Camera not found on HP Spectre x360 or HP ENVY (0xA00F4244<NoCamerasAreAttached> or Black Screen)

[EddyK]

Symptoms (Case A)

• When opening up the Windows 10 Camera application, the message "We can't find your camera" with error code 0xA00F4244<NoCamerasAreAttached> appears

• The webcam does not function in Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype or other webcam-accessing applications
• The camera does not appear in Device Manager under Cameras or Imaging Devices 

Symptoms (Case B)

• Upon opening a webcam-accessing application, only a black screen appears
• The camera appears in Device Manager and is detected by the device

---

Diagnosis

This issue can affect users with newer HP Spectre x360 13 models, HP Spectre x360 15 models, HP ENVY, and HP ENVY x360 models.

This includes, but is not limited to, the models listed in the table below.

HP Spectre x360 - 13-ap0xxx	HP Spectre x360 - 13t-ap000
HP Spectre x360 - 13-aw0xxx	HP Spectre x360 - 13t-aw000
HP Spectre x360 - 15-df0xxx	HP Spectre x360 - 15t-df000
HP Spectre x360 - 15-df1xxx	HP Spectre x360 - 15t-df000
HP Spectre x360 - 15-eb0xxx	HP Spectre x360 - 15t-eb000
HP ENVY 13-aq0xxx	HP ENVY 13t-aq000
HP ENVY 13-aq1xxx	HP ENVY 13t-aq100
HP ENVY 13-ba0xxx	HP ENVY 13t-ba000
HP ENVY x360 - 13-ar0xxx	HP ENVY x360 - 13m-ar0xxx
HP ENVY x360 - 15-ds0xxx	HP ENVY x360 - 15z-ds000
HP ENVY x360 - 15-dr0xxx	HP ENVY x360 - 15m-dr0xxx
HP ENVY x360 - 15-dr1xxx	HP ENVY x360 - 15m-dr1xxx
HP ENVY x360 - 15-ed0xxx	HP ENVY x360 - 15m-ed0xxx
HP ENVY - 15-ep0xxx	HP ENVY - 15t-ep000
HP ENVY - 17-ce0xxx	HP ENVY - 17t-ce000
HP ENVY - 17-ce1xxx	HP ENVY - 17t-ce100
HP ENVY - 17-cg0xxx	HP ENVY - 17m-cg0xxx

*This table will be updated as frequently as possible

---

Solution

The above listed HP notebook PCs are equipped with either a privacy camera kill switch or a webcam shutter key, the former which can cut off power to the front-facing webcam causing the error in Case A, and the latter which physically covers the camera, causing the issue described in Case B. Both of these protect the user from any potential hackers. Therefore, the error message / black screen you are seeing is proof of the functionality of a privacy-related feature and is not due to an actual hardware or software issue.

To use your webcam, simply slide the privacy camera switch on the right side of your HP notebook PC or press the webcam shutter key which is in the position of F13, at the top row of the keyboard.

Privacy Camera Kill Switch currently in "ON" Position

Webcam Shutter Key positioned at the top row of the keyboard

---

Further Support

If your webcam kill switch or webcam shutter key is malfunctioning, the camera does not appear in Device Manager, and there appears to be a hardware issue, please contact HP Support.

Contact HP Worldwide here.

Phone HP Worldwide here.

Check warranty status here.

Find an HP Authorized Service Center near you here.

If you are experiencing the same issue but your HP Notebook PC does not have a camera kill switch or webcam shutter key, please create a new post in the HP Support Community for better exposure.

[DiCE-Ontrack]

Awesome!  thank you. Spent ages trying to figure out what was going on here.  Appreciate this information. 

[EddyK]

No problem @DiCE-Ontrack! Glad to hear this information helped you. 

[EddyK]

@paramon1379, no problem.

[AdaMarkman]

There's nothing like that in my Spectre x360 13. Only restart button, earphone and usb

[AdaMarkman]

It is HP-Spectre X360 Convertible 13-ac0xx

[EddyK]

@AdaMarkman, your model is an older version without the privacy camera kill switch. 

What is your exact issue? Are you seeing the exact same error code? If so, this might be an actual hardware issue.  

[tbotten]

I am having the same issue on a hp spectre x360 13.  I have the same exact error code.

[AdaMarkman]

The problem was resolved by installing the last version of BIOS . It is available in HP Support 

[tbotten]

Adam,

Can you explain how I would find the last version of BIOS in HP Support.

[Alxg3da]

Whoa. Thx so much

[Kardoon]

Hi, I have this exact error message. I disabled the webcam/camera a while back, but can't remember how I did it to reverse the process. I checked Device Manager and there's nothing listed. I installed Cyberlink Youcam, and it says 'no webcam detected'.

My laptop is an older model, a HP Pavilion 15 notebook, so it doesn't have the camera killswitch. I update regularly, so I don't think a bios update is needed.

Any suggestions are most welcome. Thanks 🙂

[Jan1711]

Thank you Such a simple solution after 2 days of device manager/uploads/ resets/ downloads! And it all came down to a simple switch. It would be so good if the retailers mentioned this when purchased.

[me02]

I have same issue, but on my HP ENVY TouchSmart m7-j100 Notebook PC series. I don't see a kill switch at all and my product @ E8A11UA#ABA. Please HELP, I really need this for work.

[Jan1711]

On my particular model  it is a tiny really tiny button next to the SD card slot on the right hand side.

[BBricker]

This is not fixing my error. :  HP Spectre x360 Convertible- 15-df0xxx

What I see: 

Have to "show hidden devices" to see Camera  (no "imaging" listed) 

HP IR Camera grayed out

HP Wide Vision FHD Camera grayed out

Driver details: I do NOT see a "Roll Back Driver" option

What I've checked: 

• Camera kill switch set to  on.
• Camera settings allow apps to access
• Antivirus software settings allow camera.
• Updated camera driver (HP Wide Vision FHD Camera)
• Updated Windows version (Windows Pro 10 1909  build 18363.752)
• Updated BIOS 
• Updated Driver 2nd time, but said updated driver for device: Realtek DMFT - RGB 

I think that  Windows version, BIOS and the camera driver are out of sync with different Windows 10 build numbers.

I would like to remove device and driver and reinstall the soft/firmware again.   

Suggestions?

[Kerry38]

Same issue as BBricker. I've reset Windows 10. The camera came on after the loading the driver, BUT when I went to Zoom 10 minutes later the camera was not recognized. I went to Device manager and camera isn't registered. It is revealed when I check Hidden devices, but it is gray AGAIN!. I do not have a kill switch on my HP 360 Envy. 

Looking for help, desperately. I've spent hours trying to fix this and now with this webcam being my other connection to many people. I'm beyond frustrated. 

Thank you for your expertise and advice.

[blackblood89]

Hello there,

I have HP Envy Dv6 so I think I don't have this kill button but I have the same problem and tried literally everything. 

I can't find any drivers for the camera in device manager and I have downloaded Youcam with no point. 

[Nerri22]

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much. I have spent ages trying to figure out how to get the camera working.

Thanks again

[taylor68]

Thank you. Feel really stupid not knowing about the camera kill switch.

[BEEGee3]

Thank you so much, was trying not to panic as I just got the laptop. This worked.

[Mikkel22]

My brand-new Spectre x360 15" has that nice camera kill switch, and I do see the error described here. But the kill switch is loose (= no click when moved from on to off or vice versa). It seems defective. Who can fix that for me, please?

[EddyK]

@Mikkel22, if it's brand new and you have the option to, please request a return or an exchange.

If it's outside the return/exchange policy window, please contact HP Support:

Contact HP Worldwide here.

Phone HP Worldwide here.

Check warranty status here.

Find an HP Authorized Service Center near you here.

If your webcam kill switch is malfunctioning and the camera does not appear in Device Manager despite attempts to turn the kill switch off, please contact HP Support.

If you have an HP Notebook PC that does not have a camera kill switch but has the same issue, instead of commenting here for help, please create a new post in the HP Support Community for better exposure.

[me02]

I have same issue, but on my HP ENVY TouchSmart m7-j100 Notebook PC series. I don't see a kill switch at all and my product @ E8A11UA#ABA. Please HELP, I really need this for wo

[BBricker]

Someone please help!  It's not my switch!  I would like to know if this is a hardware, firmware or driver issue!  

B

[blackblood89]

I fixed my camera but using a different method anyhow thanks 

[BBricker]

I reverted to an old driver. dchu_SeaAPO_042519_WHQL

My computer is only a year old, so surprised that the new driver wasn't supported by Windows 10 1909 build.

We'll see what the next Windows update surprise brings.

Bev

[EddyK]

@BBricker, I'm glad to hear that you were able to resolve your issue. Sorry I wasn't able to help much.

Did you rollback your driver in Device Manager? Or did you install a previous driver through Device Manager? 

[me02]

@EddyK  MY POST IS CONSTANTLY LOOKED OVER, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG? I have same issue, but on my HP ENVY TouchSmart m7-j100 Notebook PC series. I don't see a kill switch at all and my product @ E8A11UA#ABA. Please HELP, I really need this for work. 

[me02]

@Blackblood89 How did you repair yours?

[DrewMann]

[DrewMann]

Thats the current webcam driver installed and everytime I try to update it says the latest driver is installed and yet it doesn't work nor do I have any software.

[me02]

@EddyK  MY POST IS CONSTANTLY LOOKED OVER, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG? I have same issue, but on my HP ENVY TouchSmart m7-j100 Notebook PC series. I don't see a kill switch at all and my product @ E8A11UA#ABA. Please HELP, I really need this for work. 

[PaulBon]

I'm also seeing the 0xA00F4244 camera not found error on my HP pavilion 15 model 15-cs0085cl.

It worked yesterday whlle using Zoom and today the camera is not found by Zoom or Skype or Camera.  It also does not show up in device manager.

No changes or updates have been performed to windows or any other app.  I just turned the laptop off yesterday, turned it on today, and no camera.

I just spent 2 hours trying power resets, default BIOS and other ideas that i found on this forum with no luck.  The laptop is just over 1 year old and hardly used.  It must be a software issue or the camera as somehow turned off and it's not turning back on.  I tried uninstalling Zoom and reinstalled it, no help.

[JamesWaugh]

I created an account just to say that this is without a doubt the worst feature implementation I've seen in the last 20 years. I quite literally reinstalled windows because of this **bleep** nondescript error.

If you're going to include a tiny, subtle, kill switch for a webcam on the side of a laptop (that is also very uncommon), maybe consider including some meaningful message in windows for when said feature is activated? Perhaps something more useful than "nocamerasareattached".

Further, it might be useful to keep cameras shown in device manager so people aren't lead to thinking their laptop has lost their camera drivers generally and hunt to replace them??

Please dear lord include something more useful as a message if you are planning to sabotage users with a subtle deactivation of a feature than "nocamerasareattached"... I'm no tech expert but perhaps "webcam deactivated" and an image of the button??

[Senkik]

@BBricker how did you reverted to the old driver? On my laptop that option is grayed out. 

I'm on a HP Pavilion 15-aw002la (ENERGY STAR), product number: V7R92LA#ABM

[DonaldH11]

Thanks alot!  

[vbecerra20]

I am having this issue with my Hp envy x360 convertible 13m-ag0xxx. I have tried everything, I do not have the camera switch nor the f13. HELP!!

[MimiBee51]

My camera has worked intermittently and now is not working at all. Switch is on, device manager shows camera(s) but error message reads that I don’t have a camera. Sometimes there is a flickering between camera/no camera. I have a Spectre 360 convertible ap just out of warranty.  There is no rollback option for drivers. I’m so frustrated at a lack of solution. No more HP products for me...

[KenBros]

Not addressing our error either. 

We have several hp envy x360 convertibles, some have the kill switch but the one in front of me for the past several hours does not.  When I originally started working on the machine it had an unknow USB device in the device manager.  After updating some of the drivers including the support assistant, a Camera device replaced the unknow device but we continue getting the error when accessing the camera.  After updating the Bios the Camera disappeared from the device manager and NO unknown devices replaced it:  the original error returned when accessing the camera.... "no device available".   This machine is 15 months out of the box.  I do not see drivers available for the camera specifically or any solutions that have worked.

If any one has had better luck,  please let me know.  I do not look forward "restoring to factory" to identify the cause.  (If that is even a option )

[Sean1966]

how / where do you find the solution to a notebook with this issue that does not have a kill switch???

[KenBros]

Sorry for my delay,  I ordered a replacement camera and it just arrived this morning.  Replaced the camera and my issue has been resolved.  I still need to button down the case but the camera was added and is available.

The hardware diagnostic tools indicated the camera failure.  I had already tried the restore but had no change, the camera was still not available.  So, I determined I would need to  replace and repair.  Disappointing seeing that the machine is only 15 months old but I have several of these HP and I feel it is better to have been a hardware issue with one than a software issue with all of them.

Good luck.      

[praveenbv]

Hi@EddyK, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

We reviewed your post and I understand that the webcam is not working.

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:

If the error message, We can't find your camera. Error code: 0xa00f4244<NoCamerasAreAttached> displays when you open the Camera app, use the steps in this document to troubleshoot the issue.

Click on this Link 

Step 2.

1. In Windows, search for and open Skype.
2. In Skype, click Tools, and then click Options.
3. Click Video Settings from the left side of the page.
4. Select the name of your webcam from the Select webcam list.

1. When the video displays in the pane, click Save.

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.

1. If a Matching products web page opens, select your model number from the list.
2. 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.

1. 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.
2. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
3. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

1. On the Webcam Properties window, select Update Driver....
2. Select to Browse the computer for the desired driver.
3. Click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
4. Remove the selection from Show compatible hardware.
5. Select Microsoft in the Manufacturer field, and select USB Video Device in the Model field.
6. Click Next to install the webcam driver.
7. Allow the installation of the USB Video Device, and then click Close.
8. 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.

Keep me posted. Happy to help!

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day! 

[RhondaE]

Amazing, brilliant fix...I've spent the last two hours trying to trouble shoot this.  Thank you! 

[praveenbv]

Greetings! 

  

This message is from the HP Support team, 

  

Just needed to know if all your queries were resolved? 

  

If not, I could help you get there. 

  

If you would like to thank us for our efforts to help you, go to the public post & give us a virtual high-five by clicking the "Thumbs Up" icon below, followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" on my public post. 

  

Have a great day ahead!