Camera not working

[Ntheti]

Good day, 

Kindly assist with camera on my laptop, it is not working this prevents me using teams for my meetings. When I open camera app there's a message saying: To use your camera, you might need to slide a shutter near the camera, press a camera button on the keyboard, or slide a camera switch on your device.

My laptop does not have a slide shutter on the camera, or a switch on button on keyboard. what do I do? How do I resolve this issue?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Ntheti 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining the situation—it’s understandably frustrating when your camera won’t respond, especially when it’s essential for meetings. Let’s walk through a few focused steps to help bring your camera back to life on Windows.

1. Check Camera Privacy Settings

Windows may be blocking access:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
• Make sure Camera access is turned On.
• Also ensure Let apps access your camera is On.
• Scroll down and confirm that Microsoft Teams and Camera app have access.

2. Use the Camera Keyboard Shortcut

Even if your keyboard doesn’t have a labeled camera key, some models use a function key combo:

• Try pressing Fn + F6, Fn + F8, or Fn + Esc (depending on your model).
• Wait a few seconds and open the Camera app again.

3. Check Device Manager

This ensures the camera is recognized and enabled:

• Press Windows + X, then choose Device Manager.
• Expand Cameras or Imaging Devices.
• Right-click your camera and choose Enable device (if available).
• If already enabled, right-click and choose Update driver > Search automatically.

4. Run the Camera Troubleshooter

This can detect and fix hidden issues:

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll to Camera and click Run.
• Follow the on-screen steps and restart your PC afterward.

5. Test in Another App

Try using the camera in:

• Microsoft Teams: Go to Settings > Devices > Camera and check the preview.
• Web browser: Visit https://webcammictest.com and allow camera access.

6. Check for Firmware or BIOS Camera Toggle

Some HP laptops have a BIOS-level camera toggle:

• Restart your laptop and press Esc, then F10 to enter BIOS.
• Look for a setting like Built-in Camera or Integrated Camera under Advanced or Security.
• Make sure it’s Enabled, then save and exit.

Let me know how the camera responds after these steps. If it still doesn’t activate, I can help you isolate whether it’s a software conflict or a deeper hardware detection issue.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye