camera not attached hp spectre windows 11

[Rain-computer]

Hi! I am re-asking the same question as another user who got no answer:

I have an HP Spectre and my camera has completely disappeared (it used to work fine before last month).

Now, it no longer works (error message: camera not attached) and no longer appears in the device manager. Is it because of the Windows 11 update? I thought I could download new drivers from HP, but they don't offer any for my Laptop for 11 only for 10.  I've already checked for updates, and rebooted the computer, and tried to check for hardware updates in the device manager (in which the camera does not appear no matter how many times I try)

What can I do? Thanks!

[Raj_05]

Hi @Rain-computer,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

When a camera suddenly stops working and is no longer visible in the Device Manager, it can be frustrating. There are several potential causes and solutions for this issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the problem.

Check Privacy Settings

Windows 11 has enhanced privacy settings which might disable the camera.

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera.
2. Ensure that camera access is turned on for your device.
3. Check that apps are allowed to use the camera.

Check for Windows Updates

Ensure that your system is fully updated.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Check the BIOS/UEFI Settings

The camera might be disabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

1. Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing Esc, F2, F10, or Del during startup).
2. Look for a setting related to the internal camera and ensure it is enabled.

Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix hardware issues.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find the Camera troubleshooter and run it.

Check Device Manager Again

Even though you mentioned the camera does not appear in the Device Manager, it’s worth another look after the above steps.

1. Open Device Manager (right-click on Start and select Device Manager).
2. Click on View and select Show hidden devices.
3. Look for any unknown devices or devices with a yellow exclamation mark. If found, right-click and try to update the driver. 

[Raj_05]

Reinstall the Camera Driver

Even if HP doesn’t offer a specific Windows 11 driver, you can try reinstalling the existing driver.

1. Download the latest available driver from the HP website (even if it’s for Windows 10).
2. Install the driver in compatibility mode:
   • Right-click the installer file and select Properties.
   • Go to the Compatibility tab.
   • Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10.
   • Click Apply and OK, then run the installer.

Check for Physical Connection Issues

Although less common, there could be a hardware issue.

1. If comfortable, check if the camera’s physical connection inside the laptop is secure.
2. This usually involves carefully opening the laptop chassis and ensuring the camera module is properly connected to the motherboard.

Reset Your PC

If all else fails, you might consider resetting your PC.

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Click on Reset this PC and choose to keep your files or remove everything.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify whether the issue is software or hardware-related and hopefully restore the functionality of your camera.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support