January 24, 2026 at 6:55 pm

Tech Repair Guy Responds To A Call About A Webcam Not Working For Zoom, And Quickly Discovers The Privacy Switch Was Turned On

by Ashley Ashbee

Woman staring at a laptop

Pexels/Reddit

Tech people may roll their eyes at the stupid things their customers do, but at least these cases are simple and quick to solve.

Check out the bizarrely basic issue this person fixed.

My webcam isn’t working for Zoom! What do I do?

I work at a repair shop. I am a tech but also a sales guy.

Today, we had a lady come in with a nice Lenovo laptop. She was freaking out because her webcam wasn’t working, especially for Zoom.

It was a real head scratcher! No it wasn’t.

The first thing I noticed when she opened it is that it had a privacy slider, where it physically blocks the camera from seeing anything.

All I did was open up Windows’ “Camera” app, moved the slider, and the webcam was working again.

Ironically, when I opened the app, it asked “Is something blocking your camera?” Then that disappeared when I moved the slider.

This lady was baffled that it had a privacy slider.

They were actually both baffled.

She said she had owned this laptop for 3 or 4 years and never noticed that.

How do you own a computer for 3 or 4 years and not see something staring at your face?

Whatever. She went on her way and so did I.

Thankfully, a happy ending to one problem of the day.

Here is what folks are saying.

I have a feeling this would have happened to someone I know.

Screenshot 2025 12 31 at 11.10.20 PM Tech Repair Guy Responds To A Call About A Webcam Not Working For Zoom, And Quickly Discovers The Privacy Switch Was Turned On

True. Why do designers do this? Contrast, people!

Screenshot 2025 12 31 at 11.10.40 PM Tech Repair Guy Responds To A Call About A Webcam Not Working For Zoom, And Quickly Discovers The Privacy Switch Was Turned On

Great analogy!

Screenshot 2025 12 31 at 11.11.28 PM Tech Repair Guy Responds To A Call About A Webcam Not Working For Zoom, And Quickly Discovers The Privacy Switch Was Turned On

This is great. I doubt it sticks, though.

Screenshot 2025 12 31 at 11.12.14 PM Tech Repair Guy Responds To A Call About A Webcam Not Working For Zoom, And Quickly Discovers The Privacy Switch Was Turned On

Having a Ph.D. doesn’t mean you are smart.

Screenshot 2025 12 31 at 11.12.27 PM Tech Repair Guy Responds To A Call About A Webcam Not Working For Zoom, And Quickly Discovers The Privacy Switch Was Turned On

Nothing surprises me about people and computers.

If you liked that post, check out this one about an employee that got revenge on HR when they refused to reimburse his travel.

Ashley Ashbee | Contributing Writer, Workplace & Culture

Ashley Ashbee is a contributing writer for TwistedSifter specializing in workplace dynamics, employee advocacy, and professional culture. Drawing on her real-world experience as a software consultant, she brings a unique, insider perspective to navigating office conflicts, toxic management, and trending professional dilemmas.

Holding a degree in Professional Writing from York University, Ashley combines her formal editorial training with her corporate background to deliver highly engaging, empathetic narratives. She excels at breaking down complex workplace dramas and translating them into stories that truly empower and validate modern workers.

Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Ashley balances her time between the tech and publishing worlds with her love for the outdoors. When she isn’t consulting or writing, she can usually be found exploring local walking trails or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.