Laptop Camera

[ginger222]

My laptop has a black page with camera and line through it so cannot access my cam on Skype etc....HP Assistant showed me a page to fix but can't inderstand as new laptop and different...they go on about shutter key to press on action keypad but I do not know which is a shutter key on my action keys...Please can someone help me...Thank you.

[nafid]

It sounds like your laptop's camera privacy feature is enabled, which might physically or digitally block access to the webcam. Many modern HP laptops come with a camera privacy shutter or a dedicated key to toggle the camera on and off. Here's how you can resolve the issue:

Steps to Fix Camera Issue:

Look for the Physical Camera Shutter:

Check around your laptop’s webcam (at the top of the screen) for a small switch or slider.

If you see a slider, move it to uncover the camera lens.

Check for the Camera Key on the Keyboard:

Some HP laptops have a dedicated camera toggle key, usually one of the function keys (F1–F12).

Look for a key with a camera icon or a camera with a slash through it.

Press this key to toggle the camera on.

If the key has a secondary function, you might need to hold the Fn key while pressing it.

Enable Camera in Windows Settings:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Go to Privacy & Security > Camera.

Ensure that Camera access and Let apps access your camera are toggled on.

Scroll down to check if Skype (or the app you're using) has permission to access the camera.

Check for Camera Drivers:

Press Windows + X, then select Device Manager.

Expand Imaging Devices or Cameras.

Right-click your webcam, select Update Driver, and choose Search automatically for drivers.

Restart the Camera App:

Close Skype or any app trying to use the camera.

Reopen it and test if the camera works.

Run HP Support Assistant:

Open HP Support Assistant on your laptop.

Run the troubleshooting tools for the camera. This may detect and fix issues automatically. 
 

If You Still Have Trouble:

Refer to your laptop’s user manual for specific details on the camera shutter key location.

Check HP’s official support website with your laptop model for step-by-step instructions.