laptop - camera keeps getting unrecognized

[quit321]

My camera keeps getting unrecognized when using zoom.  It works for a while then quits - I have uninstalled and reinstalled the camera.   I have uninstalled and reinstalled zoom app.   this is getting very frustrating 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @quit321,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It can be frustrating when your laptop camera keeps getting unrecognized, especially during important video calls. Here are some steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:

1. Check for Hardware Connections and Issues

• Built-in Camera: Ensure that nothing is physically blocking the camera lens. For external cameras, check the USB connection and try different ports.
• Toggle Camera Privacy Settings: Some laptops have a physical switch or keyboard shortcut (often a function key like F6, F8, etc.) to disable the camera for privacy. Make sure this isn't accidentally turned off.

2. Update Camera Drivers

Even if you've already uninstalled and reinstalled the camera, ensuring you have the latest drivers can help:

1. Device Manager (Windows):
   • Press Win + X and select "Device Manager."Expand the "Imaging devices" or "Cameras" section, right-click your camera, and select "Update driver."Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the prompts.
2. macOS: For Macs, make sure your system is up to date, as the camera drivers are included in system updates.

3. Check for Operating System Updates

Keeping your operating system up to date can help resolve compatibility issues:

• Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.macOS: Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

4. Adjust Camera Permissions

Make sure the Zoom app and other relevant applications have permission to access the camera:

• Windows:
  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera.Ensure that camera access is enabled for the device and that Zoom has permission to use the camera.
• macOS:
  • Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. Select "Camera" and make sure Zoom has access.

5. Check Zoom Settings

In the Zoom app, ensure that the correct camera is selected:

1. Open Zoom and go to Settings > Video.Check if the correct camera is selected in the "Camera" dropdown menu.

6. Test with Other Applications

To determine if the issue is specific to Zoom or a broader problem with the camera:

• Test with Other Apps: Use the camera with other applications like Skype, Microsoft Teams, or the built-in camera app to see if the issue persists.Test in Different Environments: If possible, try using the camera on different networks or environments to rule out network-related issues.

7. Disable and Re-enable Camera (Windows)

Try disabling and then re-enabling the camera in Device Manager:

1. Device Manager: Right-click the camera under "Imaging devices" or "Cameras," select "Disable device," and confirm.
2. Wait a few seconds, then right-click the camera again and select "Enable device."

8. Check for Conflicting Software

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

[quit321]

The solution you gave me is everything I tried before reaching out - you can't update drivers using device manager when camera when it was missing.  I had to call - they had to go back to factory settings  - after we did that it showed up in device manager - I have no idea on why it kept vanishing - and how to prevent for future 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @quit321 

I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Hope this helps! 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”.

Rachel571 

HP Support