Webcam does not work for any app except Camera

[jh281]

My webcam will not work for any app except for the default camera. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling the camera driver, updating the computer, and messing around with security settings. I am still not able to solve the problem. I have noticed the following...

When I use the camera app, I see this:

The device seems to be working properly. 

However, if I use any app other than Camera (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, etc.), I see this: 

The driver is greyed out, and the device status says "this hardware device is not connected to this computer." 

I have enabled access to the camera for all apps. 

I have also disabled threat protection. 

The issue is still not resolved. Please let me know if anyone knows how to fix this!

[Echo_Lake]

@jh281
Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

I appreciate your efforts to try and resolve the issue. As camera functionality is proven it's not a hardware related issue the camera.

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, I have a few troubleshooting steps we could try to fix the issue:

You can open webcam software, such as YouCam, Skype, or Live Messenger, but the video does not display in the main viewing window. Use the following steps, in the order they are presented, until the webcam video displays in your webcam software:

Step 1: Make sure the webcam is the selected video/capture device for your webcam software

Your webcam must be selected as the video capture device in your webcam software. If the computer has multiple video input sources, your webcam software might be connected to something other than your webcam.

To select the webcam as your video source, open your webcam software and look for video camera, video source, or video caption in the software's properties or preferences. Here are some common examples of selecting the webcam as the video source:

NOTE: The name of your webcam might display as USB Video Device, HP Webcam, USB 2.0 Camera, HP Pavilion Webcam, or similar. If you do not know the name, select a name to see if video displays. If not, try selecting other video device names until you see the video from your webcam display in the window.

Using CyberLink YouCam

Using Skype

Step 2: Restart the computer to correct webcam problems

The webcam might be associated with another software program or not responding. Often, simply restarting the computer can correct the problem. Restart the computer, and then open your webcam software as soon as Windows finishes loading.

If restarting the computer does not correct this problem, continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Update or change the webcam driver

Some software applications might require updated drivers for your webcam to display video or they might need a more basic driver. Use the following steps to change the driver for your webcam:

1. Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.

2. If a Let's identify your product to get started page displays, click Laptop or Desktop.

3. Type the model name for your computer in the Or, enter your serial number field, and then click Submit. For example, type Pavilion HPE h8-1360t Desktop, and then click Submit.

   

4. If a Matching products web page opens, select your model number from the list.

5. The software results page for your computer displays with the default operating system selected. If you need to change the operating system, click Change, select your version, and then click Change.

   NOTE: 

   If you cannot find the operating system you want in the list, HP does not have drivers for that operating system.

   

6. From the list of available software and driver categories, find the webcam driver.

   • If a webcam driver update is available from HP, download the file to your computer and install the software according to the instructions on the webpage. After updating, restart the computer, and then try using your software again. If the problem persists, continue using these steps to install a generic Windows USB video driver.

   • If a webcam driver is not available from HP or you cannot access the Internet, continue using these steps to install a generic Windows USB Video driver.

7. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.

8. Double-click Imaging Devices to expand the list of webcam drivers.

   

   • If there is no imaging devices category listed in Device Manager, stop using these steps and see the section Webcam is not listed in Device Manager in this document.

   • If more than one webcam driver is listed, right-click the driver and select uninstall for any driver that is not the HP Webcam-101 or Microsoft USB Video Device driver. Once the other drivers have been removed, restart your computer and open your software. If problems persist, continue using these steps.

9. Right-click the name of the webcam in the Images Devices category (HP Webcam-101 or Microsoft USB Video Device), and select Update Driver Software.

10. Click Browse the computer to select a specific USB Video Device driver.

    Double-click Imaging Devices to expand the list of webcam drivers, right-click the webcam driver, and then select Properties.

    

    Make a note of the existing name of the webcam driver (Example: HP Webcam), as it might change after the update.

11. On the Webcam Properties window, select Update Driver....

12. Select to Browse the computer for the desired driver.

13. Click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

14. Remove the selection from Show compatible hardware.

15. Select Microsoft in the Manufacturer field, and select USB Video Device in the Model field.

16. Click Next to install the webcam driver.

17. Allow the installation of the USB Video Device, and then click Close.

18. After the device has been updated to USB Video Device in Device Manager, restart your computer and open your software.

    If problems persist, install the latest BIOS update from HP and get all the latest Windows updates from Microsoft.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[jh281]

@Echo_Lake

Thank you for your instructions. I am still not able to resolve the issue. 

Starting at Step 6, I did not see a driver for a webcam when I went to  HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads and found my product. So I tried to install a generic Windows USB Video driver. When I went to imaging devices, there was no webcam listed: 

All that was listed is the driver for an HP printer. So I went to this page, as instructed: Webcam is not listed in Device Manager. I selected Action in the Device Manager and scanned for hardware changes. A webcam is not detected. 

So I am not able to install an HP or generic Windows webcam driver. Please let me know what to do next. 

[Echo_Lake]

@jh281

Thank you for posting back. 

I appreciate your efforts to try and resolve the issue. I would suggest performing system factory reset will put the computer back to the original factory settings in this way all corrupted and outdated software will be removed. 

While doing the recovery there is an option to backup your personal files. If you have not previously done one now is a good time. 

Restoring Files that were Backed Up Using HP Recovery Manager (Windows )You can also contact HP support for assistance. They can remotely access your system to help alleviate difficulties: www.hp.com/contacthp/

The HP Cloud Recovery Tool allows you to download recovery software to a USB drive. You can use the downloaded recovery image file in order to install the Windows operating system. 

• Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04758961#AbT3to perform System Recovery (Windows 10) 
• Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c06162205 to Use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 10)

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.