Microsoft adds new camera features in Windows 11
Multitasking Magic: Multi‑App Camera Access
Forget the days when your webcam was locked to a single app. With the latest Windows 11 Dev Channel build (26120.2702), Microsoft introduced the ability to use your webcam in multiple applications at the same time—whether it’s Teams, Zoom, or a sign-language interpreter app running simultaneously. Visit Microsoft Support for more information.
This feature is not only a game-changer for multitaskers but was prioritized for the hard-of-hearing community, enabling sign-language translators to stream video alongside ongoing calls. Visit Windows Central for more information.
Advanced Camera Settings in Settings App
Tucked under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras, you’ll now find a sleek Advanced Camera configurations menu. Here’s what you can tweak:
- Brightness, Contrast & Sharpness — Ideal for correcting low-light or washed-out visuals. Visit Tom’s Guide for more information.
- Resolution & Frame Rate — Customize your video quality based on your needs (e.g., 30 fps for smooth meetings, or 60 fps for crisp action).
- Multi‑app camera toggle — Simply enable it to share your feed across apps. Visit Windows Central for more information.
- Basic Camera Mode — A fallback option that disables advanced features if something goes wrong.
This is a huge leap from only having OBS or third-party apps as workarounds.
Why These Upgrades Matter
1. Simplified Workflow
Work across Teams, Zoom, and record meetings—all without fussing with OBS.
2. Inclusivity by Design
Multi-app access enables accessibility use cases (like sign-language services) easily.
3. Professional-Grade Quality
Tweak contrast, sharpness, resolution—your webcam’s output looks more polished for presentations or video content.
4. Built Into Windows
No extra tools needed—everything lives in the built-in Settings app. It’s reliable, accessible, and universal.
How to Try It Out Today
- Join Windows Insider Program (Dev Channel).
- Update to build 26120.2702 or later.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras.
- Select your webcam and click Edit.
- Toggle Multi-app camera, adjust image settings, and enjoy seamless control.
Notes to Keep in Mind
- Camera compatibility varies—some webcams may not support all features.
- Still in preview mode—expect tweaks before public rollout.
- Adjusting image settings in Settings overrides defaults, but some apps might apply their own filters or adjustments. Visit Microsoft Support for more information..
Final Verdict
Microsoft’s smart camera upgrades for Windows 11 feel like they were tailor-made for how we use devices today. Whether you’re juggling conference calls, streaming content, or supporting others with accessibility needs, these built-in tools give you cleaner, more flexible, and more polished webcam experiences—all without installing extra software.
💬 What Do You Think?
Will you try multi-app webcam support, or play around with image tweaks? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your setup and which tools these updates replace!
