Camera not found

[Christine1701]

Hi. My webcam is on, it is lit but my laptop is telling me it is not found. It did not work for a Webex meeting. How do I fix?

[Max3Aj]

Hi @Christine1701, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Let's try a few steps to get it working again:

Check Privacy Settings:

• Press the Windows key and type Camera privacy settings.
• Ensure that Allow apps to access your camera is toggled On.
• Scroll down and make sure the apps you want to use the camera with (like Webex) are also toggled On

Update or Reinstall the Webcam Driver:

• Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Device Manager.
• Look for Cameras or Imaging devices and expand it.
• Right-click on your webcam and select Update driver. Follow the prompts to update the driver
• If updating doesn't work, right-click on the webcam again and select Uninstall device. Restart your laptop, and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver

Check Device Manager:

• In Device Manager, click on View and select Show hidden devices.
• If your webcam appears, right-click and select Enable device

Run HP Hardware Diagnostics:

• HP laptops come with a diagnostic tool. Search for HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows in the Start menu and run the Webcam Connection Test

Check for Windows Updates:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Sometimes, updates can fix driver issues. 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Christine1701]

Hi Max3Aj,

Thank you for responding. Here's what happened....

Camera privacy settings are on.  Access  allowed.

Went to Device Manager to update driver-said it is current.

Uninstalled and restarted. Camera not even in hidden view now.

HP Diagnostics did not offer the Webcam Connection Test and there is no search option. (Yes, I saw the dropdowns.)

Windows is updated and current. 

I'm lost....

[Max3Aj]

Hi @Christine1701, Thank you for your response. 
We appreciate your efforts in sorting the issue. 

Since the webcam has disappeared from Device Manager even after showing hidden devices, let's try these advanced troubleshooting steps:

1. Check BIOS Settings

Sometimes, webcams can be disabled in the BIOS.

• Restart your laptop and repeatedly press F10 (or Esc + F10) to enter BIOS.
• Look for Advanced Settings or Built-in Device Options and check if the webcam is enabled.
• If disabled, enable it, save changes, and restart.

2. Perform a Power Drain

This helps reset the internal hardware components.

1. Shut down the laptop.
2. Disconnect the power adapter.
3. If your laptop has a removable battery, remove it.
4. Hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain residual power.
5. Reconnect power and turn on the laptop.

3. Check USB Root Hub (For Internal USB-Based Cameras)

• Open Device Manager (Windows key + X > Device Manager).
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
• Right-click USB Root Hub > Uninstall device (for all listed).
• Restart the laptop. Windows will reinstall USB drivers.

4. Manually Reinstall Webcam Driver

If Windows doesn't reinstall the driver automatically:

• Go to the HP support website and download the webcam driver for your laptop model.
• Install it manually.

5. Check Windows Camera Permissions via Registry Editor

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CapabilityAccessManager\ConsentStore\webcam
    
3. Double-click Value and ensure it's set to Allow.

6. Create a New User Profile

Corrupted user profiles can sometimes cause device detection issues.

• Press Windows + I > Accounts > Family & other users.
• Click Add someone else to this PC and create a new account.
• Sign in with the new account and check if the camera works.

7. Restore to a Previous Working State

If the webcam worked before:

• Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
• Select a restore point before the issue started and follow the prompts.

8. Run System File Checker & DISM

To fix potential system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: sfc /scannow
  If errors persist, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support