Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
- Skype account
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Step 1
Use the most recent and up-to-date version of Skype. Each new version builds upon the previous one, improving its quality in all areas, sound included. Check the Skype home page if you're not sure if your version is the latest one. When you open the version of Skype that you have installed on your computer, you should receive prompts if there is a newer version available.
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Step 2
Make sure all your computer drivers are up to date. Old drivers can affect the compatibility with, and ultimately the quality of, new software such as Skype.
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Step 3
See if your firewall is blocking Skype or parts or Skype. When logged in to Skype, go to "Tools," then "Options" and open the Connection window. Make sure a port is specified (at the top) for incoming connections. If nothing is there or you're not sure if it's the right one, talk to a tech-savvy friend or contact your systems administrator.
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Step 4
Click the option in the same Connection window to open ports 80 and 443. This opens traffic and improves sound quality.
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Step 5
Try shutting down other programs, especially the ones you don't need or aren't using. In particular, closing other Internet software programs or file-sharing applications that take up a lot of space and memory will likely improve your Skype sound quality.
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Step 6
Don't download any files while using Skype. This also affects sound quality.
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Step 7
Try a manual refresh of the data traversal information. To do this, log out of Skype and close it. Go to Documents and Settings > Your User Name > Application Data > Skype. Locate the shared.xml file. Delete the file. Restart Skype, which will recreate the xml file.
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Step 8
Disable the Quality of Service packet scheduling. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections. Right-click your connection and select "Properties." Uncheck the "QoS Packet Scheduler" option.
