Camera not working

Question

My built-in camera in Windows 10 has stopped working and I'm not sure why. To clarify, I have a Dell Inspiron 14 5406 2-in-1 laptop. I don't remember my camera issues happening after an update, but maybe it did and I didn't realize. When I open the camera app or try to use my camera (e.g, Zoom meetings) I am greeted by a black screen. There is no error message, no "camera unavailable" message - just a black screen that almost looks static-y, with faint lines going across it. So not a solid black screen, which I find weird. It makes me think that the camera is trying to work, but maybe something is blocking the actual camera on my laptop, even though I can't see anything. I've checked my webcam multiple times and I don't see anything on it, nothing should be blocking the camera. I don't recall dropping my computer recently either. I ended up installing a separate camera app to see if it was the app itself or my webcam, and the other app didn't work either. I've tried everything I can find online, from updating/rolling back/disabling drivers to turning my permissions on and off again. Nothing works. Can anyone tell me what the problem might be or how I might be able to fix it? My camera is pretty necessary and not having it available really interferes with online meetings.

Answer 1

Hi JHan03 -

I'm Jerico T., I understand that you're having some issues right now and I'd be more than happy to help you today.

Please try to go to your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) website and try to download your camera driver.

1. Open run-box by pressing windows key + R, type msinfo32 and hit enter.
2. Look for your System Model and System Manufacturer, take note of them.
3. Go to your OEM website and search for your driver using the information that you noted.
4. Download and install the driver, restart your computer and check if the issue still persist.

If the issue still persist, perform System Restore.

System Restore

• System restore is where it will take your computer settings back to an earlier point in time where everything is working fine.

1. Open the run box by pressing Windows Key + R and type rstrui.exe then press enter.
2. System restore windows will open. Normally it will suggest a restore point(Sometimes it doesn't), if it does, select the 2nd option to select more restore points.
3. Select your desired restore point date and time.
4. Once selected, hit next and finish.

Windows will restart itself to start system restore. System restore might take some time to complete and it is very important that system restore must not be interrupted during restore process as it might damaged the operating system. System restore will take at least 20 minutes or more depending on the content of the computer and the changes on the settings that was done prior to the date selected. System restore will also removed application , updates and drivers installed prior to the date selected.

DISCLAIMER:

System Restore is a recovery tool for Windows that allows you to reverse certain kinds of changes made to the operating system. System Restore is used to return important Windows files and settings—like drivers, registry keys, system files, installed programs, and more—back to previous versions and settings. Being said all applications and changes made prior to the date selected will be removed and needs to be re-installed if its needed.

If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach back.

Hope this help. Have a good day.

Thank you,

Jerico T.