How to Find Out If My Microphone Is Broken in Skype?

Position the microphone so it is directly to the side of your mouth.

If your microphone is broken, it won't work no matter what program you are using. Therefore, the quickest way to troubleshoot a problem with your microphone is to try using it with other applications and devices. If it does not work with other software or on a different computer, it is probably time to replace it. If your microphone only malfunctions while you are using Skype, the software is at the root of the problem.

Instructions

1. Restart your computer. If you were participating in a video call and your microphone suddenly quit working, it may have cut out only temporarily. If it is a USB microphone, disconnect it from the USB port before you shut down the computer. Reconnect the device after Windows loads and wait a few seconds for Windows to recognize the device.

2. Record a video separately using your webcam. If you are using a webcam with Skype, the microphone is built-in and records the sound automatically. Open the software that came with the camera and click "Record." Speak loud enough for the microphone to pick up the sound of your voice and then click "Stop." Play back the video to determine if any sound was recorded.

3. Verify that your microphone is being used as the default device. Right-click the "Volume" icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop and then click "Recording Devices." Choose your device from the list and click "Set Default." Click "Properties" and change the drop-down menu next to Device Usage so it displays "Use This Device (Enable)." Click "OK" to confirm.

4. Open other programs that make use of the microphone to ascertain whether it works when Skype is not being used. Download and install a different video calling app or launch any program capable of recording audio. If the microphone works in other programs, it is not broken.

5. Uninstall and then re-install Skype if the problem only occurs while you are using the program. One of the default settings might have been inadvertently changed. Locate "Skype" under the list of Uninstalled Programs by clicking "Start," "Control Panel" and "Uninstall a Program." Click "Uninstall." Download the most recent version of Skype from the official website and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to Support.Microsoft.com and run the troubleshooter to diagnose recording problems.

References

• Microsoft: How to Troubleshoot Microphone Issues
• Skype: How to Change Recording Options