Windows Hello

[tuclaeys72]

Windows hello stopped working. When I turn on the computer I get a message, 'Windows Hello couldn't turn on camera' .  I also  get a message from Microsoft, 'Webcam kill switch is enabled'. I have no idea how to disable or enable the camera. Camera is on in settings. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@tuclaeys72 

Specific models include the "Kill Switch" feature.

General information - Disable and Enable the Kill Switch

How to Disable Integrated Camera or Webcam in Windows

If you want to use the camera, it must be enabled.

More specific information is perhaps available - you will need to know your exact model name / product number.

Finding your Product Name, Product Number, or Serial Number

Please do NOT post the serial number.

Next,

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

Open Category Manuals > Look for and Open the User Guide for your computer.

The first chapter provides illustrations and explanations for ports and buttons on the Right / Left side of the computer.

Check the Device Manager for the webcam / camera

Open the Device Manager > Open category "cameras"

Right-Click on the webcam / camera > Open Properties

Check tab Events and check whether there are obvious signs of trouble (disconnected, driver failure).

If necessary, you can reload the driver, either from within the Device Manager (uninstall the driver and Restart the computer).

Device Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Device - Solve Problems

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides / Manuals, Service and Maintenance Guide (Replacement Parts and Procedures), Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Disable Integrated Camera or Webcam in Windows Disable Integrated Camera or Webcam in Windows

[tuclaeys72]

Hello, 

I don't have camera in device manager or under biometric devices. However, camera is in settings and it shows camera access is on for this device. How do I get the camera into device manager?

tuclaeys72

[Dragon-Fur]

@tuclaeys72 

Honestly, if the webcam is not in the Device Manager, nothing else you do about the webcam will make any difference.

The Device Manager is the interface between the hardware, that is, parts in your computer, and you - the operator or "user" of the computer.  The Device Manager has to detect the webcam for you to be able to talk to it (use commands to influence or operate the camera device).

What can you do?

You did not post your product number / model name - that's fine.

Anything we suggest you must do for yourself anyway.

The only differences are in the details.  

For example

Details

Your computer's website - homepage

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

Suggestions

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Read more about how the Camera / Webcam is supposed to Work

You did not say whether you switched on the Webcam using the Kill Switch enable.  If you have a webcam and it utilizes the switch, you do need to switch on the webcam to use it. 

A recent Windows Update might have disabled the webcam.  Check whether that is the case.

Details

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

See the previously posted How-to article

and

Open Category Manuals > check / read your User Guide for your computer for additional information.

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Windows Updates

Check again your Windows Updates History - if the webcam / Windows Hello stopped working right after a recent Update, then the webcam hardware is at least likely functional on some level.  The Update that impacted the Webcam might be worth investigating.  All Updates from Windows Updates can be tracked using the Update number.  Open your browser and search for recent Updates using the Update number.  (Example of an Update / Patch:  KB4574727)  Read any relevant information in which Microsoft indicates that certain hardware might have been impacted - these sorts of comments are found in the Patch Description document under section "Known Problems" (exact wording varies).

NOTE:  Even if you do find an explanation for what has happened, the "fix" may have to wait for Windows (Microsoft) to provide the solution. 

Most Updates are good - the few that are "bad" do have to be fixed by Microsoft.  The solution in this case is:  Wait for a new Update to fix the "bad" update. 

If you find a recent update is "bad", and unless Microsoft says otherwise, your might try removing (uninstalling) the known bad update from the system. 

Details

Open your browser and search for articles / help.  Search for "how to uninstall windows updates on windows 10"

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Forced Restart / Boot

“Press and Pray” 

Try the following "Press and Pray" Forced Start to force the computer to relinquish any presets and to start from the healthy Operating System instructions on the disk.

If the webcam is merely stuck behind some weird glitch in the startup, forcing the computer to boot from the disk might clear the problem.

IF a BIOS update is just stuck / stubborn / frozen-in-place half way through the update / boot process,

OR

If there are boot issues that prevent a complete or clean boot of the Operating System,

IF there is not actually anything wrong with the windows installation or the File System,

Then

The following procedure might resolve the issue.

1. Unplug everything, including power and all other externally connected components
2. Press and hold down the power button for thirty (30) to forty (40) seconds
3. Release the power button
4. Plug in only basic components needed to start / boot the computer

• Desktop:  Connect Power, wired mouse and keyboard, HDMI to monitor (and monitor is powered on).  Make sure Power is properly connected and all the way plugged in on both wall and machine.
• Notebook:  Connect AC Power.  Make sure Power properly connected and is all the way plugged in on both wall and machine.

1. Switch on the system with power button - Click power and release (as for normal boot)

Hoped for Results:

• System switches on, monitor active, mouse and keyboard responsive

If the issue was a "stuck" BIOS update:

• Screen shows the BIOS update window with choices:  cancel / update
• Wait several seconds; stare at it and contemplate actions.  (The process will continue on its own after about 10-20 seconds)
• BIOS update continues, completes, and reboots the system

When the system reboots,

1. Log in
2. Connect LAN (Ethernet)
3. Connect other components (USB, external webcam, speakers...)
4. General housekeeping (checks, more staring at it)

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Update your HP Software and Drivers

It is possible that a recent Windows Update uncovered a need that you update your HP Software and Drivers.

Use the method you usually use to maintain and update your HP Software and Drivers. 

Details

• If you usually depend on HP Support Assistant, open the program and look for updates. 
• If you normally Open Category Software and Drivers, then use a manual method, that is, download-save-install, to update, use that method.

The point is to check and apply any new Updates, and not "how" you manage the operation.

Look for specialty updates.

For example, it might be necessary that you update the BIOS.

Details

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

Open Category Software and Drivers > Open BIOS > Click to see / read the information and description

Updating the BIOS is touchy and should be done when necessary, not "just because" you can do so.

Details

Need Help?  HP Documents – How to Update the BIOS

   HP Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

   HP Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

Select the option to manually install the BIOS update.

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Find more information

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

Open Category Advisories and Bulletins (actual names might vary.

These notices include warnings, special instructions, and updates for known issues and threats.

Read the articles to learn more.

NOTE:  Generally, for the purpose of this issue, only the most recent articles might provide relevant solutions (if any).

Confusing?  Yes, if you have never read an advisory and bulletin, the format is perhaps different from what you are used to reading.  Read more than one time, if needful.  Ask if you have specific questions and we will try to explain.

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What else?

Webcam Failure

It is possible the webcam suddenly failed, that is, it is possible the webcam hardware itself is to blame for the sudden loss.

What?

Tiny wires can become disconnected, loosened, crushed in the hinge area.  Physical damage of this sort is nearly impossible to prove without opening the computer case and peering at the inside.  Less often, the camera itself might fail.

If nothing fixes the situation, not what is suggested here and not anything you can find searching everywhere else, consider that the webcam itself might be the culprit.

You are not to this point at this moment, hardware failure is just something to consider down the road.

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Contact HP Support

Particularly if the computer is still in Warranty - and even if not - you have the option to contact HP Support.

Reminder:  Out-of-Warranty service is  not free.  That said, IF you determined the webcam is actually broken, the fix is not difficult nor is it particularly expensive.

Many roads lead to HP Support.

Settings > System > About > (Support) Online support > Contact an HP Agent

OR

Open website  HP World-Wide Support

 Select your region and follow the prompts

OR

Regional Links

USA / Canada

   HP® Customer Support - USA

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Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology