Unable to Lock/Disable Camera Using Camera Lock Key – ASUS VivoBook X515EA

Question

Unable to Lock/Disable Camera Using Camera Lock Key – ASUS VivoBook X515EA

sam samee 5

I am using an ASUS VivoBook X515EA laptop. I am facing an issue with the built-in camera lock/disable function.

When I use the designated camera lock/toggle key, the camera does not get locked or disabled as expected. Instead, the screen displays “Camera On”, indicating that the camera remains enabled.

I have tried using the camera key and the Fn + camera key combination, but the issue still persists. The camera cannot be properly locked or disabled using the keyboard camera control.

I request ASUS technical support to investigate this issue and provide a solution, including checking the camera driver, ASUS hotkey/keyboard functionality, and BIOS or system settings if required.

Laptop Model: ASUS VivoBook X515EA Issue: Camera cannot be locked/disabled using the camera control key Displayed message: “Camera On” Expected behavior: Camera should turn off/lock when the camera lock key is pressed.

Darshan Dhoriya 0 Reputation points

2026-09-14T05:15:09.97+00:00

I have also been facing the same issue for the past few days; while I am not sure of the root cause, I just started using the Privacy & Security > Camera > Camera access toggle option instead of the function key.

2 answers

Your answer

Darshan Dhoriya 0 Reputation points

2026-09-14T05:15:09.97+00:00

I have also been facing the same issue for the past few days; while I am not sure of the root cause, I just started using the Privacy & Security > Camera > Camera access toggle option instead of the function key.

Answer 1

Windows has no control over the actions associated to the function keys (F1 - F12) on your laptop, those actions are always controlled by the laptop manufacturer because the actions vary from laptop to laptop model.

If pressing the function key or Fn + the function key does not produce the correct action, boot your laptop into BIOS.

In BIOS search for a setting to toggle between Function Keys and Action/Media Keys to test if that resolves the problem.

If that does not resolve the problem, go to the support page for your laptop on the Asus website to download the ASUS System Control Interface driver and the ASUS Keyboard Hotkeys app if they exist on the support page for your laptop model

Answer 2

Since the camera key shows “Camera On” instead of disabling the webcam, start with the Windows checks that match this symptom:

Check for a physical camera privacy control Some laptops use a privacy switch, keyboard key with a camera icon, or a small shutter slider near the camera. If one is present, make sure it is actually set to the blocked/off position. On many laptops, the camera control is tied to a hardware shutter or privacy function rather than only a software toggle.
Test whether the issue is only with the hotkey Open Start > Camera.
- If the camera preview works, the webcam itself is functioning.
- If it works in Camera but the key still only shows “Camera On”, the problem is likely with the camera control behavior rather than the camera hardware itself.
Restart and install Windows updates Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Then check Advanced options > Optional updates for any camera-related driver updates, install them, and restart the PC.
Reinstall the camera device This is a safe troubleshooting step and can restore camera control behavior.
- Open Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
- Expand Cameras.
- Right-click the built-in camera and select Uninstall device.
- Restart the laptop. Windows should reinstall the camera automatically after restart.
Update the camera driver manually In Device Manager:
- Expand Cameras.
- Right-click the camera.
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart after the update completes.
Try the in-box UVC driver If the current driver is not behaving correctly, switching drivers can help. Note: this may remove some manufacturer-specific features such as Windows Hello face recognition if the camera depended on a custom driver.
- Open Device Manager.
- Find the webcam under Cameras or Imaging devices.
- Right-click it and select Update driver.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers.
- Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
- Select USB Video Device.
- Complete the update and restart.
Run the Windows camera troubleshooter In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then run Camera. The troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common camera problems.
Check antivirus or security software Some security software can control or block camera access. Temporarily disable that protection and test again.

If the camera still stays enabled and the key continues to show only “Camera On”, the Windows-supported next step is to confirm whether the laptop has a camera shutter key/privacy switch that is separate from the normal camera app behavior. Similar cases were resolved by finding a physical shutter slide button or a keyboard privacy key that was controlling the webcam state.

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