Webcam listed as "working properly" but there is no video.

[NataliaMynlen]

My built-in realtek webcam does not work most of the time. I look under device manager and it claims that it is working properly, but then when I actually try to use any of the applications that use the webcam, I get a blank screen. Occasionally it decides to work for no apparent reason, but I am working from home thanks to Covid, and so I need my webcam to actually be reliable and not work only 20% of the time. I have tried restarting the computer, updating drivers, etc. So far, nothing has worked reliably. 

[The_Fossette]

@NataliaMynlen

I reviewed your post and I understand that the webcam is not working correctly on the computer.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

I recommend you follow the below steps and check if it helps.

Step 1: Locate and toggle the webcam privacy switch or press the webcam shutter key

Select HP notebook models come with a webcam privacy switch or a webcam shutter key that turns the webcam off and on. By default, the webcam is turned on.

Webcam privacy switch

The webcam privacy switch is located on either the right or left side of your computer. To turn off your webcam, slide the webcam privacy switch toward the icon next to the switch. To turn the webcam back on, slide the switch away from the icon.

Webcam shutter key

The webcam shutter key is located on the action key row of your keyboard. To turn off your webcam, press the webcam shutter key. To turn the webcam back on, press the shutter key again.

Webcam shutter LED

Webcam status

LED on: The webcam is off.

LED off: The webcam is on.

Figure : Webcam shutter key location

Step 2: Configure your antivirus software

You might need to adjust your firewall settings to include the webcam software as an allowed application. See your antivirus software documentation for more information.

Step 3: Verify that your app can use the webcam (Windows 10 only)

Use these steps to make sure your app can access your webcam.

1. From the Start menu, click Settings, Privacy, and then click Camera.

2. In the Allow apps to access your camera section of the menu, choose the setting that is most applicable for your webcam.

3. Under Choose which apps can access your camera, select your preferred individual settings to On or Off.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

P.S: Welcome to the HP Support Community 😊

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

Stay Home – Stay Safe