Skype for Business - Troubleshooting Audio and Video for Windows Users

Solutions to common issues relating to Skype for Business are described in the sections below.  If your issue is not resolved by any of the topics below

• Try rebooting your computer.
   
• Get more information support from Microsoft Support.

 

Select Audio Device

You or Other's Can't Hear

Improve Sound Quality

Select Video Device 

You Can't See Video

 

Select Audio Device in Skype for Business

To select an audio device:
 

1. Click the Settings Icon (three dot icon in lower right corner).

2. Click on Meeting Options -> Audio Device.

3. Select the device you want.

 

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You Can't Hear or Others Can't Hear You.

If you can't hear the meeting or others can't hear when you are talking, try some of these steps.
 

• Make sure you are not muted
  
  
  1. You can see that you are muted in the meeting when the blue microphone icon has a line through it.
  
  
  2. To un-mute yourself, click on the microphone icon (the line should disappear).

• Make sure the correct device is selected

• On the lower-left side of the Skype for Business main window, choose a device from Select Primary Device.

• Choose either your microphone, computer's internal speakers, external speakers, or headphone.

• Click on the Telephone Icon in the bottom right corner of the Skype for Business meeting

• Select the correct device.

3. Go to Windows Settings.

• Right-click on the loudspeaker icon on the Taskbar.

• Select Open Sound Settings.

• Choose the correct Output device and Input device.

• Check the Windows Master Volume

1. Click on the loudspeaker icon on the Taskbar.

2. Slide the volume control to the right.

3. If there is an "X" next to the loudspeaker icon, you are muted.  Click on the icon to un-mute.
    

• ​​​Increase the Microphone Strength

1. Go to Skype for Business Main Window.

2. Click on the Settings Wheel Icon -> Tools -> Audio Device Settings.

3. Slide the Microphone Slider to the right.
    

• Check the Microphone

  • If using your computer's built-in microphone, make sure it isn't muted.

  • If using an external microphone, check that it is plugged in.  Try plugging it in to a different USB port.

  • If using a wireless microphone, make sure the batteries are charged.

  • Check for a physical mute button on the headset or headset cord.
     

• Remote Desktop Users

1. Disconnect from the remote desktop session.

2. Connect to Skype for Business using the computer you are physically using.

 

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Improve Sound Quality

Audio quality can be improved by increasing the contrast between the sound of your voice and all other sounds around you. 

• Speakerphone or Webcam:  Move closer to the microphone. 

• Built-in computer microphone.  Make sure nothing is blocking it.

• Handheld device:  Make sure your hand or a finger is not blocking the microphone entrance when you hold the device. 

• Reduce background noise.  

• Reduce the volume of the playback. Turn down the volume on your speakers and, if possible, move them farther away from the microphone. 

• Use a headset. Almost all the issues described can be improved or solved by using a USB headset. 

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Select Video Device in Skype for Business

To select a Video Device:

1. Click the Settings Icon (three dot icon in lower right corner). 

2. Click on Meeting Options -> Video Device .

3. Select the device you want .
   
   .

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You Can't See Video

Here are some common solutions to problems with video.

• Make sure you start your video.

1. Click the blue Video icon.

2. Click "Start My Video."
    

• If you can't see documents, files or programs being discussed, ask them to share their desktop.

• Check your camera settings in Skype for Business.

1. Go to Tools > Video Device Settings. 

2. Click on Video Device and select the Camera. You should see a preview of what the Camera see's in this window 

3. If the camera doesn't appear in  the list:

   • Make sure the camera is plugged in.

   • Make sure the WebCam is installed correctly.

4. If the camera shows up in the list but doesn't show a preview:

   • Check to see if another application using the webCam.

   • Check the Camera's Privacy Settings by clicking on Camera Settings under the preview section .

 

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