Skype microphone not working, Surface Pro 3

I have a surface pro 3, with Skype 7.22.0.109 installed on Windows 8.1. When in calls, I can hear received audio, but my microphone will only give static or nothing. I have checked in the settings and the surface's microphone is selected, and I have tried to reinstall Skype several times.

The microphone is working fine in other applications, such as Google Hangouts or the Sound recorder. I have also tried the web based version of skype and it still does not work, and I have also tried adjusting the levels of the microphone to no avail. Skype did work with the original Metro skype that came with the machine, but hasn't worked with Skype for Windows (desktop).

I do not see any optional updates specifically marked for audio in Windows update (but there are ~200 with "Update for Windows 8.1 (KB #)").

Batman

Posted 2016-04-26T13:15:28.080

Reputation: 143

Have you simply tried a restart, or uninstalling and reinstalling Skype? – JCTechie – 2016-05-06T13:28:20.820

Yes to all three. – Batman – 2016-05-06T13:40:05.977

Have you tried downloading the metro version from the windows store? It may be a hassle but it might be what you have to use. Also, is your PC set to allow the MIC with applications? – JCTechie – 2016-05-09T01:09:13.733

The Metro version is no longer supported and just tells you to download the desktop version. And yes, it is. – Batman – 2016-05-09T03:37:11.277

As for the microphone, it works in everything but Skype. – Batman – 2016-05-09T20:17:16.833

All I can do is confirm, as an owner of a SP3, I am able to use the desktop Skype client on it. Which means you have a conflicting software package installed. – Ramhound – 2016-05-10T14:52:13.730

Answers

If you can use the microphone in other applications, then you don't have a problem with the sound driver, and it might be just settings issue.

So, you need to check the followings:

First check Windows 8 privacy settings

Go to PC Settings
Then, choose Privacy
Now, click on Microphone

Make sure that Let apps use my microphone is On, and then make sure that Skype option is ON under Let these apps use my microphone

Now, start Skype and go to Skype Settings. Check the Microphone Settings and try it out.

iSR5

Posted 2016-04-26T13:15:28.080

Reputation: 1 633

Skype doesn't appear in that list for me. – Batman – 2016-05-10T15:03:07.827

@Batman check Privacy > Webcam – iSR5 – 2016-05-11T10:15:32.710

It doesn't appear there either. I think this is only for metro apps since the webcam works fine in Skype. – Batman – 2016-05-11T11:02:02.993

@Batman just to check, have you tried to use a headset microphone with skype ? if not, then try and check if the microphone is working with it or not. – iSR5 – 2016-05-11T11:05:09.557

I'm trying to acquire one. – Batman – 2016-05-12T15:49:11.657

Skype will only work now with microsoft own driver, if your pc is old then you will have a very hard time trying to get the driver, good news is that the orginal driver is on the windows disc, you will need to download that driver.

Peter Wyatt

Posted 2016-04-26T13:15:28.080

Reputation: 1

-1

It sounds like the Skype Windows app is what was working better for you. Unless there is a reason you did not like it you can get it from the Microsoft app store.

If that does not work you could try to uninstall the microphone from the Device Manager. Reboot and let the device reinstall and see if that corrects the issue. Warning: you may need to download the manufacturer's driver before the microphone will reinstall properly. You probably want to download this ahead of time, before uninstalling. Below is an example of a Device Manager with uninstall microphone showing.

Musselman

Posted 2016-04-26T13:15:28.080

Reputation: 560

The Skype that did work is no longer supported by Microsoft. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers to no avail (with the drivers downloaded as part of the pack provided by Microsoft). – Batman – 2016-05-04T08:08:34.627

-1

It seems to me your PC is not compatible with the newest Skype, try these older versions:

6.14.0.104: https://web.archive.org/web/20140413131237/http://download.skype.com/msi/SkypeSetup_6.14.0.104.msi

6.18.0.106: https://web.archive.org/web/20141119080039/http://download.skype.com/msi/SkypeSetup_6.18.0.106.msi

6.21.0.104: https://web.archive.org/web/20141213144457/http://download.skype.com/msi/SkypeSetup_6.21.0.104.msi

(Taken from https://community.skype.com/t5/Windows-desktop-client/Older-versions-of-Skype/td-p/3951877)

Make sure after installing an older version to disable automatic updates, Tools -> Options -> Advanced -> Automatic Updates -> disable