Camera stopped working on day 2 = HP Envy x360

[TroyM63]

I've had this laptop/pc for 2 days.  The webcam has stopped working.  I've checked settings and everything looks kosher.  What should I do?  Yesterday it would use my face to log in, now its gone.  Troubleshooting says I have a switch or button that is causing this to happen, but I see no switch or button. 

[Nal_NR]

Hi @TroyM63,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I understand that you are having issues with the camera.

If your HP Envy x360’s camera stopped working after just two days and you’ve already checked the settings, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check Device Manager:

• Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Look for Imaging Devices or Cameras and see if your camera is listed there.
• If it’s listed, right-click on it and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
• If you see an exclamation mark or error, right-click on the camera device and select Uninstall device. Restart your laptop, and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

2. Check Privacy Settings:

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera.
• Make sure Camera access for this device is turned on.
• Ensure that Allow apps to access your camera is turned on, and verify that the apps you want to use the camera with have permission.

3. Check Camera App Permissions:

• Open the Camera app and see if it works. If not, try another app that uses the camera, like Zoom or Teams, to check if the issue is app-specific.
• In the Camera app, click on Settings (gear icon) and verify that the camera is not disabled in the app’s settings.

4. Restart Windows Explorer:

• Sometimes, restarting Windows Explorer can resolve issues:
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Find Windows Explorer in the list, select it, and click Restart.

5. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Select Hardware and Devices and run the troubleshooter to check for any issues with the camera.

Please check the remaining steps in the next post.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @TroyM63,

Please find the remaining steps below. 

6. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings:

• Restart your laptop and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F10 or another specific key during startup).
• Look for any settings related to integrated peripherals or camera. Ensure the camera is enabled if such an option exists.

7. Update Windows and Drivers:

• Make sure Windows is fully updated by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and checking for updates.
• Additionally, visit the HP Support website and download any available updates for your model.

8. Check for Physical Camera Switch:

• Some HP laptops have a physical switch or key combination to disable the camera, often labeled with a camera icon. Ensure that the camera is not disabled by such a switch. This is rare but worth verifying.

9. Reset the Laptop:

• If none of the above steps work, you may try resetting your laptop:
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Under Reset this PC, choose Get started and follow the prompts. Ensure you back up any important data before doing this.

You may also refer to this document (Troubleshoot the webcam) for more information. 

Since your laptop is new, it is still under warranty. If the problem persists, contacting HP Phone Support would be advisable.

Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.