My camera reports that is is blocked or turned off. Where is the button to turn it on

[Henspath]

I have a 17" HP laptop. I tried to use the camera in a Zoom call and my laptop reports that the camera is blocked or has been turned off.  I don't find any key that toggles the camera on or off and the camera is not blocked. Where is the button? How do I turn it on?

[jack425grace]

Hello,

You checked the keyboard keys, look closely for a physical privacy slider switch on the side edge of your 17-inch laptop—usually on the right or left. It's tiny and may have a camera or padlock icon next to it. EZPassOH

If you don't find a switch, check the Function keys (F1-F12) again for a key with a camera icon on it, possibly with a slash through it, and try pressing it, maybe holding the Fn key too.

[danielle96cf]

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@Henspath EZPassVA loginwrote:

I have a 17" HP laptop. I tried to use the camera in a Zoom call and my laptop reports that the camera is blocked or has been turned off.  I don't find any key that toggles the camera on or off and the camera is not blocked. Where is the button? How do I turn it on?

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The camera blockage on your 17" HP laptop is likely due to a physical privacy control. First, check your top row of function keys (F1-F12) for a key displaying a camera icon (often with a slash through it), which you may need to press simultaneously with the Fn key to toggle the camera on. If the key doesn't work, inspect the bezel (frame) directly surrounding the camera lens for a tiny physical slider switch that manually covers or uncovers the lens. If neither works, check Windows Camera Privacy Settings to ensure camera access is globally enabled for apps.