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Quick Answer

Check the physical camera privacy slider on your laptop. In Teams, click the ⋯ menu during a call → Settings → Device settings and verify the correct microphone, speakers, and camera are selected. Run Make a test call from Settings → Devices to confirm.

How to Fix Audio or Video Not Working in Microsoft Teams ​

Applies to: Microsoft Teams (Desktop App), Windows 11
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-03-08

Summary ​

This article helps resolve common issues where your microphone, speakers, or camera stop working during a Microsoft Teams call, including no sound, others cannot hear you, or your video feed shows a black screen.

Prerequisites ​

  • A headset, microphone, or webcam connected to your computer (built-in or USB).
  • Microsoft Teams desktop app installed and signed in.

Instructions ​

1. Check the Physical Camera Privacy Slider ​

Many modern laptops have a small physical privacy slider or shutter built directly onto the webcam. If the camera shows a black screen, check the top edge of your display for a small switch or sliding cover.

  1. Look along the top bezel of your laptop screen for a tiny sliding tab.
  2. Slide it to the open position (ensure the lens is uncovered).
  3. If your device has a keyboard shortcut for the camera (often Fn + F8 or a key with a camera icon), press it to ensure the camera is enabled.

2. Verify Device Settings Inside Teams ​

Teams may be pointed at the wrong microphone, speaker, or camera.

  1. Open Microsoft Teams.
  2. Click the three dots (...) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
  3. Click Devices in the left sidebar.
  4. Under Audio devices, confirm the correct Speaker and Microphone are selected.
  5. Under Camera, confirm your webcam is selected. A preview of your video should appear.
  6. Click Make a test call to verify both audio input and output.

3. Check Windows Sound Settings ​

Windows may have muted your device or set a different default.

  1. Right-click the Speaker icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar).
  2. Select Sound settings.
  3. Under Output, verify the correct speaker or headset is selected.
  4. Under Input, verify the correct microphone is selected.
  5. Speak into your microphone and confirm the Input volume bar moves.

4. Allow Camera and Microphone Access in Windows Privacy Settings ​

Windows can block apps from using the camera or microphone entirely.

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
  2. Ensure Camera access is toggled On.
  3. Scroll down and ensure Let desktop apps access your camera is toggled On.
  4. Go back and click Microphone.
  5. Ensure Microphone access is toggled On.
  6. Scroll down and ensure Let desktop apps access your microphone is toggled On.

5. Update Audio and Video Drivers ​

Outdated drivers can cause devices to malfunction after a Windows update.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
  3. Right-click your audio device and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
  4. Expand Cameras.
  5. Right-click your camera device and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
  6. Restart your computer after any driver updates.

6. Restart the Teams App ​

A quick restart clears temporary glitches in the app.

  1. Click the X to close Teams.
  2. Right-click the Teams icon in the system tray (bottom-right, click the ^ arrow if hidden).
  3. Select Quit.
  4. Reopen Microsoft Teams from the Start menu or taskbar.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

Before joining an important meeting, use the Make a test call feature in Settings > Devices to confirm your audio and video are working.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Black camera screenPhysical privacy slider closedSlide the webcam privacy shutter to the open position (Step 1).
"No audio device found"USB headset not detectedUnplug the headset, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
Echo or feedbackSpeaker audio feeding into micUse a headset instead of built-in speakers, or see the dedicated echo and feedback guide.
Others can't hear meMuted in TeamsCheck the microphone icon in the meeting toolbar — click it to unmute.
Camera greyed outAnother app using the cameraClose other apps that may use the camera (e.g., Zoom, browser).
Devices work elsewhere but not TeamsWindows privacy blocking TeamsFollow Step 4 to allow desktop app access.