What to do when laptop camera is not working on ASUS?

A non-working camera on your ASUS laptop can be frustrating, but many common issues can be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. Often, the problem lies in software settings, drivers, or system updates rather than a hardware malfunction.

What to do when laptop camera is not working on ASUS?

When your ASUS laptop camera isn't working, start by checking the simplest solutions, then move on to software and driver diagnostics, and finally consider system-level checks.

1. Basic Checks: Physical & Keyboard

Before diving into complex solutions, ensure the camera isn't simply blocked or turned off.

Physical Camera Cover: Many modern ASUS laptops have a physical privacy shutter or cover that slides over the camera lens. Make sure it's open.
Keyboard Shortcut: Your ASUS laptop might have a function key (Fn key) combination to enable or disable the camera. Look for an icon resembling a camera on one of the F-keys (e.g., F10). Press Fn + [Camera Icon Key] to toggle the camera on or off.

2. Windows Privacy Settings

Windows has built-in privacy settings that can block applications from accessing your camera.

Open Settings: Click the Start Menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
Navigate to Privacy: Select Privacy & security (or Privacy on older Windows versions) from the left-hand menu.
Camera Access: Under "App permissions," click on Camera.
Enable Access:
- Ensure Camera access (or Camera access for this device) is turned On. If it's off, click Change and toggle it on.
- Make sure Let apps access your camera is also turned On.
- Scroll down and verify that the specific apps you want to use the camera (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Camera app) have their access toggled On.

3. Device Manager: Drivers & Status

Outdated, corrupt, or disabled drivers are a frequent cause of camera problems.

Open Device Manager:
- Right-click the Start Menu icon and select Device Manager.
- Alternatively, search for "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar.
Locate Camera: Expand the Cameras or Imaging devices section. You should see your integrated camera listed (e.g., "ASUS USB2.0 Camera" or "Integrated Webcam").
Check Status:
- Is it missing? If your camera isn't listed, try clicking Action > Scan for hardware changes.
- Is it disabled? If you see a downward arrow icon next to it, right-click the camera and select Enable device.
- Is there an error? If you see a yellow exclamation mark, there's a problem. Right-click the camera and select Properties to view the error code.
Update Driver:
- Right-click your camera device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers. If Windows finds an update, install it.
- If that doesn't work, select Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer. Try selecting a previously installed driver or the "USB Video Device" generic driver.
Roll Back Driver: If the camera stopped working after a recent update, right-click the camera, go to Properties, and check the Driver tab. If Roll Back Driver is available, click it.
Uninstall and Restart: As a last resort, right-click the camera and select Uninstall device. Confirm the uninstallation, then restart your laptop. Windows will usually reinstall the driver automatically upon reboot.

4. System Updates

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is crucial for hardware compatibility and bug fixes.

Open Settings: Go to Start > Settings.
Access Update & Security: Select Update & Security.
Check for Updates: Click Check for updates.
Install Updates: If any updates are available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install them.
Restart: Once the process is complete, restart your laptop to finalize the updates.

5. Antivirus Software Interference

Sometimes, security software can be overzealous and block legitimate camera access.

Temporarily Disable: Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall software (consult your software's documentation for instructions).
Test Camera: Open the Camera app or your preferred video conferencing tool to see if the camera works.
Re-enable & Adjust: If the camera works, re-enable your antivirus and check its settings for "webcam protection" or "privacy settings" to whitelist camera access for your applications.

6. Reinstall Camera Application

If the default Windows Camera app or a specific third-party app is the only one not working, try reinstalling it.

Uninstall (for Windows Camera app):
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Search for "Camera," select it, and click Uninstall.
Reinstall:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for "Windows Camera" and reinstall it.
- For third-party apps, download and reinstall from their official website.

7. BIOS/UEFI Settings

In rare cases, the camera might be disabled in your laptop's BIOS/UEFI firmware.

Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your laptop and repeatedly press the designated key (often F2, Del, or Esc) during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Look for Camera Settings: Navigate through the menus (often under Advanced, Security, or Integrated Peripherals) to find an option related to "Webcam," "Camera," or "CMOS Camera."
Enable: Ensure it is set to Enabled.
Save & Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

8. System Restore or Factory Reset

If the problem persists after all other troubleshooting, consider these more drastic measures:

System Restore: If you have a system restore point from before the camera stopped working, you can revert your system to that state. Search for "Create a restore point" in Windows search.
Factory Reset: As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset of your laptop. This will reinstall Windows and remove all your files, so ensure you back up everything important first. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

If none of these software-based solutions work, it's possible you have a hardware issue with the camera module. In such cases, it's best to contact ASUS Support for further assistance or a professional repair.