Built in Camera not working

[LisaBaker1991]

I cannot get the built in camera on my HP envy to work. Its just all of a sudden stopped working. I can open the camera app but I get a black screen. I have checked device manager and the built in camera does not appear, yet when checking for missing drivers HP says the laptop has all drivers up to date. 

I dont have a privacy camera setting on the side of the laptop or F13 to press as stated in other guides. 

I dont get an error message and I have tried resetting to factory settings. I have completed rebooted my laptop and I am up to date on all windows updates. I have removed the camera drivers and restarted so they would be reinstalled and again only a usb camera driver appears. I have had no luck! Any advice please

I am also getting windows hello face is unavailable but there isnt an option to 'learn more' as other posts say to click...

[Max3Aj]

@LisaBaker1991, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

I understand how frustrating it can be when your built-in camera suddenly stops working. You've already done a great job troubleshooting, let’s go a few steps deeper to try and resolve this.

Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager

Sometimes the camera is hidden due to a driver issue:

1. Press Windows + X → Select Device Manager
2. Click View → Select Show hidden devices
3. Expand Imaging Devices, Cameras, or Sound, video and game controllers
4. If the camera appears grayed out, right-click and select Enable device

Check BIOS Camera Settings

Some HP laptops allow enabling/disabling the camera from BIOS:

1. Restart your laptop and press Esc repeatedly, then F10 to enter BIOS
2. Navigate to Advanced or Security tab
3. Look for Built-in Device Options or Camera settings
4. Ensure the camera is enabled
5. Save and exit BIOS

Use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI

This helps check if the camera hardware is detected:

1. Turn off the laptop
2. Press Esc repeatedly, then F2 to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
3. Select Component Tests → Camera
4. Run the test and note any error codes

Manually Install Camera Driver

Even if HP Support Assistant says drivers are up to date, try manually installing:

• Go to the HP Support Page
• Download and install the Realtek IR Camera Driver or Intel Imaging Signal Processor (if available)
• Restart your laptop

Check Windows Privacy Settings

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera
2. Ensure Camera access and Let apps access your camera are turned On
3. Scroll down and ensure Camera access for desktop apps is also On

Windows Hello Face Unavailable

This is likely related to the camera issue. Once the IR camera is detected again, Windows Hello should become available. If not:

• Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
• Under Windows Hello Face, check if it becomes available after reinstalling the camera driver

If the camera is still not detected in BIOS or HP Diagnostics, it could be a hardware failure. In that case, please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United Kingdom | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode)

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support