HP Wide Vision HD Camera not working, just shows a black screen

[cha020]

Recently my HP Wide Vision HD Camera (which is built into my pavilion) just stopped working. Whenever I try and use the webcam, it just shows a black screen. I've tried updating the drivers and reinstalling them but nothing seems to work. Does anyone know how to fix this?

[Echo_Lake]

@cha020
Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details:

• Did this happen after a recent window or software update?
• Have you made any hardware/software changes?
• Did you make any changes to the settings of your PC prior to the issue?
• When was the last time it worked fine?
• Does Webcam is listed in Device Manager?

While you respond to that, let's try these steps: 

• Firstly, let's Restart your computer.

If the problem persists, continue using these steps.

1. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
2. If there is no Imaging devices category listed, select Action, then Scan for hardware changes.

• If Device Manager does not recognize the webcam after the scan, use Microsoft System Restore to go back to a time when the webcam was working properly.

And, also check for camera privacy switch. The switch is usually on the right-hand side of the PC, and when enabled will block the camera. This is a recently advertised privacy feature common in Premium models. The picture below has the switch marked.

All we have to do is flip the switch and the camera will start to work!

If problems persist, the webcam might have become unplugged internally, and the computer might require service to correct the issue.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[cha020]

@Echo_Lake Thank you for your help. In answer to your questions: - I have not made any recent hardware/software changes or setting changes - The problem happened before I updated my computer - I bought a privacy camera cover of Amazon about a month ago and it hasn't worked since - The webcam is listed in Device manager as "HP Wide Vision HD Camera" and is listed under "Cameras" Thanks again, Matt

[Echo_Lake]

@cha020

Thank you for posting back. 

I appreciate your efforts to try and resolve the issue.
Let's try this: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-omen-15-5200-notebook-pc/8499271/model/8902782/document/c066... 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.