Turn on your webcam and check that it works

Most HP laptops have a built-in webcam above the screen. To use it, you need to open an process that accesses the camera — the webcam itself does not run on its own. The easiest way to test whether your webcam works is to open the Camera app, which comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Click the Windows Start button (bottom left), type "Camera" into the search box, and select the Camera app from the results. The app will open and show a live preview from your webcam within a few seconds. If you see your face or the room in front of your laptop, your webcam is working. If the screen stays black or shows an error message, your camera may be disabled or blocked — see the troubleshooting section below.

You can take a still photo by clicking the camera icon, or record video by clicking the video camera icon. Photos and videos save automatically to your Pictures folder. Close the app when you are done by clicking the X button in the top right corner.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Camera app from the Windows Start menu to see a live preview and test whether your webcam is working.
  • Video calls in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Skype automatically detect your webcam once you grant permission the first time.
  • If your webcam shows a black screen, check the Device Manager to see whether the camera is disabled or has a driver problem.
  • Some HP laptops have a physical camera shutter or a keyboard shortcut to disable the webcam for privacy.
  • Grant camera permission in Windows Settings if an app says it cannot access your webcam.

Use your webcam for video calls in Zoom, Teams, or Skype

When you join a video call in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Skype, the app will ask for permission to use your camera the first time. Click "Allow" or "Yes" when you see the prompt. The app will then show your webcam feed in the preview window before you join the call.

In most apps, you can mute your camera by clicking the camera icon with a slash through it — this stops sending video without leaving the call. You can also switch cameras if your laptop has more than one, though most HP laptops have only the built-in webcam above the screen. Check the app's settings menu (usually a gear icon or three dots) to adjust brightness, contrast, or other camera options.

If the app says "Camera not found" or "No camera detected," the app may not have permission to use your webcam. See the "Grant camera permission in Windows Settings" section below.

Check whether your webcam is disabled in Device Manager

If your webcam is not working, it may be disabled in Device Manager. Right-click the Windows Start button and select "Device Manager" from the menu. Look for a section called "Cameras" and click the arrow next to it to expand the list.

If you see your camera listed with a down arrow or a yellow warning symbol, the device is disabled or has a driver problem. Right-click on the camera name and select "Enable device." Wait a few seconds for Windows to turn it back on. If you see a yellow warning symbol instead, right-click and select "Update driver," then choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." Windows will read and install the latest driver from HP.

If you do not see a "Cameras" section at all, your webcam may not be recognized by Windows. Restart your laptop and check Device Manager again. If the camera still does not appear, the hardware may need service — contact HP support with your laptop's model number.

Grant camera permission in Windows Settings

Windows 10 and Windows 11 require apps to ask for permission before they can use your webcam. If an app says it cannot access your camera even though it is working in the Camera app, you may need to grant permission in Settings.

Click the Windows Start button, type "Privacy settings," and select "Privacy & security settings" from the results. Scroll down and click "Camera." Toggle the switch next to "Camera access" to "On." Then scroll down to see a list of apps and toggle the switch next to each app you want to use your webcam with.

Close Settings and restart the app that was having trouble. It should now be able to access your webcam. If it still cannot, close the app completely, wait a few seconds, and open it again.

Check for a physical camera shutter or disable key

Some HP laptop models have a physical shutter or cover over the webcam that you can slide to block the lens. If your webcam is working in the Camera app but shows a black screen in other apps, check whether the shutter is closed. Look above the screen for a small slider or cover and move it to the side to open it.

A few HP models also have a keyboard shortcut to disable the webcam. Press the Function key (Fn) and look for a key with a camera icon with a slash through it — usually on the number row. Pressing Fn plus that key will toggle the camera on and off. If you accidentally disabled your camera this way, press the same key combination again to turn it back on.

Adjust webcam settings in individual apps

Most apps that use your webcam have their own settings for brightness, contrast, and which camera to use. In Zoom, click your profile picture in the top right, select "Settings," then click "Video" on the left. You will see a preview of your camera and a dropdown menu to choose which camera to use. Sliders below the preview let you adjust brightness and other settings.

In Microsoft Teams, click your profile picture in the top right, select "Settings," then click "Devices" on the left. You will see a "Camera" dropdown and a preview window. In Google Meet, click the three dots in the bottom right during a call, select "Settings," and click the "Camera" tab. In Skype, click your profile picture, select "Settings," then click "Audio & Video" on the left.

These app-level settings override Windows settings, so if your camera looks too dark or too bright in one app but not another, adjust the brightness slider in that app's settings rather than in Windows.

Troubleshoot a black screen or "camera not found" error

If your webcam shows a black screen or an app says "Camera not found," work through these steps in order. First, restart your laptop — this fixes many temporary problems. Second, open the Camera app to see whether it works there. If the Camera app shows your face, the hardware is fine and the problem is with the other app's settings or permissions.

Third, check Device Manager (see the "Check whether your webcam is disabled in Device Manager" section above) to make sure the camera is enabled and has no warning symbols. Fourth, check Windows Settings to make sure the app has permission to use the camera (see the "Grant camera permission in Windows Settings" section above). Fifth, close the app completely and restart it — sometimes an app needs to be restarted after you grant permission.

If none of these steps work, unplug any external USB devices (external hard drives, printers, hubs) and try again. Sometimes a USB device can interfere with the built-in camera. If the problem persists, restart your laptop in Safe Mode by holding Shift while clicking the power button, selecting "Restart," then clicking "Troubleshoot" and "Startup Settings." In Safe Mode, open the Camera app to see whether it works. If it does, a background app or driver is causing the problem — contact HP support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an external USB webcam instead of the built-in one?

Yes. Plug a USB webcam into any USB port on your HP laptop. Windows will recognize it automatically. In most apps, you can then select the external camera from a dropdown menu in the settings. The built-in camera will still be available as an option — you can switch between them at any time.

Why does my webcam look blurry or out of focus?

The built-in webcam on most HP laptops has a fixed focus set for about two to three feet away. If you are too close or too far, the image will be blurry. Sit at arm's length from your laptop. If the image is still blurry, gently clean the lens above the screen with a soft, dry cloth — dust or smudges can make it look out of focus.

How do I know if my HP laptop has a webcam?

Look above the screen at the top center of your laptop. If you see a small dark circle or lens, you have a built-in webcam. If you do not see anything, your model may not have one — you can buy an external USB webcam instead. Check your laptop's model number in Settings (right-click Start, select "System," and look for "Model") and search the HP website to confirm.

Can I record video with my webcam without using an app?

The Camera app that comes with Windows lets you record video directly — no other software needed. Open the Camera app, click the video camera icon, and click the red circle to start recording. Click the circle again to stop. Videos save to your Pictures folder automatically.

Is my webcam recording all the time?

No. Your webcam only records or streams when an app is actively using it. When no app is accessing the camera, it is off. If you are concerned about privacy, you can cover the lens with a small piece of tape or buy a sliding camera cover. Some HP models also have a physical shutter you can close.