Enable Multiple Apps to Access Camera on Windows 11

Windows 11 has made it easier than ever to engage with multiple applications using a single camera stream. This advancement is particularly valuable for content creators and professionals who appear on various platforms simultaneously, eliminating the hassles of third-party solutions. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide detailing how to configure your camera settings so they can be utilized across multiple applications seamlessly.

Starting with the Windows 11 build 26100.3321 (KB5052093) update released in March 2025, Microsoft introduced a new feature that simplifies camera usage across applications. By directly integrating this capability into the Windows settings, users can now stream on platforms like YouTube Live, TikTok, Twitch, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Vimeo Livestream, and LinkedIn Live without needing external software solutions or complicated setups.

Unlocking Multi-App Camera Support on Windows 11

Follow these streamlined steps to enable the same camera stream across multiple apps on your Windows 11 device:

Open the Settings App: Begin by accessing the main Settings menu on your Windows 11 device.
Select Bluetooth & Devices: Navigate to the “Bluetooth & devices” section in the Settings.
Access the Cameras Tab: Within the Bluetooth & devices section, click on the “Cameras” tab.
Customize Your Camera: Select the camera you wish to configure for multi-app usage.
Edit Advanced Settings: Click on the Edit button adjacent to the “Advanced camera settings” option.
Adjust Camera Resolution: (Optional) Modify the camera resolution settings via the Media type option to enhance the output quality based on your needs.
Apply Changes: Ensure you click the Apply button to save your configurations.

Upon successfully completing these steps, your camera will now transmit its feed to multiple applications simultaneously. Simply launch your desired apps, select the configured camera, and you’ll see the video feed appear instantly!

Additionally, the “Advanced camera options” interface includes a feature titled “Turn on basic camera”, which enables a minimalistic camera mode. This can be essential for troubleshooting camera issues, especially when booting Windows 11 into Safe Mode.

Note: If you cannot access these settings, it may be due to the absence of the latest Windows 11 update on your device, as Microsoft gradually rolls out such features to users.

Additional Insights

1. Can I use multiple cameras at the same time with this feature?

Currently, the multi-app camera support is designed for a single camera stream across multiple applications. However, if you wish to switch between different cameras, you can do so, but only one camera can be streamed at a time.

2. Will my camera quality change when using it in multiple apps?

The quality of your camera stream may depend on the settings you choose in the advanced camera options. Ensure you select the appropriate resolution for the best output across all applications.

3. What should I do if my camera doesn’t show up in the settings?

If your camera doesn’t appear in the settings, make sure the device drivers are updated. You may also need to ensure that the recent Windows update is installed, as features are rolled out progressively.

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