[SOLVED] Run Framework Laptop without Webcam Module

Framework Laptop 13
1

Dear guys,

is it possible to remove the Webcam Module totally from a FW Laptop 13 and run it without any issues?

Thanks.

2

Yes, you’ll just lose the functionality of that module (webcam, ambient light sensor and microphone).

In the cooler master case, people usually run the mainboard without a webcam module, so that’s a completely supported configuration.

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3

Thank you Jonathan for your fast reply!

5

You can do that with most laptops.

Lenovo does put the power button on the webcam cable in some models though which makes removing that bit a little ugly.

6

Hi There

I am thinking about buying a Framework 13 or 16 laptop depending on my needs.
I don’t like having cameras in everything, i never use them anyway so i was wondering
the bezel around the display does it have a cutout for the camera or is it just clear plastic that the module sits behind?
I also saw a post about removing the webcam module and it said you can you just don’t have a webcam or mic. 100% fine with that.

Thanks

7

Dont have my FW with me right now, but you can look at the images on the FW marketplace.
You can see, that there is clear plastic in front of the webcam

8

Thanks, yeah i was looking at the photos it was just hard to tell if it was a cutout or clear plastic.

9

There’s a clear bit in front of the camera, and I think I remember that the switches to cut off mic/cam are actually interrupting the circuitry, so they are off when switched off, but I bet you can just remove the entire module, or put in a tiny bit of black tape maybe?

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10

There was another topic someone asked the same question, about removing the module.
I would just remove it, i have 2 laptops both with web cameras never used ether, and had my phone for almost 2 years and also have never used the cameras once.
I would rather just remove the module so it was never an issue.

Thanks for your help.

11

That is correct.
Even if you dont use it, there is no security concern and i would just leave it in, in case you may ever need it.

12

Removing it shouldn’t be a problem, BUT since the FW 13 and 16 offers hardware kill switches, I would argue that with the kill switches active it is the same thing. The benefit being, should you EVER need a webcam or microphone, they are there. Should that never be the case, they are both un-usable as power is literally shunted from them. They cannot work while the kill switches are active.

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14

They are very close but not quite the same thing imo, if you don’t put the bezel on quite right it may not work right and you have no visual indication if it’s actually working.

Should not be able to work may be the better wording there XD

The kill switches are good enough for most cases but if you want to remove the webcam it is very easy thanks to the magnetic bezel which is neat. You could either just unplug the ribbon cable on the camera side or fully remove it with just a few screws, no glue and no clips involved.

At least on the 13 there are holes, you can probably cover them with a bit of tape or just leave them though.

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