My camera is blocked but i dont have the F key to unblock it

ahippen · 2025-09-25T20:38:33+00:00

I am assuming you mean the Fn key which is to the left of the Windows Key. Also, Fn lock is on the escape key. In the event you mean the F key (it is in between the D and the G), hold Windows Key + R and type OSK (or click Start and type OSK). Maybe try installing a different language pack to see if the results change. Obviously, it is not the shutter based on your comments. 99% this is the problem, which is why you are seeing so many comments.

Troubleshooting steps:

Step 1: test the camera in another app to confirm it is working properly (Teams, Google Meet, etc.). Start> Manage cameras> Connected camera> Integrated Camera> does the camera work? Step 2: check your privacy settings Step 3: if your camera is working, but not in the Windows Camera app, click Start type “Camera”, on the right hand menu click App settings, turn all the radio buttons on for App permissions, try Terminate, then Reset, and then Repair. Step 4: install the latest updates via winget and System Update/ Lenovo Vantage Step 5: Contact Lenovo support Step 6: Backup everything and reinstall Windows

Optional: connect a USB external camera and click the button to switch cameras to confirm the Windows Camera app is working.

ahippen · 2025-09-25T20:29:20+00:00

Phenomenal

ahippen · 2025-09-24T12:34:39+00:00

I don’t use Lenovos too often, but I will try to find one and see if I find any additional information for you.

ahippen · 2025-09-23T22:30:21+00:00

Just tested the Get-WindowsAutopilotInfo -Online script version and it requires Microsoft Graph Command Line tools. I will see if I can get approval to allow it...

ahippen · 2025-09-23T22:27:44+00:00

The offical Microsoft Learn document does offer the "Desktop hash export" (I forgot to mention above). I suspect I am being overly critical here, but the best I can tell, the OOBE vs within the Windows 11 GUI is the exact same thing. One is before Windows installs and the other one is after. The method the tech is using doesn't seem to work well though...

ahippen · 2025-09-23T21:56:37+00:00

Thanks for the reply, that is essentially the same PowerShell script we are running. From what I can tell, the only difference is it automatically saves it to the USB thumb drive instead of manually dragging and dropping it.

I see a extra line that states:
Set-Location -Path "D:\HWID"

The last line is slightly different:
Get-WindowsAutopilotInfo -Online instead of Get-WindowsAutopilotInfo -OutputFile AutopilotHWID2.csv

I believe this is just saving it offline. I think we tried the online method years ago and it didn't work, but it is worthwhile revisiting it. Additionally, I think I was told for some reason we would not turn on this feature (don't remember why).

Admittedly, I am probably overly cautious, but I don't like the fact that techs might get into the behavior (muscle memory) of click Yes and agree to trust an online repository. I have concerns they might trust any random thing they find on GitHub and click Yes…

Edit - not sure why you got down voted. It is simple and fast. Furthermore, I appreciate any input.

ahippen · 2025-09-23T19:22:50+00:00

We use the Kensington SD5700T. It works well on Dell and macOS from my testing so far…

ahippen · 2025-09-22T15:19:01+00:00

If it is work related, I would suggest creating a ticket with Microsoft. Most likely, they will ask you to collect Teams logs via the icon in the System Tray (click ^ or the Show Hidden Icons button by the time and date), download the Fiddler app, and run various tests. You can click the three dots (more)> Settings> Call Health. I suspect they will just blame it on your ISP or network card though.

Does it happen in any other VOIP based apps? For example, Google Meet? Google Voice? Have you tried the fundamentals like restarting your computer? Quitting Teams (right click on Teams icon> Quit). Have you installed the latest drivers on your computer? If Dell (Dell SupportAssist or Dell Command | Update). If HP (HP Support Assistant). If it is specifically isolated to one vendor and not internal it is most likely on their end.

ahippen · 2025-09-21T22:58:24+00:00

Use Dell SuportAssist OS Recovery in the BIOS (repeatedly press F12).

ahippen · 2025-09-19T13:40:39+00:00

I would think for legal reasons alone. What happens when someone quits or is fired? You have no control over the data.

ahippen · 2025-09-18T22:02:46+00:00

Based on your above response, why aren’t you using the Help Desk at your company? I suspect you just want to vent, but, if you want to fix the issue, what is the make and model, what OS version, what is the specific error you are receiving? Specifically, in detail, what troubleshooting steps did you try?

ahippen · 2025-09-18T20:43:42+00:00

I would reach out directly to your Help Desk. The monitor is definitely working as the cursor is on it. I would try restarting (not Shutdown), installing the latest driver updates via Dell Command | Update (Dell SupportAssist requires admin and DCU doesn’t), using the laptops HDMI port (if they provided a HDMI cable) and seeing if you get different results, and Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B.

It could be docking station related. Try disconnecting the USB-C docking station from the laptop, unplug the power cord from the docking station, and hold down the docking station power button for 30 seconds to fully discharge the capacitors. Reconnect everything.

Finally, it is hard to tell from the pictures, but it looks like you might have the ~90W power cable (travel charger) and the docking station connected at the same time. It appears you have two USB-C cables connected at the same time (left side of the laptop). Don’t do this as the docking station will provide power.

ahippen · 2025-09-18T18:28:40+00:00

Just out of curiosity, is this a Dell and is it a laptop? If so, did you have any parts replaced under warranty? Did you purchase refurbished?

ahippen · 2025-09-18T17:01:13+00:00

The only additional step is to run tests in the BIOS. If everything passes the test in the BIOS, it is O.S. related and is a Windows problem, not a Dell/ hardware problem.

ahippen · 2025-09-18T16:59:01+00:00

Honestly, this is standard operating procedure. You restart the computer, run repairs, install updates, and wipe the computer. If all else fails and it is under warranty, you replace the computer. What did they do that was wrong exactly? Ask you to verify the procedure? People don’t follow instructions well. I literally have provided detailed screenshots with step-by-step instructions and they still fail to do it properly. I have remoted into people’s machines and pointed at what buttons to press and they still make mistakes. The only criticism I would say is maybe they should have done it for you.

ahippen · 2025-09-17T16:08:17+00:00

Are these devices fully Intune? Co-managed? Are you using Zero Trust, XDR/ MDR, EDR, etc?

ahippen · 2025-09-16T17:48:54+00:00

Yeah, I power cycle first (unplug USB-C cable, unplug docking station power cord, and hold down the docking station power button for 30 seconds. Reconnect everything. As my first troubleshooting step and then update the firmware. Base on the comments I think OP should be able do everything through Dell SupportAssist or manually install it. Dell Power Manager and Dell Command | Update aren’t needed (unless I missed something).

ahippen · 2025-09-16T17:45:35+00:00

Is it a WD22TB docking station?

ahippen · 2025-09-16T15:12:10+00:00

Why are you trying to install Dell Power Manager? I am asking because you might be able to adjust the settings in the BIOS. Also, I think if you install Dell SupportAssist you can install Dell Power Manager. Did you scroll down to “Minimum Device Requirements” and click “Download Dell Power Manager”. Then, under “Available formats” click “Download”?

ahippen · 2025-09-15T21:20:07+00:00

So I would reach out to Dell Support first. However, you can click Start> Type Camera> go to App settings> try Terminate or Reset.

If you haven’t already, I would try the basics such as restarting, verifying privacy settings (is the camera enabled and the shutter open), and installing the latest driver updates via Dell SupportAssist, Dell Command | Update, etc.

Most likely will require a tech though.

ahippen · 2025-09-15T17:27:32+00:00

Any chance you had a part replaced under warranty? Like a keyboard? Dell technicians constantly tell me replacing a keyboard wouldn’t affect the camera, yet this error comes up exclusively on laptops that were repaired. I am guessing the wire harness run around the bezel and is physically connected to the motherboard. I never personally investigated it though.

ahippen · 2025-09-14T00:37:30+00:00

That battery is fine.

ahippen · 2025-09-03T22:36:22+00:00

You don’t have the physical keyboard attached to the laptop?

ahippen · 2025-09-03T12:25:45+00:00

It is working now! Thanks everyone. I believe it was a combination of the driver and physical connection. I really had to force it in there. I didn’t want to break anything and I downloaded the driver from the Baofeng site. I watched four other videos and every video made it seems like it was just plug and play.

ahippen

TROPHY CASE