HP Spectre – Camera not opening on Windows 11

[Adedamola2]

Hello,

I’m using an HP Spectre x360  running Windows 11 Pro. My issue is that the built-in camera doesn’t open at all. Anytime I try to access the Camera app or use it in other apps (Zoom, Teams, etc.), it won’t work.

So far, I have tried:

• Restarting the laptop
• Updating drivers via Device Manager
• Checking Camera Privacy settings (enabled for apps)
• Booting in Safe Mode (still no luck)

But nothing works.

Please, what can I do to fix this camera issue?

Thank you.

[Garp_senchau]

@Adedamola2, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

To fix the issue with your HP Spectre x360 camera not functioning, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Locate and Toggle the Webcam Privacy Switch

Some HP Spectre x360 models have a physical webcam privacy switch or a shutter key. Make sure the switch is in the open position:

Privacy Switch: Usually located on the side of the laptop. Slide it away from the lock icon to enable the webcam.

Shutter Key: Found in the action key row of your keyboard. Press it (or fn + shutter key) to activate the webcam. Check the indicator light to ensure the camera is powered on.

2. Check Webcam Software and Settings

Camera App: Search for and open the Camera app. If no image appears, proceed with further steps.

App Permissions: Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. Ensure camera access is turned on for both the device and the apps you use (e.g., Zoom, Teams).

3. Update or Roll Back Webcam Drivers

Open Device Manager. Expand the Imaging devices or Cameras section.

Update Driver: Right-click the webcam, choose Update driver, then select Search automatically for drivers.

If an update doesn’t fix the issue, try Rolling Back Driver: In Device Manager, right-click the webcam, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver if available.

4. Check for Hardware Issues

• Connection: Ensure the built-in webcam is not physically disconnected. If the problem persists, the laptop may require servicing to address internal connectivity issues.

5. Other Software Conflicts

Ensure no other applications are using the camera simultaneously, as this can cause conflicts.

Restart the Computer: This can often resolve conflicts with webcam access.

Also, you may refer to this guide: HP PCs - "We can't find your camera" error is displayed in Camera app in Windows 10 | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,

[Adedamola2]

Thanks for the detailed steps. Here’s what I’ve checked so far:

1. Privacy switch/shutter: I confirmed there’s no shutter blocking the camera, and the privacy switch is set to open.

2. App permissions: Camera access is enabled under Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera for both the system and apps.

3. Camera app: When I open the Camera app, it still says “We can’t find your camera”.

4. Drivers: I went to Device Manager. The camera isn’t showing up under Cameras or Imaging Devices, so I can’t update or roll back the driver.

5. Conflicts: I closed/restarted to ensure no other app is using the camera, but the issue remains.  It looks like the system isn’t detecting the camera at all.

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @Adedamola2, 

Thanks for reaching out! Since the issue remains unresolved, I suggest contacting our phone/chat support team for personalized assistance. They can provide one-on-one help and may even be able to work their remote assistance magic to fix the problem.

Note: There might be a nominal charge for the service they provide.

Regards,

[Adedamola2]

Thanks for the update. Please, how do I reach out to HP phone/chat support directly from my region?