Windows 10: Windows Camera shuts off when it gets too dark.

I recently got this laptop with a "HP Wide Vision 5MP" Camera, which has a coverable camera. However, me and my friends/long distance boyfriend like to call overnight, but when it gets too dark the camera turns off probably thinking I covered it. I just want this to stay on even though it gets dark. I have searched for the answers, but have not found anything that works. Is there a solution, and if so, can anyone help me with this?

:)

 

Windows 10 update issue - camera

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I would require more information to help you better.

What is the make and model of the camera?

I would suggest you to make sure the camera is installed properly and listed under Device Manager.

Follow these steps:

• Press “Windows key + X” from keyboard.
• Select “Device Manager” option from the list.
• Check if the Camera is listed in the devices list.

If it is not listed then the Camera driver is not installed. I would suggest you to run “Hardware and Devices” troubleshooter to diagnose and fix the issue.

If the camera is listed in the device manager, then perform the following troubleshooting methods:

Method 1:

You may try running the Hardware and Device troubleshooter and check if it helps.

a. Press Windows Key +R, type Control Panel.

b. Type troubleshooting in the search bar, click on troubleshooting.

c. Click on Hardware and Sound, click on Hardware and Devices.

d. Follow the steps from the wizard to run the troubleshooter.

Method 2:

If that doesn’t work, then I would suggest you to perform troubleshooting steps from the link “What
to do if you have problems with an app” to diagnose and fix if the issue is with Camera app.

Method 3:

If this doesn’t fix the issue, I would suggest you to uninstall the camera from Device Manager then reinstall it and then check if this fixes the issue.

Follow these steps:

• Press “Windows key + X” from the keyboard.
• Select “Device Manager” option.
• Search for Camera, then right click and select “Uninstall”.
• Then restart the computer.
• Download the latest driver from the Manufacturer’s website and install it.

Please do let us know if you need any further assistance related to Windows, we will be glad to assist 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.

 

Windows Camera

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

We understand the concern as you are unable to use the integrated webcam. There could be a possibility that the
device driver not installed or out of date or the installed driver failed.
In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below:

• What is the model number of the Lenovo Desktop?
  
• Is Lenovo Vantage utility app installed on the PC?
  

• Are you aware of any changes on the PC prior to this issue?

Let us try few steps.

Step 1: Check Camera Settings.

1. Press Windows + I key to open Windows Settings.
   
2. Click on Privacy and select Camera from the left pane.
   
3. Click on Change check if it is toggled to On.
   
4. Also toggle the switch to On under Allow apps to access your camera
   

Step 2:Update Webcam driver.

We would suggest you to update the Webcam driver from Device Manager. Please refer this article to update the driver:
Update drivers in Windows 10

If the behavior persists, I suggest you follow the steps in the article below and see if it solves the problem:
Camera doesn't work in Windows 10

You may also refer these articles for additional information:

Windows 10 camera, microphone, and privacy

How to use the Camera app

If it persists, I recommend that you contact the Lenovo Technical Support to carry out tests related to the camera.

Let us know the results.

Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator