Camera not working

[Kritikagupta]

My Laptop camera is sometimes working but most of the time, it starts but not able to work

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Kritikagupta,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for reaching out. We understand that the camera on your HP laptop running Windows 11 works intermittently; the camera sometimes starts normally but most of the time does not provide a usable image. To make sure we provide the correct model-specific driver and troubleshooting, could you please provide the exact HP laptop model or product number? Please do not post the serial number publicly.

Also, please let us know:

• Does the issue occur in the Windows Camera app as well as applications such as Teams or Zoom?
• When the camera fails, do you see a black screen, frozen image, or an error message/error code?
• Does the camera remain listed under Cameras in Device Manager when the problem occurs?
• Did the issue begin after a Windows, BIOS, or driver update?

In the meantime, please try these basic steps.
1. Check the camera privacy switch or shutter
Select HP notebooks have a webcam privacy switch, webcam shutter, or camera key. Make sure the camera has not been disabled. HP documents that if the webcam shutter-key light is on, the webcam is off; when the light is off, the webcam is on.

2. Test the camera directly in Windows

1. Select Start.
2. Search for and open Camera.
3. Check whether the camera displays an image.

HP recommends testing the built-in webcam with the Camera app. If no image appears, restart the notebook and test it again.

3. Check Windows camera permissions

1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera.
2. Make sure Camera access is turned on.
3. Make sure Let apps access your camera is turned on.
4. Make sure the application you are using has permission to access the camera.

4. Check the camera in Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Cameras or Imaging devices.
3. Check whether the built-in camera is listed.
4. If the camera is missing, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
5. Restart the notebook and test the Camera app again.

HP PC Hardware Diagnostics also includes a Webcam Test that checks basic webcam functionality, including device discovery and video characteristics.

For additional HP guidance, please refer to HP PCs - Troubleshoot the webcam (Windows) | HP® Support.

Please reply with the exact HP laptop model/product number, what happens when the camera fails, and any error code displayed. Once we have those details, we can provide the correct next troubleshooting steps for your specific HP laptop.

Take care and have a good day.