Error: "Camera is already in use by another application". How to fix it?

Introduction

If you see a message "Camera is already in use by another application" when trying to turn on video, it means Windows or one of the programs has blocked access to the device. This error often occurs in Zoom, Skype, OBS, Discord, or even a browser. Below are proven steps to quickly restore your camera to working condition.

Quick Solution

  1. Close all applications that might be using the camera.
    Zoom, Teams, OBS, Discord, browsers, and even antivirus can hold access. End them through Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  2. Restart your computer.
    Sometimes a simple restart is enough to release the device.
  3. Check the camera on DoCam.io.
    If the site shows an image, the camera is working, and the conflict is caused by programs.

Detailed Guide

1. Identify the application that took over the camera

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open the Processes tab → carefully check if Zoom, OBS, Skype, Discord, Chrome, or Teams are running. End all suspicious processes by right-clicking on them → End task.

2. Check privacy settings

Go to Settings → Privacy → Camera and enable camera access for this device and applications. Sometimes the camera is "busy" because Windows blocks access for new programs.

3. Restart the camera service

Open Services (services.msc) → find Windows Camera Frame Server → click Restart. This helps if the system is stuck on the camera usage process.

4. Check antivirus and background processes

Some antiviruses block webcam access, considering it a threat. Temporarily disable "Webcam Shield" features (Avast) or similar in other antiviruses. Also check if there are programs like ManyCam or Snap Camera in the tray.

5. Update camera driver

Press Win + X → select Device Manager → Cameras section → right-click → Update driver. If the error persists, uninstall the device and restart the PC: the driver will reinstall automatically.

Error 0xA00F4243 — Camera in use
(Camera is in use by another application)

This message may also mean that the camera service has hung — restarting (step 3) usually solves the problem.

6. Check application settings

In Zoom, Skype, and OBS, open the Video section and make sure the correct camera source is selected. If you're using virtual cameras (ManyCam, OBS VirtualCam), temporarily disable them.

7. Use Safe Mode

If no application starts the camera, try loading the system in Safe Mode. If the camera works in it, the conflict is caused by a third-party program.

Tips

  • Don't run multiple video applications simultaneously.
  • Disable virtual cameras if you're not using them.
  • Check Windows updates — they sometimes fix system conflicts.
  • Regularly test your device on DoCam.io.

Conclusion

Excellent! After completing these steps, your camera will no longer be "busy" by other applications, and you can use it peacefully in Zoom, Skype, or Teams.

Before starting a video call, we recommend checking your camera using the DoCam.io service