Front Camera Not Working on Surface Pro

Hi Martha M,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

I understand how frustrating it is when your camera won’t work, especially since it seems to interfere with your facial recognition feature. However, I must note that front camera and the facial-recognition camera are different, even though they're next to each other. So we will deal with the issues one by one. Here's something you can check:

1 - Quick fixes:

• Fix common problems using the Surface app and Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
  • Download the apps if they're not already pre-installed
  • Let it run the camera diagnostic and attempt fixes if possible.
• Make sure your camera is granted permission:
  • Open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera
  • Let (desktop) apps access your camera is ON.
  • Confirm camera access for the apps is enabled.
• Make sure everything is up-to-date:
  • Open Settings > Windows Update > click Check for updates
  • Also go to Advanced options > Optional updates and install if any

2 - Update/reinstall front camera drivers

• Press Win + X > open Device Manager
• Expand Cameras (or Imaging devices) and look for your front camera
• If you only see one (the back) camera, click View (top menu) > Show hidden devices
• Right-click your front camera > Update driver > Search automatically
• If nothing found > right-click again and choose Uninstall device instead 
• Select Action menu on the top > click Scan for hardware changes.
• In case that still doesn't work, Uninstall and Remove software.
• Use the Surface app to reinstall (or go HERE and download)

3 - Update/reinstall IR camera drivers

• The steps are similar to the instruction above
• Open Device Manager and check under Cameras.
• The IR camera is likely under Biometric devices if section is available.

If the issue persists, consider telling me your exact Surface model, and sharing the screenshot of your Device Manager for the cameras/biometric devices if possible.

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If your front camera on the Surface Pro is not working for facial recognition or in the camera app, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check for Software Updates: Ensure that your Surface Pro is running the latest version of Windows. Updates can fix bugs and improve hardware functionality.
2. Restart Your Device: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve hardware issues.
3. Check Camera Privacy Settings: Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and ensure that apps are allowed to use the camera.
4. Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit: This tool can help identify and fix issues with your device's hardware, including the camera. You can download it from the Microsoft website.
5. Check for Hardware Issues: If the camera still does not work, it might be a hardware issue. You may need to consider replacing the front camera or seeking professional repair services.

If you decide to replace the front camera, you can refer to the replacement processes outlined in the Surface Pro service guides for detailed instructions on how to proceed.

References:

• Surface Pro 12-in: Component Disassembly and Reassembly
• Surface Pro 9 Component Disassembly and Reassembly
• Surface Pro 9 with 5G Component Disassembly and Reassembly
• Surface Pro 12-in: Component Disassembly and Reassembly
• Surface Pro 12-in: Component Disassembly and Reassembly