Windows 10: Webcam camera keeps turning on and off

So just recently i wantned to use my camera for skype to call and found out how my camera keeps turning on and off. So i tried if its just skype's problem or the camera it self and turned out the camera appp on windows 10 also does the same. What i meant by turning on and off is that it would work and turn on, but everytime it recognizes my face and tries to focus, it turns off (but the app is still running) and turns back on again and does the same thing everytime. So i would have to take a photo between these intervals which is really annoying

:)

 

Enable or Disable Camera or Webcam using Kill Switch

How to Disable Integrated Camera or Webcam in Windows


In Windows 10, having a camera as part of your device or system lets you make Skype video calls, take pictures, etc. Many apps and services request and use the camera, and Windows settings give you control over which apps can use your camera.

Some people worry about unknown apps, organizations, or malware using their camera. Whenever your camera is used, you should be in charge. Thats why youre always told when your camera is turned on:

• If your device or camera comes with a camera light, the light will turn on when the camera is in use.
• If your system doesn’t have a camera light, you’ll get a notification to let you know when the camera turns on or off.

For more information, see: Windows 10 camera and privacy

If you have a tablet, laptop, or notebook with a integrated (built-in) camera (aka: webcam), you may be wondering how to disable it for privacy and security reasons when it's not being used.

Disabling the camera can be important since there is a potential for malware to take over the camera and spy on you with it.

This tutorial will show you how to completely disable an integrated camera or webcam as needed in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.


CONTENTS:

• Option One: Enable or Disable Camera or Webcam using Kill Switch
• Option Two: Disable Camera or Webcam in Device Manager
• Option Three: Enable Camera or Webcam in Device Manager

OPTION ONE

Enable or Disable Camera or Webcam using Kill Switch

*note Some newer laptops (ex: HP Spectre x360) now have a physical switch that turns off your PC's camera.
1. Toggle on or off the privacy camera kill switch for what you want. (see screenshot below)











OPTION TWO

Disable Camera or Webcam in Device Manager

*note You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do this option.
1. Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).

2. Expand open Cameras or Imaging devices depending on which one you have available. (see screenshot below step 3)

3. Right click on your camera device, and click/tap on Disable device. (see screenshot below)

*note If you have a separate IR camera type device listed, this would be the infrared camera used by Windows Hello face recognition.



4. Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)



5. When finished, you can close Device Manager if you like.







OPTION THREE

Enable Camera or Webcam in Device Manager

*note You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do this option.
1. Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).

2. Expand open Cameras or Imaging devices depending on which one you have available. (see screenshot below step 3)

3. Right click on your disabled camera device, and click/tap on Enable device. (see screenshot below)



4. When finished, you can close Device Manager if you like.

That's it,
Shawn


Related Tutorials

• How to Allow or Deny OS and Apps Access to Camera in Windows 10
• How to Turn On or Off Camera and Microphone in Application Guard for Microsoft Edge in Windows 10
• How to Enable or Disable the Microphone in Windows

 

how do i turn on my hp laptop webcam.

Hello Marvis,

We appreciate your time and effort for getting back to us.

This issue could occurred due to these reasons.

• Damaged webcam diver\software.
• Due to incorrect webcam settings.
• If webcam is damaged.

Please follow the methods mentioned below.

Method 1:

I would suggest you to run the Hardware troubleshooter and check if it helps.

Follow the steps to run the troubleshooter:

a. Type Troubleshooting in the search bar
and select Troubleshooting.

b. Select View all on the top left corner.

c. Click on Hardware and device troubleshooter.

d. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter

Also I suggest you to check if you are able to use the Webcam with the Camera app.

Method 2:

If you are able to access Camera app, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Open Camera app.
• Press Windows key + C from your keyboard to open
  Charms bar.
• Select Settings option.
• Select Permissions option.
• Turn on Allow this app to access your: Webcam and Microphone option.
• Close the app.
• Reopen the Camera app.
• Connect your camera and then check how this app works.

For reference: Camera app and webcams help

Note: Steps applies to Windows 10 as well.

Let us know if it helps. If you need further assistance feel free to post your queries in Microsoft forums. We will be glad to assist you.

Thank You.

 

Laptop Camera

Thanks for updating us on the results of the troubleshooting steps that you have completed. Since the built-in webcam is still not working correctly and the same error code 0xA00F4244 (0xC00DABED) is still appearing, we suggest that we check the camera privacy
settings to see if the camera access is turned on. Kindly follow the steps below to check the camera privacy settings:

• Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
• Near the top of the Settings app window is the search box, kindly type the word "webcam" or "camera".
• From the list of results choose Camera privacy settings.
• Make sure that "Let apps use my camera" toggle is set to On.

We look forward to your response once you complete the steps.