Using Webcam Shutters for Your VU Issued Laptop

Summary

This article explains how to use webcam shutters on VU-issued laptops, covering the models Latitude 7350, Precision 3490, Precision 3590, ThinkPad X13, ThinkPad P14s, and ThinkPad P16s. It provides step-by-step instructions for locating and using the shutters and how to operate them.

Body

Purpose

This article explains how to use the physical webcam shutters on Vanderbilt-issued laptops. Webcam shutters allow users to control when their camera is physically covered or uncovered, providing an extra layer of privacy and preventing unintentional video transmission during meetings.

Target Audience

  • General Public

  • Vanderbilt University Community

    • Faculty and Staff

    • Undergraduate Students

    • Graduate and Professional Students

  • VUIT Internal Knowledge  

Prerequisites

  • Vanderbilt-issued laptops with a physical webcam shutter.

  • Familiarity with the webcam’s location on your device, usually top-center above the display.

Description

Most Vanderbilt University-issued laptops are equipped with physical webcam shutters that you can manually slide to cover or expose the camera lens. When the shutter is engaged, it blocks the camera, ensuring that no video can be transmitted. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining privacy during meetings, classes, or personal time.

Current VU Issued Models with Webcam Shutters

Each model may have a slightly different location for the shutter, but they function similarly across all devices. You can refer to the images attached below for specific locations on each model.

The following VU-issued laptop models are equipped with physical webcam shutters:

  • Latitude 7350
    Dell Latitude 7350 Webcam Shutter in Open position
    Dell Latitude 7350 Webcam Shutter in Open Position
     
  • Precision 3490
    Dell Precision 3490 Webcam Shutter in Open Position
    Dell Precision 3490 Webcam Shutter in Open Position
     
  • Precision 3590 Webcam
    ​​​​​​​Dell Precision 3590 Webcam Shutter in Open Position
    Dell Precision 3590 Webcam Shutter in Open Position
     
  • ThinkPad X13
    Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Webcam in a Closed Position
    Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Webcam in a Closed Position
     
  • ThinkPad P14s
    Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Webcam in Open Position
    Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Webcam in Open Position
     
  • ThinkPad P16s
    Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Webcam in Open Position
    Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Webcam in Open Position​​​​​​​

Resolution or Procedure Steps

Step 1: Locating the Webcam Shutter

  • Find the webcam at the top of your laptop display.

  • Look closely for a small slider next to or above the camera lens.

Step 2: Engaging the Shutter

  • Slide the shutter to cover the webcam lens when privacy is needed.

  • The slider will visibly block the lens, ensuring the camera is disabled.

Step 3: Disengaging the Shutter

  • Slide the shutter back to uncover the lens when you need to use the webcam.

  • Once the lens is visible again, your camera will be able to transmit video.

Troubleshooting Tip

If your video isn’t working during a Zoom, Teams, or other video call, first check if the shutter is covering the webcam. Slide it open to resume video transmission.

Note: If you have any issues or need assistance with your device's webcam, we can help. To get assistance, please place a Desktop Support Service Request.

Additional Information

Webcam shutters offer physical protection from potential unauthorized camera access. For more information about maintaining privacy while using VU-issued devices, please visit the following Vanderbilt IT Knowledge Base article: Cybersecurity Best Practices​​​​​​​ 

Details

Details

Article ID: 276
Created
Fri 10/18/24 11:15 AM
Modified
Mon 10/21/24 1:24 PM

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