How to Make It So Skype Doesn't Lower Volume

FIX: Skype audio won't work on Windows 10

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Updated: Oct 22, 2021

Posted: March 2020

Skype is a go-to instant messaging app for many, but Skype has its fair share of issues.
Many users reported that audio won't work at all on Skype.
Fixing this issue is simple, and you just need to update your audio driver and check Skype audio settings.

Fix Skype audio won't work on Windows 10

Skype is the most popular messaging application in the world, but besides instant messaging support, this application also supports video and audio calls.

Users reported that Skype audio isn't working on Windows 10, so let's see how to fix this problem.

Frequent Skype audio issues

Skype is a great application, but many users reported audio issues while using Skype. Speaking of issues, these are some of the common problems that users reported:

Skype no sound in call – According to users, sometimes they aren't getting any sound during their Skype call. This can appear if your microphone or speakers aren't properly configured in Skype.
Skype audio very quiet – This is another common problem with Skype. By default, Skype automatically adjusts the audio levels, and if your audio is quiet, be sure to disable this feature and check if that solves the problem.
Skype audio won't go through headphones – This is another problem that can appear on Skype. If this happens, make sure that your headphones are selected as a default audio device in Skype.
Skype audio breaking up – Sometimes your Skype audio can break up during the call. To fix this problem, be sure that you don't have any downloads running in the background. In addition, you might want to try switching to a wired network and check if that helps.
Skype audio output not working – If this problem occurs, you need to check your playback settings and make sure that your speakers or headphones are set as the default audio device.
Skype audio distorted – This problem can appear due to your network connection, and in order to fix it, be sure to check if your connection is fast and stable.

How can I fix audio issues on Skype?

1. Make sure that your speakers and microphone are properly configured

Open Skype.
Go to Tools > Options.
Navigate to the Audio settings tab.
Be sure that Microphone and Speakers are properly set. If you want, you can test both microphone and speakers from Skype. If your speakers and microphone passed the test, it means that they are properly configured and working in Skype.
Click Save to save changes.

According to users, sometimes an update can change your default speakers or microphone, so be sure to check if your audio device is properly configured in Skype.

2. Use Microsoft's default audio driver

Press Windows Key + X to open Power User Menu and choose Device Manager from the list.
Once Device Manager opens, locate your audio device, right-click it and choose Uninstall device.
If available, check Delete the driver software for this device and click Uninstall.
After you delete the driver, restart your PC.

When your PC restarts, the default driver will be installed and problems with Skype audio should be fixed.

3. Update your audio drivers

Users reported that you can fix Skype audio issues simply by downloading and installing the latest drivers for your audio device.

You can download the latest drivers from your motherboard or sound card manufacturer's website.

Users reported issues with Realtek drivers, but even if you don't use a Realtek sound card you might want to try updating your audio drivers.

There are many types of drivers for audio cards, so select the exact version for your hardware and then download and install it. There are several alternative ways to update drivers for your Windows 10 system.

When you are sure your drivers are all up-to-date, you can check again and see if the problem persists.

4. Change your microphone settings

Right-click the audio icon on your Taskbar and choose Recording Devices from the menu.
Locate your microphone and double-click it to open its properties.
Go to Advanced tab and make sure that Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device is not enabled.
Click Apply and OK.

5. Restart Windows Audio service

Press Windows Key + R and enter services.msc. Press Enter or click OK.
When Services window opens, locate Windows Audio service, right-click it and choose Restart from the menu. If the Restart option isn't available, just try stopping and starting the service manually.

6. Update / reinstall Skype

Sign-in to Skype.
Now go to Help menu and choose Check for Updates.
Now click Update Classic Skype.
The update process will now start, so don't interrupt it.

If you already have the latest version installed, you might want to switch back to the older version of Skype and check if that fixes the issue for you.

In addition to updating, users also suggest that you reinstall Skype and delete all Skype-related registry entries.

To do that, you can uninstall Skype and manually remove all Skype entries from your registry.

Manually deleting entries from the registry isn't the best or the most practical solution, so you might want to use a tool to completely remove Skype from your PC.

After you remove Skype, try reinstalling it and check if that fixes the problem. If Skype won't reinstall, we got your back with a guide to fix the issue.

7. Select the proper audio device

Right-click the audio button in the bottom right corner and choose Playback devices from the menu.
Now you should see several devices available. Make sure that you have the correct playback device set as default. To set a device as a default audio device, simply right-click it and choose Set as default.
After changing your default playback device, click Apply and OK to save changes.

Once you change your default audio device, check if the problem is resolved.

To fix this problem, in most cases you just have to set your speakers or headphones as the default playback device, and the issue should be resolved.

8. Check if your speakers and microphone are properly connected

If you're having any audio issues during Skype calls, that might be due to your microphone or speakers.

Several users reported that the other side can't hear them during the Skype call, and that is most likely caused by your microphone.

Just like your headphones speakers, your microphone uses a 3.5mm jack, so it's possible that you connected your microphone to the wrong port by accident.

This is just a minor problem, and to fix it, simply disconnect it from the wrong port and connect it to the right one.

As you can see, this is a quick and easy solution, so be sure to try it out.

9. Try changing your DNS server

Click the network icon in the bottom right corner and select your network from the list.
Now click the Change adapter options.
Locate your current network, right click it and choose Properties from the menu.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.
Now select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the following:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Now click OK to save changes.

In addition to Google's DNS, you can also try using OpenDNS. After you change your DNS, check if the problem with Skype is resolved.

10. Check your network connection

If you're having Skype audio problems, the issue might be your network connection.

If you have any problems with your Internet connection, Skype will automatically change the quality of your audio in order to keep your call active.

However, you might get better results simply by using a wired connection. Wi-Fi connection can suffer from interference, therefore it's always better to use a wired connection.

If you can, switch to a wired connection and check if that solves your problem.

11. Close other applications

Sometimes other applications can interfere with Skype and cause problems with audio. To minimize the interference, be sure to disable all streaming applications and downloads.

After doing that, Skype will be able to use your bandwidth without any issues or interference from other applications.

Speaking of bandwidth, here are the best monitor tools that you can choose to keep track of your internet activity.

If Skype audio isn't working that can be a big problem because you won't be able to perform Skype calls with your friends, but we hope that one of our solutions helped you fix this issue.

This isn't the only issue that can occur on Skype, and if you have any other problems, be sure to visit our Skype hub for more in-depth fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable sound on Skype?
How do I enable sound on Skype?

To enable sound on Skype, go to Settings > Audio & Video and check if the correct playback device is selected. You can test audio there to make sure that the sound is working properly.
Why can't I hear Skype on my headphones?

If headphones aren't working in Skype, go to Settings > Audio & Video and ensure that your headphones are selected as the output device.
How do I test Skype audio?

To test audio in Skype, go to the Settings >Audio & Video. Now click the Test audio button to test the sound.
Where is the Tools menu in Skype?

The Tools menu is usually hidden in Skype, but to access it, open Skype and press the Alt key on your keyboard and the Skype toolbar will appear.

How to Make It So Skype Doesn't Lower Volume

Source: https://windowsreport.com/skype-audio-not-working-windows-10/

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