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Windows camera error

0xA00F4246 Camera locked by security software

Microsoft maps 0xA00F4246 (and also documents 0x800706BE in this class) to the camera being locked by security software. That makes security controls a specific diagnostic branch rather than a reason to replace the camera.

Test the camera firstDiagnose camera problem
First action

Verify detection before changing more settings

Check whether endpoint-security or antivirus software has a camera/privacy control. Prefer allowing the camera through the product's settings; if Microsoft or your security vendor instructs a temporary protection pause for diagnosis, re-enable protection immediately after the test.

Safe sequence

What to check next

  1. 1

    Update the security software first.

  2. 2

    Look for webcam/privacy protection settings and explicitly allow the trusted camera app/browser.

  3. 3

    Avoid leaving antivirus or firewall protection disabled after troubleshooting.

  4. 4

    Retest with DeviceOK; if the camera remains absent everywhere, return to detection/driver diagnostics.

Retest

Know whether the change worked

After each meaningful change, run the DeviceOK webcam test again. If DeviceOK receives video but one application still fails, move to that application's camera selection and permission path.

Retest webcam