Windows Hello no longer works with camera

Question

My camera is unablet to be switched on when starting my laptop so can't use facial recognition to log on or go back to my screen. My camera still works for Zoom calls etc.

Answer 1

You'll need IR based webcam to use facial recognition.

Check in Device Manager, if you've IR webcam installed.

Answer 2

The Camera app and apps like Zoom uses the normal webcam on your laptop, Windows Hello uses the Infrared camera, the best option would be to go to the support page for your laptop on the manufacturers website to download and reinstall (not update the version of webcam drivers and Infrared webcam drivers they provide for your laptop model.

Answer 3

Follow these steps to restore Windows Hello face sign-in when the camera still works in apps like Zoom:

1. Restart and test the camera in the Camera app
   1. Restart the PC: Select Start > Power > Restart (do not just wake from sleep).
   2. After restart, open Start and select Camera from the apps list.
   3. If prompted to allow access, select Yes and confirm the camera shows an image.
   4. If the camera works here, the issue is likely with Windows Hello configuration or drivers.
2. Run Windows Update and optional driver updates
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. If no camera updates appear, select Advanced options > Optional updates and install any camera or system driver updates.
   3. Restart the device when updates complete and test Windows Hello again.
3. Check the camera hardware and privacy controls
   1. If using a laptop, make sure any physical camera shutter/slider is open and any camera function key (often Fn + a key with a camera icon) is set to enable the camera.
   2. Confirm the camera is recognized and working in other apps after changing these controls.
4. Reinstall or switch the camera driver
   1. Open Device Manager (select Start, type device manager, and select it).
   2. Locate the built-in camera under Cameras or Imaging devices.
   3. Right-click the camera and select Properties > Driver tab.
   4. Select Uninstall Device, check Delete the driver software for this device, then select OK.
   5. In Device Manager, select the Action menu > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the driver.
   6. Restart the PC and test Windows Hello.
   If Windows Hello still does not work but the camera works in apps, switch to the in-box UVC driver:
   1. In Device Manager, right-click the camera and select Update driver.
   2. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
   3. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   4. Choose USB Video Device and select Next.
   5. Select Close, then restart the PC.
   Note: The in-box UVC driver may not support all camera features. If Windows Hello previously relied on custom features from the manufacturer’s driver, face recognition might stop working with the generic UVC driver. In that case, reinstall the original OEM camera driver from the device manufacturer’s support site.
5. If the problem persists If Windows Hello still cannot use the camera after these steps but the camera works in other apps, check the PC or camera manufacturer’s support site for a specific Windows Hello–compatible driver or firmware update, or further guidance.

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References:

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