HP Envy Laptop 17 cw0xxx camera stopped working for conference calls.

[RustyDO]

Camera not working for conference calls; MS Teams, Zoom.  I've been on this forum where I found that some of the HP 17's have a camera privacy key on the keyboard or a sliding switch on the right side of the computer

Unfortunately, mine has neither but presents a black screen instead of camera image.

I suspect there's a hidden switch as I get an error msg to that effect.

Where else would the switch be?

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

HI @RustyDO,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your HP Envy 17 laptop's camera is not working and you're getting an error message related to a privacy switch, it’s possible the camera might be disabled or blocked by software settings. Since your model does not have an obvious hardware privacy switch, here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check for Camera Privacy Settings in Software

1. Camera Privacy Settings in Windows:
   • Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera.Ensure that the toggle switch under "Allow apps to access your camera" is turned on.
   • Scroll down and make sure that the toggle switches for the apps you are using (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom) are turned on.

2. Check the Camera in Device Manager

Open Device Manager:

• Press Win + X and select Device Manager.Expand the Cameras or Imaging devices section.

Update or Roll Back the Driver:

• Right-click on your camera device and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
• If the camera still doesn't work, right-click the camera device, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver if the option is available.

Disable and Enable the Device:

• Right-click on your camera device and select Disable device. Wait a few seconds and then select Enable device.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Driver:

• Right-click on the camera device and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer, and Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.

3. Check for HP Camera Software or Firmware

1. HP Support:
   • Visit the HP Support website and look for your specific laptop model.Check for any camera-related software or firmware updates.

4. Test the Camera with the Windows Camera App

1. Open Camera App:
   • Type Camera in the Windows search bar and open the Camera app.See if the camera works in the Camera app. If it does, the issue might be with the specific apps (MS Teams, Zoom) settings.

5. Check MS Teams and Zoom Settings

Zoom:

• Open Zoom and go to Settings > Video.Ensure the correct camera is selected under Camera.

6. Run Windows Troubleshooter

1. Windows Troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.Select Additional troubleshooters > Camera and run the troubleshooter.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

Rachel571

HP Support

[rjo2do]

Accepted solution, thanks!