Webcam turning on, then off in Windows 10 "camera application", skype and google hangouts

[laupsretniw]

Having an issue with the webcam.  All HP diagnostics I ran via the BIOS worked.  When I use capture in "CyberLink Power Director" it works.  So I do not think there is anything wrong with the hardwae or driver.

But...  When I use Windows Camera, Skype or Google Hangouts the camera will turn on for 1 second, then turn off and not return.  WHat displays on the screen is a single video capture frame.

I am using AVG free edition (2019) anti-virus.  I have uninstalled it and tested the functionality without change.  I have disabled the firewall, things got worse.  No video at all.  

I am running a fresh install of WIndows 10 after I did a complete clean and recovery after purchase. 

[Echo_Lake]

@laupsretniw

Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

I appreciate your efforts to try and resolve the issue.

Let's try: uninstalling and reinstalling the webcam software

1) In Windows, search for and open Device Manager. 

2) Expand the Imaging Devices. 

3) Right-click on the HP Webcam and select Uninstall. 

4) Confirm the uninstallation. 

5) Restart the computer to reinstall the Webcam driver.

Next: Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page. If a Let's identify your product to get started page displays, select your computer type, type the model name of your computer, and then click Submit. From the list of available software and driver categories, find the software you are looking for, click the category name, and then click Download.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,Thank you for posting in the HP Support Community.  Have a great day!

[laupsretniw]

I uninstalled the driver and restarted Windows.  When I came back into Windows I checked and the driver was reinstalled.  I checked Windows Camera and Skype and there was no change.  So the same error is still present.

I also verified that it is working within CyberLink Power Director capture and that worked fine.

THanks!  Unfortunately the error persists.

[Echo_Lake]

@laupsretniw
Thank you for posting back. 

As system camera works fine with CyberLink Power Director, hence this sounds like software related issue.

Performing system factory reset will erase all corrupted files and will fix all software related issue:

Note: before you initiate the system factory reset, backup your files and data.

Let's try:

• Restart your computer and immediately press the F11 key repeatedly. The Choose an option screen opens.
• On the Choose an Option screen, click Troubleshoot.
• Click Reset this PC.
• A prompt displays.
• If you only want to remove everything from the drive where Windows is installed, click Only the drive where Windows is installed. If you want to remove all files from the computer, click All drives.
• You can fully clean the drive, so that no files are recoverable, or you can delete your files.
• Click Reset. Windows reinstalls the operating system and the computer restarts.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

[laupsretniw]

I performed the system reset as you described.  Immediately after setup, before updates or any installs I tried the camera using Windows Camera and the issue was still present.  

Here's a new piece of information.  I bought a Logitech 920 webcam and plugged it in through an external usb port.  Oddly enough the issue persisted with both webcams.  I beleive this is a software issue as the webcam will work through CyberLink Power Director. 

[Echo_Lake]

@laupsretniw

Thank you for posting back.

I appreciate your efforts to try and resolve the issue. Yes! you are correct it sounds like software related issue.

In order to fix this, we can try reinstalling the Windows operating system.

Here is the link to perform system factory recovery reset: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04758961#AbT3

Note backup your personal files and data before initiating the process. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.