windows will install it again automatically.
Fix 5: Check for Windows 11 Updates
Windows updates can fix camera bugs and compatibility issues. If your camera is not switching, updating Windows is a smart step.
To check:
- Open Settings
- Click Windows Update
- Select Check for updates
- Install updates and restart
After updating, check the Camera app again.
Fix 6: Reset or Repair the Camera App
If the Camera app itself is broken, repairing or resetting it can help.
To reset the Camera app:
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Click Installed apps
- Find Camera
- Click Advanced options
- Select Repair
- If needed, select Reset
Repair keeps data while fixing issues. Reset clears app data and restores default settings.
Why the Camera App Keeps Switching Back Automatically
Some users notice that the Camera app switches camera but then goes back to the main one. This can happen if one camera is not stable or disconnects briefly.
USB power issues, loose cable connections, or low-quality USB hubs can cause webcams to drop momentarily. When this happens, Windows returns to the available camera.
To fix this, connect your webcam directly to your PC and avoid USB hubs when possible.
Using Multiple Cameras for Recording in Windows 11
Windows 11 Camera app is simple and works well for basic use, but it has limitations for advanced recording. If you want professional control, you may use apps like OBS Studio, which allows better switching, mixing, and camera control.
Still, for basic switching between a laptop camera and a USB webcam, the Windows Camera app is a quick and easy solution.
Final Thoughts
Changing the camera in the Camera app on Windows 11 is easy when your PC has more than one camera connected. You simply use the switch camera icon inside the app to cycle through the available cameras. This feature is useful for laptop users with external webcams, content creators using multiple angles, and anyone who wants better camera quality.
If you do not see the switch option, it usually means Windows detects only one camera or the second camera is not properly connected. In that case, checking Device Manager, enabling camera permissions, updating drivers, and resetting the Camera app can solve the issue in most situations.
If you want, I can also write the next article in the same pattern on “How to Fix Camera Not Working in Windows 11” or “How to Use OBS Studio with Multiple Cameras on Windows 11.”
