If the camera on your Surface Pro is turned off and normal users cannot enable it, the issue is usually tied to administrator-level restrictions. Windows allows admins to block camera access at the system, policy, or firmware level. This guide explains how to log in as an administrator and turn the Surface Pro camera ON safely.
Follow each step in order. Stop once the camera starts working.
Step 1: Confirm You Are Logged in as an Administrator
You must use an administrator account to change camera restrictions.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Accounts → Your info
- Check your account type
If Windows shows Administrator, continue to the next step.
If it shows Standard user, sign out and log in using an admin account.
Step 2: Enable Camera Access in Windows Privacy Settings
Windows can block the camera globally, even if hardware works.
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy & security
- Select Camera
Turn ON all the following options:
- Camera access
- Let apps access your camera
- Let desktop apps access your camera
If Camera access is OFF, no app can use the camera.
Step 3: Enable the Camera in Device Manager
Admins often disable the camera device itself.
- Right-click Start
- Select Device Manager
- Expand Cameras or Imaging devices
- Right-click Integrated Camera
- Click Enable device
If you see Disable device, the camera is already enabled.
Step 4: Remove Camera Restrictions via Group Policy
This step applies mainly to work or school Surface devices.
- Press Windows + R
- Type
gpedit.mscand press Enter - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration
→ Administrative Templates
→ Windows Components
→ Camera- Open Allow Use of Camera
- Select Enabled or Not Configured
- Click Apply, then OK
- Restart the Surface Pro
This step removes admin-enforced camera blocks.
Step 5: Enable the Camera in Surface UEFI (BIOS)
Surface devices can disable the camera at firmware level.
- Shut down the Surface Pro completely
- Press and hold Volume Up
- Press Power
- Release Power but keep holding Volume Up
- Enter UEFI / BIOS
- Open Devices
- Set Camera to Enabled
- Save and exit
If the camera is disabled here, Windows cannot access it.
Step 6: Test the Camera
- Open Start
- Search for Camera
- Launch the Camera app
If the app opens without an error, the issue is resolved.
Completing these steps restores camera access in most Surface Pro cases.
What to Do If the Camera Still Does Not Work
If the camera remains unavailable:
- Run Windows Update and install all Surface firmware updates
- Check antivirus or endpoint security software camera permissions
- Confirm the device is not locked by company or school IT policies
On managed devices, administrators may enforce camera restrictions remotely.
FAQs
Why is my Surface Pro camera disabled by administrator?
Your Surface Pro camera is disabled because Windows privacy settings, Group Policy, Device Manager, or Surface UEFI firmware restrict camera access at the administrator level.
How do I enable Surface Pro camera as an administrator?
Log in with an administrator account, enable camera access in Windows Privacy settings, confirm the camera is enabled in Device Manager, remove Group Policy restrictions, and enable the camera in Surface UEFI.
Can standard users enable the Surface Pro camera?
No. If an administrator disables the camera at system or policy level, standard users cannot enable it without admin access.
Where is the camera setting in Surface UEFI?
Restart the Surface Pro, hold Volume Up + Power, enter UEFI, go to Devices, and set Camera to Enabled.
Why does the Camera app say access is blocked?
The Camera app shows this error when Windows privacy settings or administrator policies block camera access system-wide.
Does Group Policy block the Surface Pro camera?
Yes. The Allow Use of Camera policy in Group Policy can disable the camera for all users on the device.
Will reinstalling Windows fix a disabled Surface Pro camera?
No. If the camera is disabled in UEFI or enforced by admin policies, reinstalling Windows does not fix the issue.
Can antivirus software block the Surface Pro camera?
Yes. Some endpoint security or privacy tools can block camera access even if Windows settings allow it.
Is the Surface Pro camera disabled on work or school devices?
Yes. Work or school-managed Surface devices often disable the camera using centralized administrator policies.
How do I know if my Surface Pro camera is a hardware issue?
If the camera is enabled in UEFI and Device Manager but still does not appear, the issue may be hardware-related.
