There are several reasons why your webcam may not be working. The troubleshooting steps below can help identify and resolve common camera issues on Windows and in Google Chrome.

Problem: Webcam Not Working on Windows

If your webcam is not working in any application, use the troubleshooting steps below to identify or rule out potential causes.

Solution 1: Make Sure No Other Applications Are Using the Camera

As a first step, make sure another application isn't currently using your camera.

1. Close video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
2. Close other browser tabs or applications that may be accessing the camera.
3. Restart your computer.
4. After restarting, open the Camera app in Windows and test the camera.
5. If the camera works in the Camera app, close the Camera app before opening Big Interview.

Solution 2: Check the Physical Connection or Camera Cover

If you use an external webcam and it isn't working in any application:

• Make sure the webcam is securely connected to your computer.
• If possible, unplug the webcam and connect it to a different USB port.
• Check whether your laptop has a physical camera shutter, privacy switch, or keyboard button that disables the camera.
• Make sure the camera lens isn't physically covered.

Solution 3: Check Windows Camera Privacy Settings

Windows 11 allows you to control which apps and desktop applications can access your camera.

1. Open Start → Settings.
2. Select Privacy & security.
3. Select Camera.
4. Make sure Camera access is turned On.
5. Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned On.
6. Make sure Let desktop apps access your camera is turned On.

Important: Web browsers such as Chrome are desktop applications, so Let desktop apps access your camera needs to be enabled for browser-based camera use.

Solution 4: Check Whether the Camera Is Enabled in Device Manager

1. Open Start and search for Device Manager.
2. Open Device Manager.
3. Expand Cameras.
4. Right-click your camera.
5. If you see Enable device, select it.
6. If you see Disable device, the camera is already enabled.

Solution 5: Check Your Antivirus or Security Software
Some antivirus or privacy/security software can prevent applications from accessing your webcam.
Check your antivirus or security software settings to make sure camera access isn't being blocked.
If you're unsure which setting controls camera access, contact the software manufacturer's support team.

Solution 6: Check for Camera Driver Updates

If your camera still isn't working:

1. Open Start and search for Device Manager.
2. Open Device Manager.
3. Expand Cameras.
4. Right-click your camera.
5. Select Update driver.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If Windows cannot find an updated driver, check your computer or camera manufacturer's website for the latest driver.

Problem: Webcam Not Working in Google Chrome

If your webcam works in another application, such as the Windows Camera app, but doesn't work in Big Interview through Chrome, follow the steps below.

Solution 1: Close Other Applications Using the Camera

Close other applications, browser tabs, or video calls that may be using your camera.
Then reopen Big Interview and try again.

Solution 2: Allow Big Interview to Access Your Camera and Microphone

The first time you access a Big Interview Mock Interview through Practice or Assignments, Chrome may ask for permission to use your camera and microphone.
Select Allow.

If you previously selected Block, you'll need to update the site's permissions in Chrome.

Solution 3: Allow Pop-Ups and Redirects

If the camera and microphone permission prompt does not appear, check Chrome's pop-up settings.

1. Open Chrome.
2. Select the three-dot More menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select Privacy and security.
5. Select Site settings.
6. Select Pop-ups and redirects.
7. Make sure Big Interview is not listed as a blocked site.

Solution 4: Make Sure Chrome Is Up to Date
Keeping Chrome updated can help prevent browser compatibility issues.

1. Open Chrome.
2. Select the three-dot More menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Help → About Google Chrome.
4. Chrome will automatically check for updates.
5. If an update is available, select Relaunch.

Solution 5: Test Your Webcam in Another Browser

To determine whether the issue is specific to Chrome, test your webcam using another supported browser.
If the camera works in another browser but not Chrome, continue with the Chrome-specific troubleshooting steps below.

Solution 6: Select the Correct Camera in Chrome

Chrome allows you to select which camera is used by websites.

1. Open Chrome.
2. Select the three-dot More menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select Privacy and security.
5. Select Site settings.
6. Under Permissions, select Camera.
7. Select the correct camera from the camera dropdown.
8. Check the list of sites that are not allowed to use the camera and make sure Big Interview isn't blocked.

Solution 7: Check Browser Extensions and Ad Blockers
Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with website functionality, including camera access.
Temporarily disable extensions that may interfere with Big Interview, particularly ad blockers or privacy/security extensions.
You can also test Big Interview in a Chrome Incognito window. If the camera works there, an extension or browser setting may be causing the issue.

Solution 8: Clear Cookies and Cached Files

If the problem continues, clearing Chrome's browsing data may resolve issues caused by outdated or corrupted browser data.

1. Open Chrome.
2. Select the three-dot More menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select Privacy and security.
5. Select Delete browsing data.
6. Set the Time range to All time.
7. Select Cookies and other site data.
8. Select Cached images and files.
9. Select Delete data.

1. Restart Chrome and try Big Interview again.

Solution 9: Disable Graphics Acceleration
If you're experiencing camera or video issues in Chrome, temporarily disabling graphics acceleration may help identify a browser rendering issue.

1. Open Chrome.
2. Select the three-dot More menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select System.
5. Turn Use graphics acceleration when available off.
6. Select Relaunch.

Problem: Video Appears Blank After Saving, Although Audio Works

If your video appears normal while recording but the saved recording appears blank while the audio still plays, try the following:

1. Make sure Chrome is updated to the latest version.
2. Restart Chrome and try recording again.
3. Try recording using another supported browser, such as Firefox.
4. If the video is still blank, contact Big Interview Support and provide:
5. • Your operating system
   • Your browser and browser version
   • Whether the video appeared normally while recording
   • Whether audio plays back normally
   • Any error message you received

Updated on: 05/10/2026