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FIX: Skype problem with playback device in Windows 10
6 min. read
Updated onAugust 6, 2024
updated onAugust 6, 2024
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Key notes
To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
AlthoughSkypeis one of the most popular messaging services, certain issues can appear once in a while.Windows 10users reported that Skype has a problem with a playback device, but fortunately for you, there is a solution available.
Problems with the playback device can be troublesome, especially because you won’t be able to hear the other person during a call, but you can fix these problems by following one of our solutions.
But first, here are some more examples of this problem:
How can I fix Skype problem with playback device on Windows 10?
How do I fix Playback device not working in Skype?
1. Delete audio device
2. Temporarily disable audio device
3. Make sure your audio driver is up to date
Problems with playback devices in Skype can occur if your audio driver isn’t up to date, and if that’s the case, it’s advised you update your audio driver.
To do that, just visit yourmotherboardor sound card manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your device. After installing the latest drivers, the playback issue should be resolved.
However, if you don’t want the hassle of updating drivers manually you should think of using specialized software that can automate the process.
Using an advanced tool likePC HelpSoft Driver Updaterwill prevent PC damage that could appear by installing the wrong driver version. In fact, once you have selected the correct driver’s version for your device, the application will update them singularly or in groups in just a blink of an eye.
With a few clicks, the software will scan your PC’s hardware and peripherals for potential driver upgrades. With its library of up-to-date drivers, is ready to keep your PC system running smoothly, and you never have to worry about missing drivers.
Save yourself the time and stress of not having a playback device when you need to attend an important meeting or talk.
4. Restart Skype
Few users reported that problems with playback device can be fixed simply by restarting Skype. To do that, just find Skype icon on theTaskbar, right-click it and chooseQuit.
After you’ve closed Skype, start it again and check if the issue is resolved.
5. Make sure the correct playback device is set in Skype
6. Uncheck Automatically adjust speaker settings
Few users reported that Skype problems with playback can be fixed by turning off theAutomatically adjust speaker settingsoption.
To turn this option off, just navigate toTools > Options > Audio settingsin Skype. Navigate to Speakers section, uncheckAutomatically adjust speaker settingsand clickSaveto save changes.
7. Enable and disable your speakers
8. Turn off any audio programs running in the background
According to users, you can fix the problem with the playback device by turning off anyapplicationsthat are using your sound card.
For example, if you have a multimedia player running in the background you might want to disable it before you start a Skype call.
9. Reset Skype configuration files
10. Reinstall Skype
Users suggest that playback device problem can be fixed by reinstalling Skype, so make sure to try that.
Few users claim that they managed to fix this problem by installing an older version of Skype, so you might want to try that as well.
11. Switch to the UWP version
If you can’t make a call with a standard Desktop version of Skype, try using the new UWP version. Microsoft has been heavily insisting on using this version lately.
Truth be told, it’s still not the most stableappout there, but it’s improving.
You don’t need to install the UWP version of Skype, as it’s already pre-installed on your system. So, just give it a try.
12. Run Audio Troubleshooter
With playback device problems you won’t be able to perform Skype calls at all, and that can seriously affect your Skype experience.
We covered several major Skype issues in the past, and if you’re havingSkype Error 0x80070497or if youcan’t close Skype in Windows 10, feel free to check some of our other Skype-related articles.
Did you manage to resolve the issue? Let us know how in the comment area below.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
