9 Ways to Fix Media Capture Failed Event Error 0xA00F4271
Reading Time: 4 minutesAre you getting this error every time you go turn on your PC’s camera? Here’s how you can fix it.
There’s a good chance that you use the Windows default camera app to attend online business meetings or for entertainment purposes. However, you won’t be able to do any of these things when the camera app throws the Media Capture Failed Event error 0xA00F4271.
Fortunately, it’s a cakewalk to troubleshoot this error code. Here are all the working methods you can try to eliminate the Media Capture Failed Event error 0xA00F4271 and get the camera app running again.
What Causes the Media Capture Failed Event Error 0xA00F4271
The Media Capture Failed Event error 0xA00F4271 is a common error message people face when launching the camera app. The issue mainly appears due to an outdated camera driver. However, other camera-related applications, corruption in the camera app, or an outdated Windows version can also be the culprit.
Now that you know all the possible reasons behind the problem, let’s check out the fixes that will help you eliminate the error.
1. Close Other Camera-Related Processes
The error in the question can appear due to third-party camera-dependent applications running in the background. These applications can interfere with the default Windows camera app and trigger the error.
The solution, in this case, is to close all the camera-dependent applications like Skype or Google Meet from the background. To do this, follow the below instructions:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc hotkeys to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, switch to the Processes tab, and right-click on all the camera-dependent applications.
- Choose the End task option from the context menu.
Once you close all such applications that might use the camera, check if the problem continues.
2. Download the Latest Camera Driver Update
As aforementioned, an outdated camera driver is one of the primary reasons behind the Media Capture Failed Event error 0xA00F4271. So, the next solution you can try is to download the latest camera driver update. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Power menu by pressing the Win + X hotkeys.
- Choose Device Manager from the list that appears.
- In the Device Manager, double-click the Camera node to expand it.
- Right-click the camera driver and select the Update driver option from the context menu.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will now search for and download any available camera driver update. If Windows can’t find updated drivers, you can head to your camera manufacturer’s website and check for driver updates there.
3. Use the Built-in Camera Troubleshoot
Windows offers various troubleshooters that can be useful for troubleshooting different system issues. To eliminate the camera app issues like the one in question, you can use the camera troubleshooter. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings menu using one of the many ways to open Windows System Settings.
- In the System tab, select the Troubleshoot option in the right pane.
- Choose the Other troubleshooters option.
- In the Other section, click the Run button next to the Camera option.
- The troubleshooter window will appear. Click Yes on it to allow some automated troubleshooting.
The troubleshooter will now look for available issues; if it finds any, it will suggest fixes that might fix the problem.
4. Allow Camera Access in the Settings
You must ensure that your computer has permission to access the webcam. If it doesn’t, Windows will throw different issues, including one at hand. You can allow camera access by following the below instructions:
- Open the Settings menu, and select Bluetooth & devices option from the left panel.
- Select the Cameras option and then choose the Camera privacy settings in the following window.
- Toggle the Camera access option if it’s disabled.
- If that option is already enabled, try turning it off and back on.
Also, make sure the Let apps access your camera option is enabled.
5. Disable Any Third-Party Antivirus Programs
It’s very common for third-party antivirus programs to interfere with the Windows built-in camera app. Therefore, checking your antivirus settings is recommended to see if it is blocking the camera.
Even if everything is okay in the settings, to make sure your antivirus is not the culprit, temporarily disable it and check for the issue.
6. Download the Latest Windows Update
The Media Capture Failed Event error 0xA00F4271 can also appear if the camera app is facing a compatibility issue with the Windows version you are using. The solution, in this case, is to update Windows to the latest version.
To do this, open the Settings menu, and choose Windows Update from the left panel. Click the Check for updates button in the following window.
If there’s any available update, Windows will download and install it automatically.
7. Reset the Camera App
Sometimes, issues or changes in the camera app over some time can eventually lead to the error at hand. To fix this, you can reset the camera app, which will take the camera settings back to their default values.
Here’s how to reset the camera app:
- Open the Settings menu, and navigate to Apps > Apps & Features.
- Then, click on Camera > Advanced Settings.
- Click on the Reset button.
That’s it. This will reset all the changes you have made to your camera settings.
8. Run SFC Scan
Running an SFC scan to repair corrupt Windows files with its built-in tools is another method by which you can solve the issue. This fix will be beneficial if the problem is being caused due to corrupt or missing system files.
To run an SFC scan, open the Command Prompt on your computer, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter.
After the command is successfully executed, restart your system and check for the issue.
9. Reinstall the Camera Driver
Are you still seeing the error message? If yes, try removing and reinstalling the camera driver as a last resort.
To do this, open the Device Manager, and expand the Camera node. Right-click on the installed camera, and choose the Uninstall device option.
After the driver is uninstalled, restart your computer. On the next boot, launch the Device Manager, right-click on the Camera node, and choose the Scan for Hardware changes option to install the driver again.
Get the Camera App Running Again
Windows has never been a perfect operating system. Now and then, you will come across issues that can hamper your productivity. One of these issues is the Media Capture Failed Event error 0xA00F4271.
Fortunately, you can quickly troubleshoot this error by following the above fixes.