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Dell Laptop Camera Does Not Turn On

Whether you are using a Dell laptop for work, leisure, or somewhere in between, there will likely be a time when you need to utilize the camera on your device for one thing or another. If the camera on your Dell laptop does not turn on, what can resolve such an issue?

If your Dell laptop camera does not turn on, check that unknown apps are not turning on the camera, update the camera’s software driver, and ensure the camera is enabled within BIOS, check that various privacy settings have been adjusted correctly.

Black dell laptop on the desk

No matter what your need, Dell has a line of laptops that can fit just about any need, whether that be storage availability, budget limitations, or systems that perform well for serious gamers, however, no matter what you are using the laptop primarily for, the camera is a feature that comes with every model. If you have a Dell laptop and the camera does not turn on, continue reading below to find the exact problem you are experiencing and the solution to fix it.

Dell Laptop Camera Does Not Turn On

No matter what laptop users have sitting on their desk, table, or lap itself, there is an expectation that at the very least, their device should be able to utilize the camera when needed. Although this would be the case in a perfect world, technology is bound to encounter errors, even when it comes to the operation of a Dell laptop. If you have a Dell laptop and the camera will not turn on, what can be done to resolve such an issue quickly and effectively?

If your Dell laptop camera does not turn on, check that unknown apps are not turning on the camera, update the camera’s software driver, and ensure the camera is enabled within BIOS, check that various privacy settings have been adjusted correctly.

Dell Laptop Camera Flashing/Light Flashing

Black dell laptop on the desk

If the camera of your Dell laptop is turned off, you shouldn’t even be able to notice that it is there, as the lens facing you while utilizing the laptop will be dark and discrete. However, if you are not specifically trying to use the camera and you notice that the camera is flashing or a light within the camera is flashing, what does this mean? If your Dell laptop camera is flashing or has a light flashing within it, read on to see what this light is indicating.

If your Dell laptop camera is flashing or has a flashing light within it, this is an indication that the camera is being turned on. If you are not actively turning on the camera, check within different apps to see if they are running such as within apps like Zoom or Skype.

Dell Laptop Camera Not Available/Not Detected

Black dell laptop on the desk

To turn on the camera within a Dell laptop, you simply need to select ‘Camera’ from within the apps on your device and you will then be led directly into this feature. As you can see, this process is incredibly simplistic, which is why when users are notified with a message that reads that the camera is either not available or not detected, they are quickly perplexed. If the camera on your Dell laptop is not available or not detected, read on to see what can be done.

If your Dell laptop camera is not available or not detected, try updating the camera’s software driver. To do this, go to Device Manager > ‘Imaging Devices’ > right click on the webcam and select ‘Properties’ > ‘Driver’ > ‘Update Driver’ then see if the camera is available once again.

Dell Laptop Camera Not in Device Manager

Black dell laptop on the desk

In the previous section, you may have noted that to get to the camera to update its drivers, you need to go through the Device Manager first. This is the area in which Dell laptop owners are able to access various operating devices within their laptop, so when a device is not there that needs to be worked on, confusion hits. If you have a Dell laptop camera and it is not listed within the Device Manager, what does this mean?

If your Dell laptop camera is not in the Device Manager, ensure the camera is enabled within the BIOS. To do this, restart the computer and press ‘F2’ when the Dell logo appears. From here, go to ‘System Configuration’ > ‘Miscellaneous Device’ > select ‘Enable Camera.’

Dell Laptop Camera Not Recognized

Black dell laptop on the desk

When using the camera on your Dell laptop, you should be able to open the camera with a few clicks without having to worry about your device recognizing this feature. Although this is true for most Dell laptop owners, some individuals have reported issues of their laptop not recognizing the camera. If this is something you are experiencing, what can be done to get your laptop to recognize the camera and get it working properly again?

If your Dell laptop camera is not recognized, check the privacy settings connected to the camera. To do this, hold down the Windows key and press ‘Q.’ From here, type ‘Privacy Settings’ > ‘Camera’ > ‘Change’ > ‘On’ > ‘Allow Apps to Access Your Camera’ > ‘On’ > ‘Camera’ > ‘On.’

Dell Laptop Camera Freezes

Black dell laptop on the desk

You may be able to find the camera on your Dell laptop, may not have any issues with your device recognizing it, and might not see any randomly flashing lights within it, but if you open the camera on your Dell laptop and see that the picture is constantly freezing, you need a quick and effective solution. If you have a Dell laptop and the camera continually freezes, what can be done to resolve such an irritating and interruptive issue?

If your Dell laptop camera freezes, it could be that the software driver needs to be updated. To complete this process, go to Device Manager > ‘Imaging Devices’ > right click on the webcam and select ‘Properties’ > ‘Driver’ > ‘Update Driver,’ then see if the camera continues to freeze.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on March 25, 2022.

If your Dell laptop camera does not turn on, update the camera’s software driver if the camera is freezing or if the camera is not detected, ensure the camera is enabled within BIOS, and check that various privacy settings have been adjusted correctly.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 25, 2022.

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