Hi there, 

I have an Ideapad Flex 5 and encountered some issues with my camera. I updated to Windows 11 and following the update my camera has completely failed. Every time I try to use it I get an error that says the camera is not connected.

I tried searching for a fix, and all the privacy settings on my camera app were open and available and when I looked at the device manager the camera was not listed. I found it under hidden files, and after more googling I uninstalled the camera, reinstalled the drivers and rebooted. The camera did not return.

I performed a reset to re-install Windows in the hopes it just didn't install properly and reinstalling would trigger it to return. I did both a "soft" reset where I kept my files and it didn't fix the issue so I did a "hard" reset and completely wiped the computer and it's still not showing up.

The camera has completely been removed from the device manager and I have no idea how to reinstall it. Any suggestions would be amazing. 

Separate but related, I had a motherboard failure last spring and since the computer was still under warranty I got a replacement. Following that replacement the microphone died. It does appear in the Device Manager, it just doesn't work. Following a few months of using a rock band microphone for meetings I just purchased a cheap USB port microphone which seems to be working fine. I'd rather not have to purchase an entire new webcam as well. 

Thanks!

Welcome to the Community Forums @JCatt

Greetings. Thanks for creating a post.

First, I suggest that you share the complete machine type model / MTM (ex. 81C70000RK or 20UD000BUS) from the sticker usually located under the case. This would help find more details about your machine variant, while keeping the confidentiality of your serial number.

If you can't find any sticker under the device showing the machine type model / MTM, check this link as guide how to find it within Windows. Please do not include the machine serial number (S/N): https://support.lenovo.com/ph/en/videos/vid100751-how-to-locate-serial-number-and-machine-type-model-number-may-2020-update

It would be good if you can share how does the camera app look when launched. What is the error message?

I would recommend following all the troubleshooting steps shared on this thread by one of our support specialists.

The troubleshooting step is actually intended for a Windows 10 system but I believe you may find Windows 11 system similar with Windows 10 interface. The most important part, I must say, is to have your drivers updated from the support site.

Follow the steps there and I hope it helps.

Feel free to update when convenient.

Regards.
Dex

Hi there, 

thanks for this. I tried to reinstall the driver again, but it's still not fixing the issue. I downloaded the driver from the Lenovo support site as suggested, but nothing is happening. The webcamtest website provided also does not recognize that there is a camera. 

The model number for the computer is: 81X20067CF and I've attached a photo of the error I receive. It's just not recognizing that the camera exists. 

Thanks! 

Hi,

Thanks for the response and for going through the recommended steps.

From the troubleshooting steps I linked, it was state there that the last step is to perform a full system reset. This mentioned reset will actually wipe out all the data and information on the device. If the camera is still experiencing the same issue, then this is can be confirmed as a faulty camera. There is a need to have your files backed up first as a heads up before deciding to go with reset.

If this machine is used for classes or daily online meetings, the most practical advise that most members say is that it might be better to use an external camera so it can detect an imaging device and continue the use.

If the camera is still faulty after reset, it would be best to have this reported to the technical support team in your region for actual resolution on the issue or reach out to any available service facility in your region.

Regards.
Dex

Hi there, 

I performed the full factory reset prior to coming onto this forum and it did not resolve the issue. The camera was working perfectly fine before updating to Windows 11 so I can't imagine how it would become faulty now and disappear from my system entirely? 

Thanks

Hi,

Apologies for such experience. Windows 11 is a fairly new system and Microsoft is in charge of further developing the new system over time and releasing the drivers and patches.

As I can see on this subject, you have three possible options or solutions depending on the perception of choices. If the camera is working fine before upgrading to Windows 11, you can take the chance to downgrade to previous Windows 10 version so you may check the camera's functionality again in that Windows build. The downgrade I believe is only within 10 days after upgrade. Second, you may connect an external camera to continue utilizing the machine especially if this is needed on daily tasks. It is a solution by other members until they have the available time to focus on fully addressing the camera issue. Lastly, since all the troubleshooting steps are already exhausted and shared in this thread, as what other users have similarly experienced and tried too, third option is to consult a technician or any available service facility in your area to have this checked in the soonest time possible.

Regards.
Dex

Now its working properly because i also update the win but i did not got any issue

Hi there,

I followed every possible troubleshooting technique to bring my integrated camera back, and nothing worked. Finally Lenovo support responded to my inquiry, and they said that actually our Lenovo ideapad S340 does not have camera driver support for Windows 11. Lenovo doesn't provide updated camera drivers for Windows 11 for this device. Kind of crazy, considering my laptop is only 3 years old! 

They suggested I reinstall Windows 10; however, my camera problems even started while I still was operating Windows 10. I get the error code 0xA00F4244 .

Anyone who has this problem, who has tried all the methods out there (updating drivers, resetting Windows 11, reverting to Windows 10, checking security/antivirus settings, ensuring camera access in apps etc.), the only reliable fix I can think of (besides replacing my computer) is to buy an external webcam. I hope that will work.

Good luck,

Brya

@Bryarly wrote:

Hi there,

I followed every possible troubleshooting technique to bring my integrated camera back, and nothing worked. Finally Lenovo support responded to my inquiry, and they said that actually our Lenovo ideapad S340 does not have camera driver support for Windows 11. Lenovo doesn't provide updated camera drivers for Windows 11 for this device. Kind of crazy, considering my laptop is only 3 years old! 

They suggested I reinstall Windows 10; however, my camera problems even started while I still was operating Windows 10. I get the error code 0xA00F4244 .

Anyone who has this problem, who has tried all the methods out there (updating drivers, resetting Windows 11, reverting to Windows 10, checking security/antivirus settings, ensuring camera access in apps etc.), the only reliable fix I can think of (besides replacing my computer) is to buy an external webcam. I hope that will work.

Good luck,

Brya

Greetings @Bryarly.

Apologies to read that your camera is having an issue.

I might have to share a direct address regarding your camera getting a 0xA00F4244 , that actually means that this is already a result of hardware failure. The camera is no longer attached in the port or there is a problem with the cables. No more camera troubleshooting can fix this issue.

I suggest it would be best that you report this to the technical department team in your area so they can create a case number for service and discuss the best resolution for your device.

Other than this you can also reach out to any nearby service facility in your location so a tech may offer service if available.

Regards.
Dex

Hey Dex, thanks for your input! I’m thinking that it isn’t a hardware issue because the camera sometimes works for days at a time, then it stops working again. And tonight when I restarted my laptop, the camera worked for about 15 seconds when I opened the camera app, then that same error code reappeared. If it were a hardware issue then wouldn’t the camera cease to work completely? 

Or can it come and go in functionality even when it’s a hardware failure?

Thanks again,

Brya