HP Envy17 webcam not found

[RJS_Envy]

Problem is intermittent. This has been happening for about a month:

On startup, camera (built-in webcam) not found.

On Device Manager, camera not listed, have to click - View - Show Hidden devices.

Camera no listed, click on camera - shows, unable to find.

Tried restart, logout, hibernate. Still unable to find.

Last "unable to find" lasted 3 days. Started up today and this it has found it and appears to be OK.

There is no camera switch on this HP Envy 17, only a privacy slide.

Why is finding/not finding camera. How can it be found when "not found"?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @RJS_Envy,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

We understand how confusing and frustrating it can be when your built-in webcam disappears intermittently.
 

Based on your description, this issue seems related to how the camera hardware is being detected (or not detected) by Windows during startup. Let’s break down what might be happening and how to approach a long-term fix.

What's Likely Causing This:

1. Loose Hardware Connection or Driver Glitch
   Since the camera disappears completely from Device Manager (even under hidden devices), it suggests the system isn’t always detecting it at the hardware level. This can sometimes be caused by a loose internal connection or a momentary driver conflict during startup.
    
2. Privacy Shutter Slide (Mechanical Interference)
   While your HP ENVY 17-da0000 does not have a physical camera kill switch, it does have a privacy shutter. In rare cases, if the shutter isn't aligned properly or sticks slightly off-track, the system may fail to initialize the camera.

Steps You Can Try to fix the issue:

1. Reinstall or Update the Camera Driver
   • Go to Device Manager
   • Click View > Show hidden devices
   • If you see the camera (greyed out), right-click it and select Uninstall device
   • Restart the laptop. Windows should attempt to reinstall the driver automatically
   • Optionally, check HP’s support site for the latest camera drivers for your model
      
2. Disable Power Saving for Camera
   • Open Device Manager
   • Under Universal Serial Bus Controllers, look for USB Root Hub entries
   • Right-click each > Properties > Power Management tab
   • Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"
   • Repeat for any Imaging or Camera devices if they appear
      
3. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics
   • Press F2 at startup to access HP’s diagnostics
   • Run a component test on the camera to check if it’s recognized at the hardware level, even when Windows doesn’t see it
      
4. BIOS Update (If Available)
   • Visit: HP Envy 17.3 inch Laptop PC 17-da0000 (903S7AV) Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support
   • Check for any available BIOS or firmware updates that might improve hardware detection

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[RJS_Envy]

Hi. Webcam been OK & working for 2 days. but yesterday - NOT found!!!

Have tried your suggestions to no avail. Tried F2, but NO webcam/camera listed.

In Device Manager - No camera; show hidden device - Camera appears shows 

RH click reads: Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)

As this laptop is only 6 month old, might have to return to retailer help desk to try and resolve.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @RJS_Envy,

Thank you for getting back ana letting me know.

Please help us with your HP unit serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.

Here is the link to find the product Serial number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon in the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number because we value your privacy.

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[RJS_Envy]

Hi Vikram

Have taken it back to retailers (Currys), who have sent it off to their "experts".  Said should have it back within 7-10 days.  Hopefully they can sort

So obviously can't check laptop for serial detail, but:

HP - ENVY 17-da0503sa 17.3" Laptop - Intel® Core™ Ultra 5, 512 GB SSD

Number on box - A4UY2EA#ABU

Many Thanks

RJS

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @RJS_Envy,

Thank you for your response,

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue; it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[RJS_Envy]

Hi Vikram. As computer was under guarantee, I returned to shop. Their experts tried to sort, appeared to be fixed, then webcam disappeared again. Returned again and this time they have replaced webcam and reinstalled drivers.

It now appears to be all OK, fingers crossed.

Thanks for your time, but after several tries, working / not working..... I thought it best to get the store to sort the problem