ASUS's camera and microphone article for notebooks, desktops, all-in-ones, handhelds and mini PCs starts with the physical checks: make sure the camera and microphone are not obstructed (by a screen protector or privacy cover), clean the lens and the microphone area gently with a soft, clean cloth, and, on devices with a physical privacy shield for the camera, make sure it is in the open position. Then it moves to Windows privacy settings and drivers. An external camera or microphone needs the maker's software or drivers. ASUS's sound article adds that some notebooks have an AI Noise-Canceling feature; on video calls it can make the microphone sound different from what you expect. The ROG Ally X has no built-in camera, so a missing camera there is not a fault.
Differential
Likely causes of “ASUS laptops camera or microphone is not working in calls”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The privacy shield is closed
What separates it The camera image is black because the privacy shield is closed
How to confirm ASUS says some devices have a physical privacy shield; make sure it is open when you use the camera
- 2
An obstruction or dirt
What separates it The picture is dark or blurry, or the microphone sounds muffled
How to confirm ASUS says to check for a screen protector or cover and clean the lens and microphone area with a soft cloth
- 3
Windows privacy permission is off
What separates it The camera or microphone works in one app and not another
How to confirm Allow camera and microphone access in Windows privacy settings and turn on the app
- 4
An outdated driver or BIOS
What separates it The detection fails after an update because of an outdated driver or BIOS
How to confirm Update the BIOS, Windows packages and drivers through MyASUS System Update
- 5
An external device needs its own software
What separates it A USB webcam or microphone is not detected because an external device needs its own software
How to confirm ASUS says external devices may need the maker's software or drivers
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which ASUS laptop you have (the ROG Ally X has no built-in camera) and its Windows version
- Which apps fail and which work, and what Device Manager lists under Cameras and Audio inputs
- Whether the machine has a physical privacy shield and whether it is open
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedInspect the camera and microphone
ReversibleCheck for a cover or protector and clean the lens and microphone area with a soft cloth.
Open the privacy shield
ReversibleOpen the privacy shield, and if your model has one, slide it open to show the camera.
Check Windows privacy
ReversibleCheck Windows privacy, in Settings, Privacy and security, Camera and Microphone, and allow access for apps.
Choose the right input
ReversibleOpen Sound settings, Input, select the built-in microphone and speak, and watch whether the level bar moves as you talk.
Update BIOS, Windows and drivers
ReversibleOpen MyASUS and choose System Update, which lists the drivers, BIOS and firmware ASUS has published for this exact model.
Test in another app
ReversibleTest in another app, by trying the Windows Camera app and a recorder on the laptop.
Run System Diagnosis
ReversibleRun System Diagnosis, in MyASUS, System Diagnosis, and follow the suggestions it gives, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cameras by model
- Zenbook S14, Vivobook S15, ProArt P16 and Zephyrus G14 have built-in cameras; the ROG Ally X has none, per ASUS's specifications as recorded in the catalog.
- Privacy controls
- Camera and Microphone permissions sit in Windows privacy settings; some models add a physical shield or a camera hotkey.
- Tools and supplies
- A soft cloth to clean the lens, a flashlight to look at the bezel, a spare USB webcam to test and a dry towel for the desk. The machine should not be opened at home.
- Repair cost
- A camera or microphone fault is usually a privacy switch, permission or driver and costs nothing. A hardware fault is typically $99 to $299 at an independent shop with a free diagnostic, per BadgerLayer's 2026 laptop repair guide.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the ProArt P16 H7606, ROG Zephyrus G14 GA403, Vivobook S 15 S5507.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the camera is missing from Device Manager after driver updates and BIOS defaults, contact an ASUS service center
- !If MyASUS System Diagnosis fails the camera or audio test, book a service check
- !If the fault began after the laptop was dropped or wet, stop using it and have it inspected
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Obstructions, cleaning, the privacy shield, Windows permissions and external devices.
Microphone and speaker checks, the AI Noise-Canceling feature and BIOS steps.
The Zenbook premium ultrabook line.
The Vivobook mainstream laptop line.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I check which app is using the camera?+
Windows shows a small camera indicator in the taskbar tray while an app holds the camera. If another program has it open, close that program first, since only one app can normally use the camera at a time.
Does the ROG Zephyrus G14 keep a webcam?+
The Zephyrus G14 is sold with a built-in webcam on current models, but a ROG Ally X handheld has none, which is why that model has no camera page. Check your own model code before troubleshooting hardware that may not exist.
Will a privacy screen or cover cause a black picture?+
A physical cover or sticker over the lens produces a black image with no fault present. Remove it and test in the Windows Camera app, then in the meeting app, before changing any drivers.
Do all ASUS laptops have a privacy shield?+
No. ASUS says certain devices are equipped with a physical privacy shield for the camera, and its location varies by model.
Does the ROG Ally X have a camera?+
The catalog lists no built-in camera for the Ally X; use a USB webcam if you need one.
Why does my voice sound odd on calls?+
Some ASUS notebooks have AI Noise-Canceling features. Check the audio settings and try another app.
How do I clean the lens?+
ASUS says to gently clean the camera lens and microphone area with a soft, clean cloth.
What if the microphone volume is low?+
ASUS's sound article has a question about low microphone volume after adjusting; check the input level and any enhancements.
Do I need special drivers for a USB webcam?+
ASUS says an external camera or microphone may need the maker's software or drivers.