Skype doesn't work: problems and solutions. Known issues with Skype

Many users are familiar with the Skype program, and not always in a good way. This service is a universal means of communication that allows you to make voice calls, make video calls and exchange text messages. However, often users with computers running Windows OS often encounter problems with the program.

There can be many reasons why Skype may not work. Today we will look at the most likely situations, as well as ways to solve them.

Causes of Skype problems and how to fix them

1. Unstable or completely absent Internet connection. Surely you are aware that to communicate via Skype, your computer must be equipped with a stable high-speed Internet connection. Make sure you have an Internet connection, and also try disabling programs that may be consuming traffic in the background.

2. Outdated version of Skype. Many users neglect updating the Skype program, which is completely in vain - after some time, users may encounter the fact that the program refuses to work at all. The solution to the problems is simple - update Skype. To do this, open the tab in the program menu "Help" and click on the item "Check for updates" .

If the message appears on the screen "A new version of Skype is ready" , then be sure to install the updates by clicking the button "Download" .

3. Skype does not work correctly. It’s also not worth ruling out the possibility that the system could have crashed, causing Skype to stop working. In this case, you will need to uninstall Skype from your computer and then reinstall it.

To do this, open “Control Panel” – “Programs and Features” . In the list of applications that appears, find Skype, select it with one click of the left mouse button, and then click on the button "Delete" .

After completing the removal, you will need to download a new version of the program, and always from the official website of the developer. You can do this by following the link at the end of the article.

4. Outdated version of Internet Explorer. Oddly enough, Skype for Windows computers partially depends on the Internet Explorer browser. You, probably, like most users, practically do not use Internet Explorer, and therefore we can conclude that you have never updated this browser.

In order to check for Internet Explorer updates, launch this browser, click on the gear icon in the upper right corner and click on the button in the window that appears "About the program" .

In the window that appears, make sure that you have a checkmark next to the item "Install new versions automatically" . If this checkbox is missing, it must be checked. After this, the browser will install the updates.

To complete the procedure, restart your computer and check that Skype is working.

5. Non-working equipment. You shouldn’t rule out the possibility that you can’t talk on Skype because your microphone, speakers or webcam aren’t working. Be sure to check that the devices are working.

6. Problems with the operating system. And finally, let's talk about computer viruses. Of course, if none of the methods given above helped fix the problem with Skype, it is imperative to scan the system for malware. Once the cleaning is complete, you should restart your computer.

To do this, you can use both the deep scanning system in your antivirus and individual free scanning tools, for example.

In addition, if a problem with Skype made itself felt not so long ago, then it would be rational to perform a system restore, returning the computer to work some time ago.

To do this, open "Control Panel" and go to section "Recovery" .

In the next window, select "Run System Restore" .

In the window that appears, check the box next to "Show other restore points" , and then select a point that, in your opinion, will return the operating system to the exact moment when Skype and other programs worked normally.

Wait for the system recovery to complete, which can take from several minutes to several hours.

As a rule, these are the main ways to troubleshoot Skype problems. Of course, in order to quickly and effectively solve the problem, you must try to identify the cause. If you have your own way to fix Skype not working, tell us about it in the comments.

Skype is free software that allows you to communicate with friends and family from anywhere in the world. This program is absolutely free, you just need to download it from the manufacturer’s official website. With Skype, you can chat, have conferences with several friends at the same time, and also make video calls (using a webcam). In addition, from this program you can call mobile or landline phones (this service is already paid). But quite often users have various problems with Skype. This could be anything: from problems with registration or authorization in the program to problems with sound or microphone during a video call.

Solving basic problems when using Skype

The most common problem with Skype is the authorization procedure

Most often, Skype users encounter 2 problems: difficulties with authorizing the program and losing their password. The first situation occurs when the user and the program reports that the entered data is incorrect. This could be for several reasons:

1. You have several accounts and, perhaps, you simply got confused and entered a password that does not match your login.
2. The Caps Lock key is enabled. The Skype password is case sensitive, so the same combination of lowercase and uppercase letters are completely different passwords. (For example, flower and FloweR are different passwords). If the user's password consists of only uppercase (small) characters, you need to disable Caps Lock. If the password contains several capital letters, then it is better to use the Shift button rather than Caps Lock.
3. Incorrect keyboard layout. In this situation, you just need to be careful and look at what language the password is typed in. You can change the layout using the combinations Shift+Alt or Ctrl+Shift. You can also do this using the mouse by simply clicking on the corresponding icon.

If after these manipulations you still can’t log in to Skype, it means . Perhaps the user has not used the program for a long time, or maybe he simply forgot his password. A common reason for losing a password is automatic program authorization, when the user does not need to enter his login data every time (which is why he forgets them). In this case, there is only one solution to the problem - password recovery. To do this you need to perform a number of steps.

First you need to select the “Can’t sign in to your account?” option. After clicking on this link, Skype will redirect the user to the Internet page to reset the password. On this page, you must enter your email address with which you registered your Skype account and click the “Submit” button.

Then you need to go to your e-mail, open this letter and select the temporary code link. To do this, you need to hover the mouse cursor over it and left-click - a new page will open for changing the password. In the “New Password” field, you must enter your password, and then duplicate it in the “Repeat Password” field. After this, you can click the “Change Password” button. A new password will be set and you will be able to sign in to your Skype account again. It is advisable to write down your new password somewhere so as not to get into a similar situation again.

If you do not remember the email address to which you were sent, then on the password recovery page you need to select the “Contact support service” option. There is also a list of other current problems and their possible solutions.

Problems with the video camera in Skype

Another situation that many users experience from time to time is technical problems during video calls. For example, the webcam does not work.

The first step is to find out if this device works. Then you need to check whether the camera is connected to the computer correctly and whether the drivers are installed for it. Or is everything fine with the device, but for some reason the camera doesn’t work when making a Skype call? Quite often, problems with the camera arise due to the fact that the cord is poorly connected (or completely pulled out). You need to make sure everything is securely connected.

Next, you need to check the functionality of the webcam on your computer. First you need to check the availability of drivers for the device and whether they are installed correctly. It is because of their incorrect installation that various problems arise in Skype. You can check the drivers in Device Manager. To do this, you need to call the context menu on the “My Computer” shortcut, and then select “Properties”. A new window will open, you will need to select “Device Manager”. Another way: select “Control Panel - System - Device Manager” from the Start menu. This is where you can find out about the status of the webcam. If there is an emergency icon (yellow exclamation mark) next to the device name, it means that there are some problems, possibly with the drivers. In order to reinstall the drivers, you need to check the model and brand of the webcam, and then update the drivers by visiting the manufacturer's official website.

If this causes difficulties, then you can use special programs that will automatically find and install new drivers for all the necessary devices (for example, RadarSync).

Checking your webcam in Skype

The second most common problem in Skype is confusing audio and video device settings

After you have checked the functionality of the webcam on your computer, you need to launch Skype and see if this device is selected in the program settings. To do this, select “Tools” on the menu bar, and then “Settings”. A new window will open where you need to select “Video Settings”. If Skype shows an image, it means the webcam is working normally. If, instead of an image, the user sees the message “Skype cannot detect your device,” then you need to check further.

To find out why the video camera does not work in Skype, you need to check:

1. Is the webcam being used by other programs? Only one program can use the device; the camera will not be available to all others. It is because of this that Skype most often cannot detect a video camera.
2. There is a checkmark in the “Enable Skype video” item. You can check this box in the familiar “Tools - Settings” menu. After this, the device name should appear in the “Select a webcam” list. You need to select it, make sure that Skype shows a test image, and click the “Save” button.

This way you can solve the main problems in Skype. If you are not good with a computer, you can invite friends or acquaintances - let them help you set up Skype for comfortable communication.

In Skype for Windows 10 (version 14), when you want to make a video call, change your profile picture or send a video message, you may be asked for permission...

Skype is communication software. Millions of people around the world use Skype for messaging, calling and video calling. Unfortunately, it has inconvenient functions, errors often occur - they spoil the entire impression of the application.

A common malfunction is the loss of communication with important components - camera, output or sound reception. Most problems occur due to incorrect operation of drivers, Windows, or a malfunction of the device itself. Restarting the computer usually helps, but there is a chance that this will not help if it is a flaw in the program itself. If there problems with sound output– first of all, it wouldn’t hurt to:

1. Open the “Control Panel”, switch the viewing mode from “Categories” to “Large Icons”.
2. You need to find and click the “Sound” icon.
3. Right-click on an empty space and select “Show disabled devices.”

Windows may have switched to an unconnected device by mistake. Just switch to the working speakers, right-click on the first speakers in the list above, select “Use as default”.

These manipulations should solve the problem with audio output to speakers or headphones. If the problem is with the microphone, go to the “Recording” tab and repeat the same procedure as with the speakers.

Phone numbers in the browser are replaced with Click to Call buttons

A relatively inconvenient and low-functionality feature that is enabled by default. In just a couple of steps you can get rid of it.

• First you need to remove “Click to Call” from the Windows Control Panel.
• Go to the settings of the browser you are using and disable the active add-on with the same name.
• In Skype's advanced settings, uncheck the top two boxes in the "Tools" - "Settings" - "Extensions" section.

If Skype is used exclusively for voice calls, you can try replacing the numbers on the link sites by clicking on them, after which the Skype session will begin. There is a possibility of new complications emerging.

Connection failed

Quite often, users encounter errors connecting to the Skype server itself. The message "Connection was interrupted" or "Sorry, unable to connect" appears on the user's screen. The solution to the problem lies in constant software updates: i.e. If an outdated version was installed, you will not be able to connect to the video communication network.

First solution: Update to the latest version by downloading the program from .

Solution two: Firewall settings are blocking access to Skype. In this case, you need to give “Permission” to be able to use the network (set in the firewall settings).

Solution three: Incorrect login or password. Most often, the system notifies the user about incorrect data entry, but according to technical support, this type of notification is also possible.

Bad connection

Internet connection problems should not always be blamed on the program. If the connection is via Wi-Fi, you should check your router. The antenna should be raised and the router itself should be in an open area of ​​the room. Ideally, it is best to find a place near a Wi-Fi point and have a conversation close to it. Interruption of communication may occur due to constant distance from the router if the user constantly moves around the room.

Don't forget that other devices connected to the same network can become a serious problem in terms of Internet speed. The program will slow down or completely lose connection to the server. If the problem persists, just contact Skype technical support: usually when there are massive failures on the site, they report this.

If the above options do not help you get rid of choppy video and audio on Skype, you may need to contact your Internet service provider. Most likely, the problem is theirs: replacing the equipment or overloading the network can solve the problem.

Deactivation of bonuses

Bonuses expire within 6 months. Anyone who calls from Skype to a landline phone receives bonuses for this. But if you don't use them for six months, they may become deactivated. It is possible to return them using the “Reactivate credit” button, which is located next to the balance data.

Thanks to this function, the user can not replenish the account in the future, but use the accumulated points. This is especially true for those who often call home and landline numbers.

Annoying notifications

Skype is a rather noisy program. Constant notifications when the window is open can simply drive you crazy. There are several methods to remove annoying notifications:

1. It is necessary to find the cause of the alerts. Perhaps these are group communication channels or a user who constantly sends messages. In the program settings, you can block the user or exit the group conversation.
2. Mute. “Tools” – “Alerts”. You can customize notification settings when recording a video or in other situations. By going to the “Sounds” tab, you can turn off all notifications or select specific items.

Since people use Skype frequently and actively, when problems occur, users want to fix them immediately. How to solve the most popular problems with Skype?

Installation problems

When installing Skype, various types of errors may occur. The program is not completely installed on the PC, and therefore cannot be used. This type of failure occurs mainly due to residual files of old versions that were previously installed on the PC. After its removal, “tails” remained - entries in the registry. The system, therefore, believes that the utility is already on the device and completes the installation process ahead of schedule.

First, it is recommended to use reputable third-party utilities to remove programs from your computer. For example, CCleaner or Revo Uninstaller will help you. There is also special software to clean the registry of unnecessary entries related to Skype.

To download Skype without problems, clean your computer using these programs.

If this doesn't work, download the portable version of the Skype installer. The portable version does not require installation - download and immediately enter your data.

If this option does not help and, moreover, other software refuses to install, most likely there are viruses on your PC. OS needs treatment. Scan the disks with an antivirus. To detect malware faster, use a scanner such as DrWebCureIt. It is available on the developer’s official website: https://free.drweb.ru/cureit. It is free to use.

Can't log into Skype

Login problems often arise due to a poor connection. If you don't have internet, you won't be able to sign into Skype, so check to see if you have a network. Open any browser and see if the pages load in it.

If there are problems with your Internet connection, reboot your router or modem. In most cases, it solves the problem.

Please also remember that you need the correct username and password to log in. Without them, the system will not open your account for you and will not load the interface.

Erase shared.xml file

An alternative solution is to delete the shared.xml file. Before the procedure, you need to make visible system folders that are usually hidden from users. In the “Tools” menu, open “Catalog Properties” and switch to the “View” section. Check the box next to “Show hidden elements”.

1.Open the “Run” line through Start or using the Win + R combination. In the line, enter the command %AppData%\Skype. Click OK or the Enter key.

2.In the program profile window, delete the shared.xml file.

3.Launch Skype.

Deleting a profile folder and fixing errors on a PC

If there is a problem with the download, the program may not be able to access the service database.

What do we do in this case?

1. Close the program completely.
2. Log in to your profile: C:\Documents and Settings\_user_name_Skype\. The entire profile directory should be deleted. Before doing this, it must be archived. You can first move the profile folder to another location to check if this is the cause of the problem.
3. Launch the messenger.

Skype sometimes does not connect to the database because a second copy of the program is turned on on the computer. In this situation, checking the system drive C for errors will help.

1.Double-click to launch the “Computer” window (icon on the Desktop) and right-click on the system disk. Select the last section “Properties”.

2.Go to the “Service” block and click on the “Run check” button. Check the box “Automatically correct errors” and run the check.

3.Restart the computer and turn on Skype.

If this does not help, go to the Task Manager. In the “Processes” tab, shut down skype.exe, and then try to start the program again.

Conversation without a title

Problems with Skype may appear while working with it. When you're added to group chats, you end up with untitled conversations where you can't even text, let alone make calls. What to do if there is no connection to group calls?

You need to disinfect the hosts file. Let's look at this solution option in more detail.

1. On the system drive we find the Windows folder, and in it – System32.
2. Then open the drivers folder - it will contain the hosts file we need. Launch it by double clicking. Notepad will open.
3. We are looking for the line: 127.0.0.1 s.gateway.messenger.live.com. Select and delete it.
4. Now you need to save the changes. Just because the system will not allow you to change the system file, click on “Save As” and save the file in a visible place, for example, on the Desktop.
5. Move the file located in the drivers folder to any other location. Instead, insert the previously saved hosts file with changes.

Now group chats will work for you on Skype.

If they don't hear you

Sometimes users complain: “They can’t hear me on Skype.” At the same time, there is Internet, since the video is on. How to fix the sound problem in this case?

First check if your microphone is working.

1. Open the “Settings” window, and in it “Sound Settings”.
2. In the “Microphone” item there will be a line “Volume”. Say something. If the light turns at least partially green, your microphone is working. If you have a headset, reconnect it and make it current.

If the microphone turns out to be working, see if there is a checkmark in the “Sound Settings” menu next to the phrase “Allow automatic microphone setup.” After this, check the functionality of the device again as indicated above.

Problems with Skype on Android

What to do if various kinds of problems occur with the program on Android, for example, the same problems with communication? Unfortunately, mobile Internet is sometimes not enough for the normal functioning of the program, in particular for video calls (text messages are usually sent even at low speeds). Here you should restart the connection. If this does not help, then you need to find another network source.

If there are problems with the installation, then the problem is with the device itself: there may not be enough memory. Remove unnecessary programs from your phone and try installing them again.

If it writes an error in the Play Market itself, then perhaps the phone’s memory is clogged with unnecessary files. Clean your device with a special program and reboot.

Any problem with Skype can be fixed. Looking for reasons will not help - you need to try method after method to correct the situation. In most cases, simply restarting the Internet connection and the messenger itself helps.