How do I know if the laptop camera has been hacked?

I have a question. I want to use my laptop's camera and would like to know how I can tell if someone else has access to it.

Not you as a normal person. Just because you can see yourself doesn't mean that others are watching too

Not at all, don't do anything weird, just put on your mask

Just go to the Windows camera app and see if you can get a picture.

If so, everything is fine

If not → I would look up which program is accessing it (task manager)

Would cover it up (colored tape like electrical tape or paper).

But I want to use it, and I want to know if anyone else is watching who shouldn't.

Then the camera should not work. Only one application can use the camera at a time. For example, you want to skype and are in webcam chat on an internet browser at the same time.

Otherwise I came across this article. https://praxistipps.chip.de/...nfos_41124

I.e. While I'm using the webcam, for example in a webcam chat, can't anyone else access it at the same time?

Right. The cam is used.