8 Effective Solutions to Fix Skype Microphone Not Working on Windows 10

Skype has long been one of the most popular cross-platform video conferencing apps, but it's no secret that it can cause various issues on Windows computers. One common problem that users face is the microphone not working on Skype. If you're experiencing this issue, don't worry – we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore eight effective solutions to help you fix the Skype microphone problem on Windows 10.

Solution 1: Reinstall Skype

One of the first steps you can take is to reinstall Skype. This not only gives necessary microphone permissions but also removes any bad or corrupted files that may be causing the issue. Simply uninstall Skype, then reinstall it to see if the microphone starts working again.

Solution 2: Install Directly from the Developer's Site

Many users have reported that installing Skype directly from the developer's site instead of the Windows Store can solve the microphone issue. Visit the Skype site and select the Windows version, not the Windows 10 version, to download and install it. Test if the microphone is working on Skype after the installation.

Solution 3: Check Microphone Permissions

Sometimes, due to a bug or a change in settings, the microphone permission for Skype may be toggled off in the Windows Settings. To check this, press Ctrl+I on your keyboard, select Privacy, and then navigate to Microphone. Make sure Skype is toggled on in the list of apps that need to use the microphone.

Solution 4: Adjust Skype Audio Settings

Open Skype on Windows 10 and go to Settings by clicking on the menu icon. Select Audio and Video, and ensure that the correct microphone device is selected. Test the microphone by speaking into it and checking if the blue dot moves. You can also select the option to automatically adjust microphone settings for optimal performance.

Solution 5: Update Sound Drivers

Outdated or corrupted sound drivers can cause microphone issues on Skype. Open Device Manager, find the sound card under Sound, video, and game controllers, and update the drivers for the selected sound card. Restart your computer and test the Skype microphone again.

Solution 6: Restart Windows Audio Service

The Windows Audio service is responsible for managing audio devices on your computer. If it's not running or functioning properly, it can affect the Skype microphone. Open the Run command prompt by pressing the Windows key+R, type “services.msc,” and hit Enter. Look for Windows Audio in the list, start or restart the service, and set it to run automatically on startup.

Solution 7: Disable Exclusive Control

Some apps may take exclusive control over the microphone, preventing other apps like Skype from using it. To check this, open Control Panel, navigate to Sound, and go to the Recording tab. Double-click on the Microphone option, select the Advanced tab, and uncheck the options for allowing applications to take exclusive control and giving exclusive mode applications priority.

Solution 8: Configure Bluetooth Devices

If your laptop's default microphone isn't working, you can try using a Bluetooth device as an alternative. Connect a Bluetooth headphone or earphone and make sure it is enabled as the default device in the Manage Audio Devices settings. If necessary, disable the hands-free option to ensure the connected headphone's microphone is used.

By following these eight solutions, you should be able to fix the Skype microphone not working issue on your Windows 10 PC. Remember to test the microphone after each solution to ensure it's working properly. If you have any other solutions that have worked for you, feel free to share them with us.