Skype is a free software application designed to facilitate video and voice calls over the Internet, as well as instant message sending capabilities.
To initiate a call, open up the Contacts tab and double click the person you want to speak with. If they have a webcam you can initiate video chatting directly through Skype; alternatively you can call their phone number (this requires purchasing Skype credit).
Check the microphone
If your Skype microphone is malfunctioning, there are a few steps you can take to address the problem. First, verify your audio settings are accurate by clicking the three dots menu and choosing “Settings,” followed by “Audio & Video,” on the left side. Afterward, ensure your microphone is set as the default device by changing any necessary settings and restarting your computer before testing out again.
Skype provides its own audio settings that can help you test the status of your microphone, accessible by clicking on the Tools tab in its main window. Once opened, this new window allows you to adjust both microphone and speaker settings as well as test out your mic by speaking into it and listening for its response.
Update the drivers on your computer as one possible solution to Skype microphone not working issues. Outdated drivers are one of the primary causes, and once downloaded you can download them directly from either manufacturer’s website or using Auslogics Driver Updater; once updated you can test out your microphone.
If your Skype microphone is still not functioning, try playing audio through another program on the same hardware to determine whether it’s systemic or specific to Skype. Also try switching out headphones/speakers until one works successfully.
Last, but certainly not least, is using Windows Troubleshooter to resolve the issue. The Windows Troubleshooter is an inbuilt tool designed to detect and repair various types of issues – including those related to microphone functionality. To launch it press Win+S or type “troubleshooter” into the search box in Taskbar Search Box.
If troubleshooter fails to resolve the issue, installing a new microphone driver could be necessary. Download it directly from the manufacturer or use Auslogics Driver Updater’s automated update feature for instantaneous driver upgrades.
Check the speakers
As part of your Skype call, it is vital that you can clearly hear what your friend is saying. If nothing comes through, this could indicate your speakers are faulty or there may be another issue; there are several steps you can take to remedy the situation, including checking speaker jacks and unmuting the microphone, as well as adjusting volume on your computer if none of these solutions work. Alternatively, try trying another microphone or headset.
Step one of inspecting your speakers is making sure they’re plugged in securely and turned up. This step is essential because, if a speaker or headphones are damaged or misconnected, Skype calls won’t come through clearly. Plug a pair of headphones in and make a test call before moving forward to ensure everything works well.
Make a test call to Echo, the bot service integrated into Skype that automatically answers calls, for an idea of what your voice sounds like when spoken aloud and can help determine which settings may be causing issues. To do this, open up the search bar and type “Echo123”. Upon clicking this contact name you’ll be taken through to an audio call simulation with Echo; she will prompt you to record a message and then play it back; if this works out fine for you then speakers are working properly!
If the issue continues, try changing your audio settings in Skype. The Tools menu contains options for microphone, speakers and recording device setup. On the Settings page there’s also an adjust slider control which enables volume adjustments during calls; or simply let Skype manage them if that seems easier.
If the problem still persists, reach out to your friends in order to conduct a test call and isolate whether their microphone or your speakers is responsible. If it turns out not be their microphones but your own speakers instead, contact Skype’s support team immediately for further assistance.
Check the volume
Skype has become an indispensable business tool, allowing business owners to interview job applicants, conduct conferences with customers and clients, communicate with colleagues, and assemble meetings online. Unfortunately, occasionally Skype may experience sound issues resulting in no audio or unclear calls; fortunately there are multiple solutions to resolve the problem and restore normalcy.
First, check your computer volume. Make sure it’s turned on and not muted, and that your microphone or headset are properly connected. If this fails to resolve the problem, update your audio drivers by opening the Control Panel and clicking “Sound”, selecting “Audio Settings”, and clicking “Audio Devices”. This will open a window where you can change both speakers and microphone volumes individually.
One of the more likely causes of no audio when using Skype is your computer’s default audio device being set incorrectly, often due to multiple USB devices like headphones and microphones connected simultaneously. You can fix this by changing it in the lower left corner of the main Skype window; once set properly, this circle with microphone should turn white while switching it back to black when muted.
Adjusting audio output settings via Skype Preferences will also prevent Windows from automatically reducing other media volumes during Skype calls. Click “Audio Settings” in the left menu bar to open this window.
Adjust your sound output and input in Windows Settings as well to stop “Skype automatically lowers other media volume” from reducing music, movies or videos you are listening to while on Skype calls. This feature is available both Mac and Windows computers but will require manual adjustment of sounds from applications if using this method.
Check the internet connection
When using Skype to make video calls, your internet connection must be sufficient for high-quality calls. Too much bandwidth congestion may lead to robotic-sounding voices or other problems during calls if downloading large files or streaming 4K video; therefore, before beginning any video call session on Skype it is wise to check your internet connection beforehand and ensure a satisfactory call experience.
To do this, the easiest and simplest method is to utilize an internet speed testing website or your own computer’s installed software; these tests will determine whether your bandwidth supports Skype calls adequately – however it should be noted that only an indication of quality audio/video calls will result from this method of measuring internet connection speed.
If your internet connection is slow, attempting to close any background programs and placing your computer into power-saving mode could help free up bandwidth and improve connection quality with Skype. Also consider whether anyone in your household is streaming movies/TV shows/online games that could interfere with this.
One solution is to install an application that monitors your connection and reroutes data around poor connections. One such program, Speedify, monitors all of your connections and routes Skype traffic through those with the fastest and most reliable speeds and reliability – notifying you immediately if any issues arise and providing solutions to address them.
One way to test your connection is to log into Skype and click the “Call quality information” button; this will display details about your connection quality. If there’s low-quality connectivity, the red call icon and message stating: “Poor network connection.” Ensure your device meets minimum system requirements as well as being on a wired or WiFi network with strong signal strength if this applies to you.