We can't find your camera, Error 0xA00F4289 (0xC00D3EA2)

Q: How do I fix Active camera unplugged error?

Active camera unplugged error usually indicates the camera is loose. When the built-in webcam is loose, Windows will be unable to read the device properly - consequently, it displays the active camera unplugged message. To resolve this issue, gently apply pressure around the camera. If that doesn't work, you may require the services of a PC hardware technician to diagnose the device.

If when you try to access your laptop’s webcam through the built-in Camera app on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, but you receive the error code 0xA00F4289, then this post is intended to help you with the most suitable solutions to resolve the issue.

When you encounter this issue, you’ll receive the following full error message;

We can’t find your camera
Check to make sure that it’s connected and installed properly, that it isn’t being blocked by anti-virus software, and that your camera drivers are up to date.
If you need it here’s the error code:
0xA00F4289 < ActiveCameraUnplugged > (0xC00D3EA2)

The most likely culprits to the error include;

Camera is deactivated.
Loose camera connection.
Frame Server service of Camera is disabled.
Problematic video conference application.
The camera is deactivated.
Antivirus software interference.
Outdated Drivers.
The camera is OFF in Privacy Settings.

How do I fix Active camera unplugged error?

Camera unplugged error usually indicates the camera is loose. When the built-in webcam is loose, Windows will be unable to read the device properly – consequently, it displays the active camera unplugged message. To resolve this issue, gently apply pressure around the camera. If that doesn’t work, you may require the services of a PC hardware technician to diagnose the device.

Why is my webcam not working on Windows?

Faulty drivers or driver conflicts is usually the main reason why your PC integrated webcam is not working due to Windows 11/10 update. To troubleshoot, open Device Manager and see if there is a yellow mark next to the webcam device. The device may be listed under the Imaging devices or Other devices section. See detailed solutions below.

We can’t find your camera, Error 0xA00F4289 (0xC00D3EA2)

If you’re faced with this Webcam error code 0xA00F4289 issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

Check Camera privacy settings
Update Camera driver
Set Windows Camera Frame Server service to Automatic
Uninstall the problematic video conference app
Disable 3rd-party security software (if applicable)

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Check Camera privacy settings

You’re most likely to encounter this Webcam error code 0xA00F4289 if the camera is set to OFF in Privacy Settings. In this case, to resolve the issue, do the following:

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Click Privacy.
Scroll, locate and click Camera on the left pane under App permissions section.
Now, on the right pane, toggle the button to ON under the Allow apps to access your camera.
Exit Settings app.

See if the issue is resolved. If not, try the next solution.

2] Update Camera driver

This solution requires you to either update the camera drivers manually via the Device Manager, or you can get the camera driver updates on the Optional Updates section under Windows Update. You may also download the latest version of the driver from the camera hardware manufacturer’s website.

3] Set Windows Camera Frame Server service to Automatic

Do the following:

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and hit Enter to open the Services console.
In the Services window, scroll and locate the Windows Camera Frame Server service.
Double-click on the entry to edit its properties.
In the properties window, click on the Start button to start the service.
Next, click the drop-down on the Startup type and select Automatic.
Click Apply > OK to save changes.
Exit Services Manager.

If the issue is still unresolved, try the next solution.

4] Uninstall the problematic video conference app

If you’re experiencing this issue on any of the video conferencing apps (like Skype, Zoom, etc) installed on your system, you can uninstall the problematic application to fix this problem.

Fix: 0xa00f4288, All Cameras Are Reserved error

5] Disable 3rd-party security software (if applicable)

Firewall and antivirus are important for your system safety, but sometimes these programs can interfere with Windows and cause this camera error. In this case, you can disable your antivirus software, locate its icon in the notification area or system tray on the taskbar (usually in the lower right corner of the desktop). Right-click the icon and choose the option to disable or exit the program.

If the AV comes with its own firewall, be sure to disable that too.

Any of these solutions should work for you!