I can't use my camera and don't see it on device manager.

[oompa123]

Hi,

I have the Windows Camera app error code 0xA00F4244 when trying to access the built-in HP camera. The webcam used to appear in Device Manager, but I accidentally deleted it when searching online on how to fix it. I’ve scanned for hardware changes, but the built-in webcam still isn’t recognized. I have tried since then to find a way to use my webcam again, but no solution so far. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks a lot !

[Nal_NR]

Hi @oompa123,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I Understand you are facing issues with the camera on your HP Laptop. I'll be glad to help you. 

For users having Webcam issues, you might take a look at the below three articles. Hope they will help you. 

Are you working from home too? Let’s figure it out together.

Camera not found on HP Spectre x360 or HP ENVY (x360) | 0xA00F4244<NoCamerasAreAttached>

My WebCam does not seem to work. What can I do ? 

Below is a troubleshooting guide.

1.     Are you sure your computer has a camera?

Many models of HP computers did not come with webcams.  Before you go any further, check and be sure there is a camera lens staring back at you.  You can look up the product specifications for your model for confirmation.

If you have an external web cam, try disconnecting it, restarting the PC, and then reconnecting the USB cable.  Or try testing it in a different USB port or even a different PC.

2.     Look for the Kill Switch

Newer HP laptops have a Kill Switch feature designed to physically disconnect your webcam.  This is helpful for preventing bad people from activating your webcam remotely but can be overlooked when trying to use the webcam for video conferencing.  If your model has a kill switch, make sure it’s switched on.

Try a hard reset

When Windows doesn’t see devices like cameras, sometimes it just needs to be forced to look again.
 

Kindly check the remaining steps in the next post 

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @oompa123,

Performing a power reset on your HP laptop can help clear out minor software glitches and restore normal functionality. Here's how you can do it, step by step:

1. Turn Off the Laptop (Cooling Down)

• Completely shut down your laptop. Click the Start button, then choose Shut down.
• If your laptop is unresponsive, hold down the Power button for about 10-15 seconds until it turns off.

2. Unplug All External Devices (Free the Flow)

• Disconnect any external devices like USB drives, external hard drives, or printers.
• Unplug the power adapter and remove the battery (if it’s removable). Let the laptop rest for a moment.

3. Drain Residual Power (Clearing the Circuit)

• Press and hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds to drain any remaining power from the laptop’s components. Think of it as releasing leftover tension in the circuits.

4. Reconnect Power (Charging the Energy)

• Plug the power adapter back into the laptop (without the battery if it’s removable).
• If your laptop has a removable battery, you can choose to either keep it out for now or reinsert it.

5. Turn On the Laptop (Restart the Heartbeat)

• Press the Power button to turn the laptop back on.
• Once it boots up, check if the issue you were experiencing is resolved.
  This power reset helps eliminate any temporary power issues and can often fix problems like freezing, unresponsiveness, or display issues.
   

Once detected, you should see the camera in the Device Manager.  Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.  Expand the Cameras section to see your camera. 

TIP:  You can disable the web cam here in the Device Manager by right-clicking on the camera and select Disable Device.  Don’t forget to enable it later if needed.

4.     Install the driver

Sometimes Windows needs the latest camera driver for the camera to function well.  While in the Device Manager, right-click on your camera and select Update Driver.  Then click Search Automatically for updated driver software.  The latest driver is always available via Windows Update.

Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.