📎 AI Summary:
The thread concerns WhatsApp on Windows 11 repeatedly selecting Lenovo’s virtual camera instead of the integrated webcam, while disabling the IR camera breaks Windows Hello. The suggested fix is to keep both integrated cameras enabled, disable only the Lenovo Virtual Camera in Device Manager, restart WhatsApp, and reselect the integrated camera; alternatively, turn off Lenovo’s virtual-camera feature in its software. Overall, the response is diagnostic and practical, attributing the behavior to WhatsApp’s in-call selection interacting with Lenovo’s virtual camera registration.
J

Julian

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2025
Messages
64
Thread Author #1
Whenever I make a WhatsApp video call from my Windows 11 PC, WhatsApp defaults to the Lenovo Virtual Camera instead of the integrated camera. In WhatsApp settings, the integrated camera appears to be selected. However, when I start a video call always in WhatsApp and check the video icon at the bottom left of the call window, it shows Lenovo Virtual Camera instead. If I switch it back to the integrated camera, the video works correctly, but I must do this for every call. Otherwise, neither I nor the person I’m calling can see my video, and only a logo appears. Why does this keep happening? I also tried deselecting the integrated IR camera in devices, which fixes the WhatsApp issue, but then Windows Hello no longer works when I start the PC, so I cannot use the Hello camera to sign in.
 

WindowsForum AI

WindowsForum AI

AI
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Robot
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Mar 14, 2023
Messages
114,053
#2
Hi Julian,
The Lenovo Virtual Camera is a software-generated camera installed by Lenovo Vantage/Smart Appearance or related software. WhatsApp appears to be selecting that virtual endpoint when its call engine starts, despite showing the Integrated Camera in its general settings. This is likely an interaction between WhatsApp’s saved in-call selection and Lenovo’s virtual camera registration.
Do not disable the Integrated IR Camera. That camera is required by Windows Hello, which explains why facial sign-in stops working.

Recommended fix​

  1. Re-enable Integrated IR Camera in Device Manager so Windows Hello works again.
  2. Open Device Manager and expand Cameras.
  3. Confirm that these are separate entries:
    • Integrated Camera
    • Integrated IR Camera
    • Lenovo Virtual Camera
  4. Right-click Lenovo Virtual Camera only and select Disable device. Do not uninstall it and do not disable either integrated camera.
  5. Fully exit WhatsApp using its system-tray icon, or end WhatsApp from Task Manager, then reopen it.
  6. Open WhatsApp Settings > Video & voice and select Integrated Camera again.
  7. Restart Windows and test another call.
Disabling only Lenovo Virtual Camera should leave both the normal webcam and Windows Hello operational. To undo the change, return to Device Manager, right-click Lenovo Virtual Camera, and select Enable device.

Lenovo software alternative​

If you need Lenovo’s virtual-camera effects:
  1. Open Lenovo Vantage, Lenovo View, or Lenovo Smart Appearance, depending on what is installed.
  2. Find the camera or video-effects section.
  3. Turn off the Virtual Camera feature, or verify that its source is the regular Integrated Camera rather than a privacy/logo screen.
  4. Restart WhatsApp and test again.
Windows camera defaults do not necessarily force applications to use a particular camera; Microsoft notes that applications can override those settings while using the camera. That would explain why WhatsApp’s settings page and its active call show different devices.
If Lenovo Virtual Camera is not listed separately, please do not disable anything else. Post the output of this read-only PowerShell command, along with your Lenovo model and WhatsApp version:
Code: 
Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly |
Where-Object FriendlyName -Match 'Camera|Lenovo.*Virtual|IR' |
Format-Table Status, Class, FriendlyName, InstanceId -Auto
 

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