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Your system’s camera is undoubtedly one of its most essential components, especially with remote work taking over the employment industry. But, apart from work, you still need your camera for video chats with family and friends.

Now, imagine seeing the camera app error 0x200F4246 (0x80040154) when you have an important meeting. If you’re one of those users experiencing this problem, you’ve come to the right place. This article covers different instructions on fixing the webcam error code 0xa00f4246 on Windows 11 and 10.

What Is the Webcam Error Code 0xa00f4246 (0x80040154)?

This error is one of the bugs that plague a Windows computer’s webcam. It indicates that your system’s webcam is malfunctioning. This could result from a faulty camera driver, missing or damaged system files, an overreacting antivirus program, or a strict privacy setting.

How to Fix the Windows “Can’t Start Your Camera” Error

Fixing the root cause of the error is the best way to get rid of the problem for good. We’ve identified the possible causes:

  • Problematic camera driver software
  • Your antivirus application blocking the webcam
  • Faulty system files
  • An outdated Windows Camera application
  • Damaged Camera app installation files

Run the Windows Apps Troubleshooter

The Windows Apps Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that checks for and fixes errors affecting Microsoft Store applications. These applications, such as the Camera app, might be affected by program conflicts or malfunctioning Windows services.

Once the troubleshooter finds the cause of the problem, it will suggest a fix you should apply or resolve the issue.

Go through the Settings application to run the troubleshooter. On Windows 11, tap the Windows and I keys together to start the Settings application. After that, scroll down under the System option and click on Troubleshoot. Next, click on Other Troubleshooters on the System > Troubleshoot page. Finally, scroll down and click the Run button beside Windows Store Apps.

On Windows 10, click on Update & Security after opening the Settings app, then go to the left pane of the Update & Security screen and select Troubleshoot. Next, go to the Troubleshoot interface and click on Windows Store Apps under Find and Fix Other Problems. Now, click on the “Run the troubleshooter” button.

The troubleshooter will now search for Windows app issues and attempt to resolve them. Allow it to apply recommended fixes.

Make Sure Apps Are Allowed to Use the Camera

There’s a chance the error keeps showing up because you have a strict privacy policy. As it turns out, Windows comes with a protection feature that allows you to restrict specific applications from using your computer’s camera. In some cases, people turn off the “Let apps access your camera” setting completely.

In this scenario, you can fix the problem by turning the setting back on.

If you use Windows 11, open the Settings app and click on Privacy & Security on the left-hand side. Next, scroll down through the Privacy & Security interface and click on Camera under App Permissions. Toggle the “Let apps access your camera” setting on and turn access on or off for apps of your choosing.

Reset the Camera App Through Settings

If any of the Camera app’s files is missing or corrupt, resetting it could resolve the error. It would be a good idea to repair the Camera app before resetting it. Resetting the app means you’ll lose predefined settings and other saved preferences.

Here’s how to repair and reset the Camera app:

  1. Launch the Settings app by tapping the Windows logo and I keyboard keys together.
  2. Click on Apps in the Settings application’s left pane.
  3. Once the Apps page appears, select Apps & Features.

Note: If you’re on Windows 10, open Settings and click on the Apps icon.

  1. Next, go to the Camera app (you can use the search box) and click on the three dots to its right.
  2. Click on Advanced Options in the menu.
  3. Navigate to Apps > Apps & features > Camera, scroll down to the Reset section and click the Repair button. There should be a checkmark beside the button once the process is complete. Next, restart your computer and open the Camera app to check for the issue.
  4. If the problem persists, head to the same page and click on the Reset button under Reset.
  5. You’ll see a warning pop-up telling you that the reset option will permanently delete the app’s data. Click on Reset to continue.
  6. Restart your Windows machine after the process completes.

Update the Windows Camera App

If you update Windows regularly, chances are your Camera app is already up to date. However, it wouldn’t hurt to check the Microsoft Store to confirm.

An outdated Camera application could be the cause of the error because it might be lacking the required software components to handle tasks.

So, head to the Microsoft Store, search for the Windows Camera app, and click on Update if it’s out of date. Go to the next solution if your app is up to date.

Fix the Camera’s Driver

Your computer’s hardware devices require drivers to work correctly. The drivers are software programs that interpret the operating system’s commands to each device. If these programs become corrupt or outdated, issues like the error 0x200F4246 (0x80040154) will pop up from nowhere.

Your system’s camera driver could be the cause of the problem. There are different ways to fix driver issues, depending on the situation. If the driver isn’t responding because it’s corrupt or missing specific files, reinstalling it can fix the problem. On the other hand, you’ll have to download and install its updated version if it’s out of date.

Let’s start with reinstalling the driver. Follow these steps:

  1. Head over to the taskbar and right-click on the Start button.
  2. Select Device Manager once you see the Power User menu.
  3. After the Device Manager window opens, expand the Cameras category.
  4. Right-click on your camera and select the Uninstall Device option in the context menu.
  5. Click on the Uninstall button in the confirmation pop-up.
  6. When Windows removes the camera driver, restart your system.
  7. Your operating system will automatically reinstall the driver once your computer restarts.
  8. If it doesn’t reinstall the driver, try the next solution to update it.

Update Your Camera’s Driver

Outdated camera drivers can cause all sorts of problems because they don’t work well with new operating system releases. Your current driver could also be configured to work better with previous Windows versions, not Windows 11.

Downloading and installing the latest camera driver for your computer will fix the problem in this case. You can go through the Windows Update client or download the driver from the camera manufacturer’s website or the website of your computer’s manufacturer.

To use Windows Update, open the Settings app (Win + I) and click on Windows Update in the top-right corner. When the Windows Update page shows up, allow the client to download and install pending updates as it’s vital that your computer is up to date. After that, click on Advanced Options and select Optional Updates on the page that follows. Next, expand Driver Updates, look for your camera driver, and check its box. Now click the Download and Install button.

Going through your OEM’s or camera manufacturer’s website is simple. First, open the support page and search for your computer’s or camera’s make and model, depending on which website you’re using. Once you see the right driver, download the correct version for your operating system’s architecture (32- or 64-bit) and install it.

Update Your Drivers Automatically

Using Windows Update and downloading the right driver online can be stressful. With a program like Auslogics Driver Updater, it’s easy to update your drivers without going through the hassle of picking the right architecture and opening different system settings. Once you install the program, it will automatically scan for damaged and outdated drivers on your computer and allow you to update them.

With Auslogics Driver Updater’s full version, you can update multiple drivers at once. This way, you don’t have to worry about future driver issues.

Find and Replace Faulty System Files Using the System File Checker

System files are critical to every Windows operation. Some applications malfunction because the system file they depend on is either missing or corrupt. Thankfully, you can use the SFC tool to detect and replace defective OS files. The SFC (System File Checker) tool is a built-in Windows utility that finds and fixes integrity violations of protected operating system files.

Before using the utility, you’ll have to run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool to provide the replacement files.

Now follow this guide to run the utility:

  1. Head over to the taskbar, right-click the Start button, and select Run in the Power User menu. You could also tap Win + R to launch Run.
  2. After Run shows up, type CMD, then go to your keyboard and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. The combination launches the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  3. Select Yes in the confirmation pop-up.
  4. Type this command once the Command Prompt window appears and click on Enter:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Notes: i. Make sure you add the space before each forward slash (/).

  1. The process could take 30 minutes or more to complete.
  2. Wait for the “The operation completed successfully” message before going to the next step.
  3. Now type this command and hit the Enter key:

Sfc /scannow

Note: Remember to add the space before the forward slash (/).

  1. Exit the Command Prompt once you see the “Verification 100% complete” message.
  2. Restart your PC and check if the Camera app now works fine.

Change Settings in Your Antivirus Program

Some system security programs prevent access to your camera by default. This is an attempt to prevent third-party programs and cybercriminals from using your camera maliciously. Go to your antivirus program’s settings page and turn off any feature that blocks access to your camera.

Reinstall the Camera App Through Windows PowerShell

Reinstalling the Camera app will fix the error if it’s caused by broken or missing installation files. Unfortunately, you cannot uninstall most built-in applications through the Settings app. You’ll find the Uninstall button greyed out. However, you can go through the Windows PowerShell command terminal to reinstall the Camera app.

Here’s how:

  1. Go to your keyboard and tap Win + X or right-click the Start button.
  2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) after the Power User menu appears.
  3. Click Yes.
  4. Next, type this command after the Administrator: Windows PowerShell interface appears:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsCamera* | Remove-AppxPackage

Note: The command will uninstall the Camera application.

  1. Now open the Start menu and launch the Microsoft Store. If you use Windows 11, it should be couched in the taskbar.
  2. After the store opens, search for Windows Camera and install the app.

Conclusion

That’s how to fix Windows 10’s “Can’t start your camera” error 0xa00f4246. You now also know how to eliminate it in Windows 10. If the issue persists after applying the fixes above, consider resetting your operating system. Note that you can keep your files, but you’ll lose your applications except those that came preinstalled on your PC.