Microsoft has released a temporary fix for a camera bug that is causing issues when users try to use the camera app with the integrated camera on Surface Pro X and other ARM-based devices. However, USB cameras are not affected, and a workaround for the issue is critical troubleshooting that can be applied automatically to affected devices. There are some caveats, as the troubleshooting may disable some camera features or lower quality, but it will allow the camera to function until a permanent fix is released.
Camera stopped working today May 23rd 2023
by u/Motor-Roll-1788 in surfaceprox
Users have reported experiencing issues with their cameras, preventing them from using built-in webcams in apps like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other video-calling apps. Microsoft has confirmed the issue, and the workaround may disable certain features of the camera or reduce image quality, but the camera should function until an updated camera driver is issued by the device manufacturer.
Microsoft issue with the camera malfunction on Surface Pro X device
Troubleshooting will restore camera functionality. The company is also working with the manufacturer to release updated camera drivers which will restore full camera functionality. As of now, Microsoft has released a temporary fix for a bug, but they haven’t shared any timeline for a permanent fix. In the meantime, USB cameras work as expected on affected Windows on ARM devices.
- The bug broke the camera and shows the error message “0xA00F4271 (0x80004005)” when users try to use the Camera app. This damages the reputation of Windows on ARM’s future as cameras are a basic and essential feature.
- It affects Surface Pro X and other ARM-based devices, including Qualcomm 8cx Gen 1, Qualcomm 8cx Gen 2, Microsoft SQ1, and Microsoft SQ2.
- Some users have also reported that the update worked sufficiently, while others claimed that the camera worked only in slow motion.
- It is caused by a faulty camera driver that prevents the camera from working after the Windows 11 May 23rd, 2023 update.
- USB cameras or webcams are not affected by this bug.
- Microsoft has released a temporary fix that can be applied manually. It involves deploying a critical troubleshooter to mitigate the problem on most affected Windows devices.
- The temporary fix will disable some camera features and lower image quality but allow the camera to operate until an updated driver is made available.
- Microsoft is working with OEM partners to fix the issue permanently. The company is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
- This issue suggests that the root of the malfunction was an expired Windows security certificate.
- The troubleshooting is applied automatically and can’t be run manually.
This problem occurred during Microsoft’s Build Developers conference where the company was discussing plans to improve Arm-powered AI experience on Windows 11 and new. On May 23rd, 2023, users reported this issue. However, the permanent fix will be released by Qualcomm when they issue an updated webcam driver.
How to Manually apply Troubleshoot for Microsoft’s Camera Bug
This critical troubleshooting step should allow the camera to function until the issue is resolved by the device manufacturer with an updated camera driver.
- Open CMD as an administrator, and then type the following command and hit enter.
reg add “HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Qualcomm\\Camera” /v EnableQCOMFD /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
- After that, restart the app that uses the camera or reboot your Windows device.
Alternative Method to Fix Microsoft’s Camera Bug
Some users have discovered that manually changing the date and time of their system to May 22 or earlier was a quick fix for the camera issue.
Rolling back the system date to May 22 will temporarily fix the issue but will not restore full camera functionality. Full camera functionality will be restored once an updated driver is released. If you aren’t comfortable with the degraded webcam quality that comes with Microsoft’s fix, you can use an external webcam with your laptop, which isn’t impacted by this problem.
