Skype Sound and Audio Set-Up
PC Running Windows Vista
In order to have Skype software running to its full potential you should complete the following steps.
Important! Please note that the following set of instructions may be different for some users due to their audio software/hardware manufacturer and their OS version.
How to…
- Find the audio settings.
- Change playback options.
- Change recording options.
- Check Skype’s configuration to use a Windows default device.
How to Get to the Audio Settings
Click on the Start button and find to the Control Panel tab.
Control Panel Window will appear
In the Control Panel window find the Hardware and Sound section. Click on it.
And then click the Sound section.
Note: If your Control Panel is in Classic view, double click the Sound section directly:
How to Change Playback Options
Once you've found your audio settings, Sound window opens with Playback tab selected:
Click on the sound device Skype uses.
1. It should have a tick beside it. If it doesn't, set it as your default by clicking the Set Default button.
2. Click on the Properties button. This opens the Speaker properties window. Check the Device usage dropdown and select “Use this device (enable)”.
3. Now click the Levels tab on the Speaker properties window.
4. Check the Speakers volume is high enough and make sure it is not muted.
5. Make sure that Microphone volume is muted.
6. Click Apply and OK to close.
How to Change Recording Options
Choose the Recording tab on the Sound panel.
Click on the recording device that Skype uses.
7. It should have a tick beside it. If it doesn't, set it as your default by clicking the Set Default button.
8. Click on the Properties button. This opens the Mic properties window. Check the Device usage dropdown and select “Use this device (enable)”.
9. Now click the Custom tab on the Speaker properties window. Click on Microphone Boost to remove the tick beside it.
10. Now switch to the Levels tab in the Mic properties window.
11. Check Mic volume is set to maximum.
12. Click Apply and OK to close.
Now make a test call in Skype to check your microphone.
If you are still having problems with the microphone:
Click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > Sound Recorder.
The Sound Recorder panel will appear.
Try to record your speech though your microphone. Now play it back.
If you can't hear what you recorded, go to the Sound section of the Control Panel and play with the microphone settings until the recording test works for you.
If you can hear your recording, make sure that Skype uses the Windows default audio device (follow the steps bellow).
How to check Skype’s configuration to use the Windows default device
Start Skype
Click on the File > Options in the main menu.
The Skype Options panel will appear.
Find the Audio Settings tab, click on it.
In the Microphone and Speakers dropdown menus, select Windows default device.
Click Save.
Test your sound in Skype
If you are still having problems with your audio or microphone, go back to the Sounds and Audio section of the Control Panel:
In system tray users should select the volume icon:
- Mute all has to be unchecked.
- Wave Mute has to be unchecked.
- Microphone Mute has to be checked.
- Other channels (CD Player, Video, 3D Depth, etc) are not important.
Now test your sound again
If you are still having problems please go to our Help Center.
