Camera | Doesn't work after using Teams or 8x8
Summary
Applications such as Microsoft Teams or 8x8 use the camera as a shared resource from the computer. Sometimes the application that is using the resource doesn't let go of it. What happens next is when you try using another application using the same resource, it doesn't allow it, or it doesn't work.
Instructions
The easiest method to fix this is to reboot the computer. Please don't confuse a shutdown with a restart. This may not be feasible for some folks since back-to-back meetings occur.
If you want to stay in Windows but want to kill the application that is grabbing hold of the camera, you'll need to open Task Manager.
1. Open Task Manager.
Windows 10 - you can right-click anywhere open area of the taskbar and you'll see a list of commands. Click on Task Manager.
Windows 11 - right-click the Windows Start Icon. Click on Task Manager.
You can ultimately search for "Task Manager" through the Windows search bar or Search Icon.
2. After you open Task Manager, you'll see the window open. It may open in "few details" the first time opening. Click on "More details" to expand the window.
3. After clicking on "More details", you'll see an expanded version of the Task Manager. Make sure you're on the "Processes" tab. In this example, we see both 8x8 and Microsoft Teams running. One or both of these applications will need to be closed so the Camera is "released." The next step will show you how to end the process.
4. To close the program fully, you will right-click on the program you want to stop. In this example, Microsoft Teams was right-clicked and an option to "End task" was given. When you click End task, it will fully close out the program. You will need to do this to whatever program is holding onto the camera. You may need to do both 8x8 and Teams if you're unsure.
You can alternatively click on the application itself and click on "End task" in the lower right corner of Task Manager. It'll do the same thing.
Right-click method Left-click to select method
You are done! You should be able to relaunch the program and the camera should be available for use. If this method doesn't work, then you'll need to reboot the computer.