In this article, we will show you how to enable Hidden Camera Privacy Indicator in Windows 11. Most modern laptops have a built-in webcam and an indicator. This indicator turns on automatically when you open your webcam. When you turn off your camera or close the Camera app, the indicator turns off automatically. Different apps require different permissions based on their functionality. When you install camera apps, they require camera permission on your system. With the help of the camera indicator, you will be able to know that your camera is being used by an app so that you can either close that app or turn off your camera. What if your laptop camera indicator stops working or if your system does not have such a built-in camera indicator? To tackle this problem, Windows 11 has a hidden Camera Privacy Indicator.
The Hidden Camera Privacy Indicator is a feature in Windows 11 that displays an indication on your screen whenever you turn on or off your camera or webcam connected to your system. This feature is helpful for users whose computer systems do not have a built-in camera indicator or whose camera indicator is not working properly or has been damaged. You can enable Hidden Camera Privacy Indicator in Windows 11 by modifying a Registry key. We have explained the entire process below.
The following procedure requires you to modify your Windows Registry. But before you proceed, we recommend you create a System Restore Point and back up your Registry. Any mistake while modifying Windows Registry can cause errors on your system. That’s why we told you to create a System Restore Point so that you can restore your system to the previous working state if any problem occurs.
How to enable Hidden Camera Privacy Indicator in Windows 11
To enable Hidden Camera Privacy Indicator in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Press the Win + R keys to open the Run command box.
- Type regedit and click OK.
- Click Yes in the UAC prompt. This will open the Registry Editor.
- Go to a path (mentioned below) and modify a Registry Key.
Copy the following path and paste it into the address bar of the Registry Editor. After that, press Enter.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OEM\Device
Expand the Device key by double-clicking on it. Now, select the Capture key. If the Capture key is not there, create it. For this, right-click on the Device key and go to New > Key. Name this newly created key Capture.
Now, select the Capture key and look for the NoPhysicalCameraLED value on the right side. If the NoPhysicalCameraLED value is not present on the right side, you have to create it. To do so, right-click in the empty space on the right side and go to “New > DWORD (32-bit Value).” Name this newly created value NoPhysicalCameraLED.
Double-click on the NoPhysicalCameraLED value to edit its Value data. Enter 1 in its Value data and click OK to save the changes. Close the Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer. The steps for the same are:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
- Select the Processes tab.
- Scroll down to the bottom and locate Windows Explorer.
- Right-click on Windows Explorer and click Restart.
If restarting Windows Explorer does not work, restart your computer.
Now, whenever you turn on your camera, you will see the “Camera on” indication on your screen. When you turn off your Camera, you will see the “Camera off” indication on your screen.
If you want to revert the changes, change the Value data of NoPhysicalCameraLED to 0.
What app is using my camera in Windows 11?
You can easily view what app is using your camera in Windows 11. For this, open Windows 11 Settings and go to “Privacy & security > Camera.” Scroll down and you will see the apps that used your camera under the Recent activity section.
Why is camera disabled in Windows 11?
In Windows 11, you can enable and disable the camera through Windows 11 Settings. If you have a shared computer, it is possible that someone has disabled it. You can enable your camera in Windows 11 Settings. Another possible cause is the corrupted camera driver. You should update or reinstall your camera driver. Antivirus can also disable your camera. Turn it off to check if it is the cause. If the camera is still disabled or not working, try some troubleshooting fixes.
Read next: How to make Webcam look better in Windows.
