How to Fix Skype Stereo Mix Not Working in Windows 10
Your PC microphone, whether it is an internal model or an external USB headset, becomes ineffective as a transmitting source when it is pushed against another speaker. Even if you do not detect a drop in sound quality, irritating audio feedback is always a possibility. Following are some precautions you should take when you are trying Skype Stereo mix.
How to Fix Skype Stereo Mix Not Working in Windows 10 Why is Skype Stereo Mix Not working? Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Method 2: Reset Default Audio Device Method 3: Unmute Mic or Speaker Method 4: Enable & Set up Stereo Mix Method 5: Update Audio Driver
When you are on a Skype discussion, it is more beneficial to change system sound input settings so that your Skype friends hear what you hear via your PC speakers. It is not straightforward to route audio on Windows 10, and the audio/sound driver that is installed is often the most difficult part. You will need to find out how to get applications to listen to a device once you have found out how to route audio and get programs to listen to it. This allows anybody you are contacting to hear both your voice and the audio from your PC, such as music or a video. By default, sound devices do not connect system audio to the mic feed. This may be accomplished using software and hardware. If your sound equipment permits it, you will need to utilize the stereo mix option or something similar. If not, you will need to look for third-party virtual audio software that can perform the same thing.
Why is Skype Stereo Mix Not working?
There could be several reasons why you are having trouble with Stereo Mix.
Damaged or loose cable connections for sound. Audio driver issue. Incorrect software settings.
Usually, this is a minor issue that can be readily resolved. To discover how to solve Stereo Mix not working, you do not need to be a tech whiz. Continue reading to learn about all possible options for resolving the problem of Skype stereo mix issue to get back to recording audio.
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting
Before going through the methods to fix your Skype stereo mix not working problem, let us perform some basic hardware troubleshooting.
Disconnect your microphone and speaker from the PC.
Now, check for any damaged wires or cables. If found, then replace them or switch to a new device.
Finally, connect your microphone and speaker to your PC properly.
Method 2: Reset Default Audio Device
For your Stereo mix to work properly, your sound has to go via sound card, and using HDMI audio device will bypass this. It might be possible that your HDMI device is selected as the default device which would prevent Stereo Mix from working. Follow the below steps to set your speakers as default:
Press the Windows + Q keys together to open Windows Search menu.
Type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open in the right pane.
Set View by: > Category and click on Hardware and Sound, as shown.
Now, click on Sound.
In the Playback tab, choose the speaker you need to set as default and click the Set default button.
Click Apply to save changes and then click OK.
Also Read: Fix Windows 10 No Audio Devices are Installed
Method 3: Unmute Mic or Speaker
It is possible that the problem of Skype stereo mix not working Windows 10 might be caused because microphone has been muted in your playback choices. This problem can be solved by unmuting your microphone, as follows:
Right-click on the speaker icon on the bottom-right corner in the Taskbar.
Choose Sounds from the context menu.
Navigate to the Playback tab.
Locate your default playback device and right-click it. Choose Properties, as shown.
Switch to the Levels tab and click on the muted speaker icon to unmute the microphone.
Also, click on the muted speaker button for Realtek HD Audio output to enable audio, as illustrated below.
When you are finished, click on Apply to save your changes and click the OK button to exit.
Also Read: How to Fix Audio Stuttering in Windows 10
Method 4: Enable & Set up Stereo Mix
A setup error is nearly always the cause of Stereo Mix not functioning with headphones or speakers. It is possible that the software was never turned on, to begin with. As a result, the first remedy you should try is to revert that setting. You should also configure it as the default recording device to ensure that there are no problems when running the application.
Navigate to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound as illustrated in Method 2.
Switch to the Recording tab.
3A. Right-click on Stereo Mix and click on Enable, as depicted below.
Note: If you do not see Stereo Mix, it must be hidden and you need to enable it as follows: 3B. Right-click an empty space in the list and check the following options from the context menu.
Show Disabled Devices Show Disconnected Devices
Hit the Windows key and type Skype, then click on Open.
Click the three dotted icon on the top-right corner and choose Settings, as shown.
Go to the Audio & Video tab under Settings in the left pane.
Click on the Default communication device drop-down and choose Stereo Mix (Realtek(R) High Definition Audio) as illustrated below.
Also Read: How to Use Skype Chat Text Effects
Method 5: Update Audio Driver
Another reason for this issue could be incompatible or out-of-date sound drivers. And, updating it to the most recent manufacturer-recommended version would be the best approach.
Click on Start, type device manager, and hit the Enter key.
Double-click on Sound, video, and game controllers to expand it.
Right-click on your audio driver (e.g. Realtek(R) Audio) and choose Update driver from the context menu.
Click on Search automatically for drivers, as shown.
5A.The drivers will be updated to the latest version. Restart your PC to implement the changes. 5B. If you see a notification claiming that The best drivers for your device are already installed, click on the Search for updated drivers on Windows Update option instead.
In the Windows Update tab in Settings, click View optional updates in the right pane.
Check the box pertaining to the drivers you want to install, and click the Download and install button.
Also Read: How To Fix No Sound On Steam Games Q1. What is the purpose of Skype taking over my sound? Ans. Incoming Skype calls are detected as communications activity by Windows. If you wish to preserve the true volume of your sound, you may need to change the settings on the Communications tab of Windows Sound properties. Q2. How do I adjust my Skype audio settings? Ans. From the Skype window, locate and click the gear icon. To change the audio or video device settings, go to Tools > Audio Device Settings or Video Device Settings. You can choose the microphone or speaker you want to use from here. Q3. What is system sound? Ans. The sound that comes from the speakers built into our PC is known as System sound. Sound from the headphones you have connected is the music on our PCs. Q4. What are stereo mix alternative Windows 10? Ans. If Realtek Stereo Mix is not working and gives no sound in Windows 10, you may try other Stereo Mix alternative for Windows 10 like Audacity, WavePad, Adobe Audition, MixPad, Audio Highjack, etc. Recommended:
How to Fix Microphone Too Quiet on Windows 10 Fix Xbox One Headset Not Working Fix I/O Device Error in Windows 10 Fix Unknown USB Device in Windows 10
We hope that this information was useful in resolving Skype stereo mix not working problem in Windows 10. Let us know which technique was the most successful for you. Drop your queries/suggestions in the comments section below.
