Blocked camera, but where?

Question

My Troubleshooter says: "Your camera is reporting that it's blocked or turned off by a switch or button on device. Please unblock it or turn the switch on to use it." What switch/button might they be referring to and where is that switch/button located? I have everything that I can find turned on. I do not see a camera on any Function Key. F6 only shows a mic and an O with \ over it.

I used TeleHealth (via Microsoft Edge) in January and camera worked then. Yesterday the camera would not work. I tried turning camera off and on but got nothing.

Answer 1

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

---

Please clarify the following:

What message is displayed in the camera's Device Status in Device Manager?

1. Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager";
2. Click on the "View" menu and select "Show hidden devices";
3. Expand "Cameras";

(If this category is not displayed, let me know.)

4. If the camera is listed, right-click and select "Properties". Check if there is an error in "Device Status".

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

---

Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

• Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

Maximize the window and use the screenshot tool.

---

I await your reply.

Answer 2

Cameras: HP True Vision HD Camera.

Device status “The device is working properly”.

I am not sure what info you are looking to see on “System information”

Answer 3

The message refers to a physical camera control on the device, not a Windows setting. Many laptops and some external webcams have a hardware switch, slider, or key that completely blocks or disables the camera, which makes Windows report it as “blocked or turned off by a switch or button.”

Possible locations to check:

1. Privacy slider on or around the camera lens
   • Look closely at the bezel above the screen where the camera is.
   • There may be a small slider that moves left/right to cover or uncover the lens. When it covers the lens, the camera is blocked.
2. Side or edge of the laptop
   • Some devices have a sliding switch on the side (or sometimes the front edge) of the laptop case that turns the camera on/off.
3. Dedicated camera key on the keyboard
   • Even if no obvious camera icon is on the F-keys, check all keys for a small camera symbol or a lock/unlock camera icon.
   • It might require pressing Fn + that key to toggle the camera.
4. External webcam controls (if used)
   • If using a USB webcam, check the body of the webcam for a physical shutter slider or a button that turns the camera off.

If no physical control is found or it is already open, also verify Windows hasn’t blocked the camera:

1. Open Start → Settings → Privacy → Camera.
2. Ensure Camera access for this device is turned on (use Change if needed).
3. Turn on Allow apps to access your camera.
4. Under Allow desktop apps to access your camera, make sure this is turned on so Microsoft Edge and other desktop apps can use the camera.

If the camera still appears blocked after checking physical controls and privacy settings, test it with the built‑in Camera app (Start → Camera). If it works there, the issue is likely specific to Edge or the TeleHealth site permissions.

---

References:

• Camera doesn't work in Windows