How to fix a nonworking built-in camera

Question

Hello. I tried to use ClipChamp, and my camera is not working. The light is on, but there is no preview screen showing me. I have read all the self-help articles and have reinstalled the Camera driver and Windows 11. I have gone through all the settings as recommended on the self-help pages, and everything is set correctly.

What else can I do to fix my camera? Thank you.

On November 2, I filed a support request but have not had an agent assigned to my case. The Copilot said to escalate the case, but I apparently cannot do this because I have not had an agent assigned to me.

I use the camera to make videos for my research clients and to share documents with them as we discuss my work.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

Peggy Ann Brown

Answer 1

Hi, good day!

• What error did you receive after opening your Camera app?
• When was the last time it worked properly?
• Have you made any changes to your computer recently?
• What is the exact make and model of your computer? Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: msinfo32 Press Enter Please take a screenshot of the issue and post it in your next response. Note: Don't include any personal information or sensitive data as Microsoft Q&A is a public forum.

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Please let me know if you have tried the methods below.

• Some laptops have a privacy switch or a camera shutter key that can be used to turn off your webcam and prevent it from being used.

Camera Privacy Switch located at the right side of the laptop

Camera Shutter Key located on the keyboard

Please try to press FN+F6 or CTRL+F8, F10. or try other F key combinations.

• Check your antivirus software

In your antivirus software settings, look for settings that block access to your camera or permission to use your webcam. For help, visit your antivirus software company’s website.

• Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter Press Start then search command prompt

Right click then Run as administrator

Please type the command below then press Enter

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Run the troubleshooter

Restart your computer

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

Answer 2

Hi John,

I am not sure of the exact date camera was still working. It appears it was last accessed for a Zoom meeting on October 2. However the Recent Activity shows 69 attempts to access camera since November 2.

 Yes, that is the page I went to on the Lenovo website. There is no function key for the camera. I pressed the function key only with no luck. I again went through the other steps as well.

 Nothing appears when I take a photo, so there is nothing in the camera roll nor are there any editing options. There is no ellipsis at the top right hand of the camera option.

 Under Device Manager, it says the best driver for camera is installed. Under General in Device Manager it says “this device is working properly.”

 I downloaded Lenovo Advantage and all parts passed.

 Ran diagnostics in camera does not work in Windows.

 I am not sure if I should go to billable help (laptop out of warranty) or possibly take laptop to microcenter.com, where I bought the computer. I need to check, but I think I have some $ on the gift card my kids gave me when I bought the computer.

 

Thank you,

Peggy

Answer 3

Thank you for updating me with that information. Please try the steps below.

Open Device Manager

Click View > Show hidden devices

Expand Camera

Right click your Camera driver in the list

Select Uninstall

Tick "Attempt to remove the driver for this device" box

Click Uninstall

After that, download and install the latest Camera driver in the link below.

https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles/9u4c1kaf4005a0.exe

Restart your computer

If this does not work, please try to download and install the latest Chipset driver and BIOS update for your device from the manufacturer's support page.

https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/3-series/ideapad-3-15itl6/downloads/driver-list/

If the issue still persists, you may need to consider doing a Reset this PC with Keep my files option.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reset-your-pc-0ef73740-b927-549b-b7c9-e6f2b48d275e

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Answer 4

John,

I did everything except the refresh (I had done these over the weekend, too. ). I am just a Nervous Nelly re the refresh. Too many client data files that I cannot lose (literally making me sick to my stomach!).

I am sorry that I wussed out on that step.

You have been very patient and helpful. Thank you.

Best,

Peggy

P.S. I still do not understand why microsoft support says they contacted me and problem is resolved. This is simply not true.

Answer 5

John,

I have been thinking more about the Reset but keep my files option. If you have the time, could you clarify this for me. Thank you. For example, I have a lot of client files on box.com. If I use the Reset will I be able to access this anymore? I am thinking I will have to resign in but my client files will still be there? Is it just a matter of resigning in and correcting any settings that went back to default?Also, what are your thoughts on paying for new warranty and asking for help vs. going to a fix-it shop such as microcenter.com?

Thank you again.

Peggy