Microsoft’s Arm-based tablet – the Surface Pro X, has been off to a rocky start. Apart from below-average performance and incompatibility with legacy apps, many have complained about the camera not working on their Surface Pro X. You are up for some unproductive hours when the camera fails to launch on your 2-in-1 tablet. Here are the best ways to fix the camera not working on Surface Pro X.
You are up for a nightmare when your Surface Pro X camera stops working before an upcoming Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet call. Before you use unorthodox methods like using an external or smartphone camera, use the steps below to troubleshoot camera issues on Surface Pro X in no time.
1. Change the Date on Your Surface Pro X
Many users have managed to fix camera issues on Surface Pro X by changing the date back to May 22, 2023. It’s a temporary fix and may cause issues with several websites that rely on accurate date and time on your device. With consequences in mind, use the steps below to change the date on your Windows machine.
Step 1: Go to Windows Settings by hitting the Windows + I keys.
Step 2: Select Time & language. Open Date & time.
Step 3: Disable the ‘Set the time automatically’ toggle. Click Change beside ‘Set the date and time manually’.
Step 4: Change the date to May 22, 2023, and hit Change.
If you run into issues with critical websites, use the same steps to change the date and time automatically.
2. Remove Any Camera Shutter
Many users prefer to turn off the camera viewfinder with a privacy shutter. If you use such an accessory for privacy reasons, remove it for flawless camera operations.
3. Enable Camera Access
Did you disable the camera access on your Surface Pro X? You may have turned off the camera during an important meeting or during confidential conversations. You can enable system-wide camera access.
Step 1: Go to Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.
Step 2: Select Privacy & security and open the Camera menu under App permissions.
Step 3: Enable the Camera access toggle and turn on the same for essential apps from the menu below.
4. Install Optional Updates
Does the Surface Pro X camera fail to work after a major Windows update? Microsoft recommends installing optional updates when something breaks down after a Windows upgrade. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Navigate to Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.
Step 2: Open Windows Update and select Advanced options.
Step 3: Select Optional Updates. Download and install relevant updates from the following menu.
5. Run Camera Troubleshooter
Windows comes with a built-in camera troubleshooter to fix camera issues on Surface Pro X. Here’s how you can run it.
Step 1: Go to Windows Settings and select System.
Step 2: Open Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters menu.
Step 3: Run the camera troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Change The Default Camera in Video Apps
If you have selected an incorrect camera in video apps like Teams or Google Meet, Surface Pro X’s default camera may not work as expected. You need to change the default camera in such apps. Let’s check the steps for popular apps.
Microsoft Teams
Step 1: Launch Microsoft Teams and click the three-dot menu in the top corner. Open Settings.
Step 2: Scroll to Devices and expand the Camera menu. Select the default Surface Pro X camera.
Google Meet
If you prefer Google Meet, use the steps below to change the camera in it.
Step 1: Head to Google Meet web. Click the Settings gear in the top-right corner.
Step 2: Select Video and pick your default Surface Pro X camera.
7. Install System Hardware Update
Microsoft is aware of camera issues on Surface Pro X. The company has released a new driver named ‘Microsoft Corporation – System Hardware Update’ to affected devices. Let’s install it on your machine.
Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open Windows Settings.
Step 2: Select Windows Update from the sidebar.
Step 3: Download and install the new driver on your Surface Pro X.
You can now try using the camera on Surface Pro X without any issues. If you face issues with installing the Windows update, check our dedicated guide to fix the problem.
Troubleshoot Camera on Surface Pro X in No Time
A built-in camera is one of the essential parts of 2-in-1 devices like Surface Pro X. Camera not working on your Surface Pro X can leave a sour taste with Microsoft’s Arm-based device. Which trick worked for you? Share it in the comments below.
