If your calls are silent, distorted, or others can’t hear you, the most common cause is an audio device or permission mismatch — in short, Skype audio doesn’t work in Windows 10 because the wrong device is selected, a driver or service is failing, or Windows privacy/settings block the microphone. This article lists the likely causes and shows step-by-step fixes so you can restore sound for both microphone and speaker.
You’ll learn how to quickly check device selection, update drivers, fix Windows services, adjust privacy and app settings, troubleshoot headsets/Bluetooth, and perform deeper diagnostics.
Key Takeaway
Most Skype audio problems are fixed by selecting the correct input/output device in Skype and Windows and ensuring the Windows Audio service and device drivers are running; start there, then move to permissions, Bluetooth pairing, and app updates if needed.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Wrong device selected in Skype | In Skype audio settings, choose the correct microphone and speakers/headset. |
| Windows default audio device incorrect | Set the right Default Playback and Recording devices in Settings > System > Sound or Control Panel > Sound. |
| Muted or low volume (system or app) | Unmute and raise volume in Taskbar volume, Skype volume, and Volume mixer. |
| Outdated or corrupted audio drivers | Update or reinstall drivers via Device Manager or manufacturer website. |
| Windows Audio service stopped | Restart Windows Audio and related services in Services.msc. |
| Microphone blocked by privacy settings | Enable microphone access: Settings > Privacy > Microphone and allow Skype. |
| Exclusive mode or audio enhancements conflict | Disable exclusive mode and sound enhancements in Control Panel > Sound. |
| Bluetooth or headset pairing issues | Re-pair or test headset, update Bluetooth drivers, use wired audio to isolate. |
| Skype app bug or corrupted cache | Update or reinstall Skype and clear its app cache/data. |
Detailed Fixes for “Skype audio doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1) Wrong device selected in Skype
Why this causes the problem:
Skype lets you select separate devices for microphone and speakers. If Skype is set to a disconnected device (HDMI, virtual audio device, or disabled device), you’ll get no sound.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Skype (desktop or Microsoft Store app).
- Click your profile picture > Settings > Audio & Video.
- Under Microphone and Speakers, pick the correct device from the dropdown lists (e.g., Headset Microphone (USB Audio Device) or Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)).
- Speak into the mic and check the level meter; play the test sound to verify speaker output.
- If you don’t see your device, continue to the Windows sound settings below.
Tips:
- Use the same device type for both Skype and Windows default to reduce confusion.
- Restart Skype after changing devices.
2) Windows default playback/recording device set incorrectly
Why this causes the problem:
If Windows default devices are wrong, apps that follow system defaults (including Skype) will use the wrong devices.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, choose the correct device from Choose your output device.
- Under Input, choose the correct microphone from Choose your input device.
- For more options, open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
- In Playback tab, right-click your speaker/headset and choose Set as Default Device (and Default Communication Device if needed).
- In Recording tab, right-click your microphone and choose Set as Default Device.
- Click OK and retest Skype.
Notes:
- A separate “Communications” default can be set; ensure both default types point to the desired devices.
3) Muted or low volume (system or app)
Why this causes the problem:
Sound can be muted globally, in the system volume mixer, or inside Skype (or hardware mute on headset).
Step-by-step solution:
- Click the speaker icon on the Taskbar and ensure volume is raised and not muted.
- Right-click the speaker icon > Open Volume mixer, and make sure Skype and system sounds are not muted or very low.
- In Skype, verify the volume slider in Settings > Audio & Video.
- Check headset inline mute button or physical mute switch on microphone/headset.
- If using Bluetooth, check device volume on the headset itself.
Tip:
- Some headsets have separate volume controls for mic and earphones—verify both.
4) Outdated or corrupted audio drivers
Why this causes the problem:
Drivers provide communication between hardware and Windows. Corrupt or incompatible drivers can disable audio or produce errors.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your audio device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If auto-update fails, visit the manufacturer (Realtek, Intel, Broadcom, headset maker) website and download the latest Windows 10 driver.
- To reinstall: right-click the device > Uninstall device > check Delete the driver software for this device if present > Restart PC — Windows will attempt to reinstall drivers on boot.
- For USB headsets, update USB controller drivers too (expand Universal Serial Bus controllers).
Commands (advanced):
- Run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to check system files: open Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt > Run as administrator, then type sfc /scannow.
- Use DISM if SFC reports errors: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Notes:
- Roll back a driver (Device Manager > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver) if a recent driver update caused the problem.
Why this causes the problem:
If the Windows Audio service or dependencies are stopped, sound won’t work.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
- Find Windows Audio, double-click it.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Start (if stopped) and OK.
- Also check Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and Plug and Play are Running and set to Automatic.
- If services fail to start, reboot and re-check, or review Event Viewer logs (Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System) for errors.
Tip:
- Restarting these services can be done via Command Prompt (admin): net stop audiosrv then net start audiosrv.
6) Microphone blocked by privacy settings
Why this causes the problem:
Windows 10 can block microphone access for all apps or specifically for desktop apps; Skype needs permission to access the mic.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
- Ensure Microphone access for this device is on (click Change if needed).
- Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone.
- Scroll to Allow desktop apps to access your microphone and ensure Skype (desktop) is listed/allowed.
- For Microsoft Store Skype, make sure the Skype app appears in the app list and is toggled On.
Note:
- After changing privacy settings, restart Skype.
7) Exclusive mode or audio enhancements conflict
Why this causes the problem:
Some apps take exclusive control of the audio device, or enhancements (echo cancellation, bass boost) cause compatibility issues.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
- Select your playback device > Properties > Advanced tab.
- Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
- Under the Enhancements tab, check Disable all enhancements (or uncheck specific ones).
- Repeat for your Recording device (microphone) properties.
- Click Apply and OK, restart Skype.
Tip:
- If you rely on special enhancements, test toggling them individually to find the problematic one.
8) Bluetooth or headset pairing issues
Why this causes the problem:
Bluetooth headsets can connect in different profiles (A2DP for high-quality audio or HFP/HSP for calls). If the call profile isn’t active or pairing is flaky, audio may fail.
Step-by-step solution:
- Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Ensure your headset shows Connected.
- Remove and re-pair the headset: click the device > Remove device, then re-pair.
- In Control Panel > Sound, ensure the headset’s Hands-Free or Headset is set as default communication device for calls.
- Update Bluetooth drivers in Device Manager under Bluetooth.
- For testing, connect a wired headset or use built-in speakers/mic to isolate if Bluetooth is the issue.
Notes:
- Some Bluetooth headsets reduce audio quality in call mode; ensure you use the right profile in Skype audio settings.
9) Skype app bug or corrupted cache / outdated Skype
Why this causes the problem:
App-level bugs, partial updates, or corrupted cache files can break audio independently of system settings.
Step-by-step solution:
- Update Skype: open Skype > Help & Feedback > Check for updates, or download the latest version from https://www.skype.com.
- Clear Skype cache (desktop):
- Close Skype.
- Open File Explorer and go to %appdata%\Skype and %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.SkypeApp_kzf8qxf38zg5c\LocalState (for MS Store version).
- Back up then delete the main.db and Skype for Desktop cache folders (note: this removes local history).
- Reinstall Skype:
- Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Skype > Uninstall.
- Reboot and install fresh from the official site.
- Try both the Skype desktop (classic) and Skype (Microsoft Store) versions to see if one works better.
Tip:
- If you rely on call history or settings, back up important data before clearing cache.
Advanced checks and prevention
- Test with another app: Use Voice Recorder (Windows) or another VoIP app (Zoom, Teams) to verify hardware works outside Skype.
- Create a new Windows user: if audio works on a new account, the issue is profile-specific.
- System Restore: If audio worked previously, consider restoring to a system point before the issue.
- Hardware test: Try the headset on another device (phone) to confirm hardware function.
- Keep Windows updated: install optional audio driver updates via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates.
- Regular maintenance: periodically check for driver updates and run Windows built-in troubleshooters: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Playing Audio.
FAQ
How do I test if the microphone is detected by Windows?
Open Settings > System > Sound and check Choose your input device; speak and watch the Test your microphone bar. Or use the Voice Recorder app to record and play back audio.
Can a Windows update break Skype audio?
Yes—drivers or system files can change. If audio broke after an update, roll back the driver in Device Manager or uninstall the problematic update via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
Does Skype use exclusive audio mode?
Skype generally uses shared audio, but some drivers or apps may attempt exclusive control. Disable Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device in Control Panel > Sound > Properties > Advanced.
How do I force Skype to use a specific device every time?
Set the desired device as both the Default Device and Default Communication Device in Control Panel > Sound, and then select the same devices in Skype > Settings > Audio & Video.
When should I contact support or replace hardware?
If the microphone and speakers fail across multiple apps and devices, it’s likely hardware; contact manufacturer support or replace the headset/mic. If problems persist with only Skype after all software fixes, contact Skype support.
Conclusion
Start by checking device selection (Skype and Windows) and ensuring the Windows Audio service and drivers are healthy — these steps resolve most issues. If problems persist, work through permissions, Bluetooth/headset pairing, and app updates to get sound back. Remember: consistent, basic checks will fix the majority of cases where Skype audio doesn’t work in Windows 10.
