How To Install The Camera App In Windows 11

If a laptop or tablet has a built-in camera, the official Camera app is automatically installed during the Windows 11 installation. And if the Camera app is missing for some reason from your Windows 11 PC, you can manually install the Camera app from the Store.

Windows 11 Camera app features

The inbox camera app in Windows 11 lets you take photos and record videos. The ability to pause and resume while recording videos, scan QR codes, and back up photos to your OneDrive account are some of the useful features offered in the Camera app.

NOTE: You do not need the Camera app to turn on and use the camera. The camera will be automatically turned on when an app tries to access it. For instance, when you make a video call using WhatsApp app, the camera will be turned on automatically. The Camera app is useful only to capture photos, record videos and scan QR codes.

This guide shows you how to manually install the Camera app on a Windows 11 PC.

Steps to install the Camera app from Microsoft Store in Windows 11

Step 1: Launch the Microsoft Store app using the search.

Step 2: Once the Store app is launched, type Windows Camera in its search box and then press the Enter key.

Step 3: You might see several camera app entries in the search results. To get the original Windows Camera app, click on the Windows Camera app entry. This will open the Windows Camera app page.

Step 4: Finally, click the Get/Install button to download and install the Camera app.

Step 5: You may now launch the Camera app and start recording a video or take a picture.

NOTE: If your laptop comes with a camera privacy shutter, you may need to slide it to the open position to be able to use the camera.

If the Camera app fails to detect the built-in camera, it’s likely because the camera driver is corrupted or missing. Refer to our how to reinstall the camera driver in Windows 10/11 guide for directions.

Tip: The Camera app can be removed from your Windows 11 installation by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed apps page, clicking the three dots next to the Camera app entry and then clicking the Uninstall option.