Does the ENVY 15m-bq121dx have a webcam / camera kill switch somewhere (physical or in the BIOS)?

[dbt3ch]

I'm trying to determine if an ENVY 15m-bq121dx has a hardware problem with the built-in webcam / camera. Is there a kill switch somewhere on this machine? I don't see anything in the row of function keys nor do I see a physical button on the sides. No device in device manager for the camera, even when selecting "Show hidden devices".

I don't need further troubleshooting. I just need to know if there is a kill switch physically on the laptop that I'm not seeing or if the camera can be disabled somehow in BIOS (or even if the current BIOS version kills the camera). HP laptops with 2500U CPUs have had many BIOS updates due to overheating issues and it wouldn't be surprising if webcam functionality was lost due to a bad BIOS release.

For reference, I have tried the following without success:

- https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c03430151

- https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Webcam-on-HP-ENVY-x360-15m-bp0...

I kindly ask that you do not reply unless you can specifically answer my question about the ENVY 15m-bqXXX line of convertible laptops.

[Prométhée]

Hello
if you have followed what is indicated in the links, it does not normally have this type of switch
it is mentioned at one point that awebcam could be disconnected internally, this means that it is hardware it may not be connected anymore
The only options possible, but it seems to me that the webcam must always be visible in the device manager, it is the button 'private mode'
and on or off using the keypad keys

repeat all the steps, but if nothing is right it may be necessary to repair!
To be fixed, it may be necessary to attempt a factory recovery
The only advice I can give you if nothing is wrong will be the purchase of a usb webcam, you might even have something much more efficient!

Up to you

[dbt3ch]

Hi Prométhée,

Thanks for getting back to me.

While it is possible the webcam is disconnected internally, I would be surprised if this were the case unless it came this way when it was manufactured.

If there is no option in the BIOS to check, the best option may be an external USB camera. I may also try clearing the TPM module to see if by some chance that's affecting it.

It is really unfortunate that the hardware diagnostic doesn't test the webcam connection. It seems like it would prevent many support tickets...

[Prométhée]

It goes back a bit, but I seem to have already encountered this when the French community was active!
But that also doesn't mean that your problem is there, opening to check is a bit risky!
If there was an option in the bios, and I doubt it, you will see it quickly I think!
I have never been able to test, with the hp diagnostic tool, you mean that no test for the webcam, or it does not find anything?

good sorry, that doesn't change much to your problem ..
But apart from the options already mentioned, I have never seen anything else
I answered, because I'm afraid you will have no answer at all!