ARCHIVED: Troubleshoot problems with audio and video equipment using Skype for Business in Windows

If you have trouble when using a headset or webcam with Skype for Business, try one or more of the following steps:

• Check volume settings and mute function:
  • Remember to check volume controls on both your device and your computer.
  • Consult your device's documentation for non-obvious mute features.
• Set the default device: If you have a webcam, the default setting may be to use the webcam's internal microphone rather than the microphone on your headset. If you try to mute your microphone and find that the other party can still hear you, or if the other party reports that your voice is coming in and out, this may be the problem. Also, if you have previously used a different device on your computer, that device may still be set as the default.

  Also, any device you designate as the default will play all audio (both phone communication audio and all computer audio). Any device you designate as the default "communication" device will only play your phone communication audio. You may need to designate different devices for different purposes.

  Other things to try:

  • Set the default device within Skype for Business:
    1. In the lower left of the main Skype for Business window, click the audio device button. Depending on what device is set as the default, this may look like , , or .
    2. Select the preferred audio device from the drop-down list, or click Audio Device Settings to set up a new audio device. In the "Audio Device" portion of the "Options" window, make sure the correct equipment appears for each audio device listed (speaker, microphone, etc.)
  • Set the default device in the Control Panel:
    • Windows 10:
      1. From the Control Panel, click Sound.
      2. Highlight the device you want to use, and click Set Default. Then click OK.
    • Windows 8.x:
      1. From the Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound.
      2. Under "Sound", click Manage audio devices.
      3. Highlight the device you want to use, and click Set Default. Then click OK.
• Disable other devices: If you try to mute your microphone and find that the other party can still hear you, your system may be drawing audio from more than one device. Try the following:
  • Windows 10:
    1. From the Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound.
    2. Under "Sound", click Manage audio devices.
    3. Right-click the desired device.
    4. Both show disabled devices and show disconnected devices should already be checked.
    5. Click Disable. Click OK.
    6. Make sure that your preferred device is set as the default (or default communications) device. (It should be checked in the list of devices).
  • Windows 8.x:
    1. From the Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound.
    2. Under "Sound", click Manage audio devices.
    3. Click the Recording tab. Check for volume fluctuations for more than one device while speaking.
    4. You can disable any device you don't want to use; to do so, click the device name, and then click Properties. On the General tab, at the bottom next to "Device usage:", select Don't use this device (disable). Click OK.
    5. Make sure that your preferred device is set as the default. (It should have a checkmark in the list of devices on the Recording tab.)
• Check the settings in your webcam software: Some webcams come with software that must be installed for them to work properly. If you installed the software and find that people are having trouble seeing or hearing you, try the following:
  1. In the Skype for Business client, from the Tools menu, select Options.
  2. In the left pane, click Video Device. Here you can see if Skype for Business recognizes your camera; you can also manipulate settings as needed by clicking Webcam Settings.

  For more advanced features and settings, refer to the documentation that came with your webcam.