Windows 10: Why is my camera so grainy and unclear

I have a dell laptop, Windows 11, and my camera is quite grainy and unclear. Is there anything I can do about it or is that just the quality of this camera?

:)

 

Inspiron 3521 camera grainy and lighting is bad

Hi,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.



I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

• 
  Are you able to use Camera app?
  
• 
  Have you installed all the pending updates?
  
• 
  Have you installed any third party application recently?
  

Step 1: I would suggest you to open Camera app and check if you are able to access the webcam or not.

• 
  Type camera app in search bar and you will be able to open camera app.
  

Step 2: I suggest you to install the latest available web-cam software from the manufacture web site and check if it helps.

Step 3: I suggest you to check for the latest updates.

• 
  Press Windows logo key +R, enter
  MS-settings: and then press OK. This opens Settings.
  
• 
  In Settings, go to Update & security >
  Windows Update, and then select Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your PC if required.
  

And also refer the link below and check if it helps.

Windows camera, microphone, and privacy - Microsoft Support

How to use the Camera app - Microsoft Support



Keep us posted on this issue so that we can assist you better.

 

Camera problems- grainy images and terrible video

Hello Cathy,

For us to better assist you and provide you with the appropriate troubleshooting steps, we would like to know a few more information. Kindly answer the questions below:

• What application are you using the camera with? Is it the built-in Camera app or a third party application?
• Have you checked the camera's resolution settings and specifications?
• Have you tried checking any available updates for your camera's driver?

We're looking forward for your response.

 

Inspiron 3521 camera grainy and lighting is bad

I uninstalled the drivers for the camera in imaging in device manager and the system reinstalled them on boot up. However, nothing has changed and the camera is still very grainy and so is the video test in Skype. It was working fine and I cannot figure
out what changed. Is there a possibility of a hardware issue?