Fix jerky video, stop your calls breaking up and make Skype sign you out properly
Skype won’t launch
If you can’t get Skype to launch, first make sure you’ve got the latest version (from www.snipca.com/16969). If it still fails to launch, temporarily disable some security tools, such as your firewall (but be wary of disabling your main antivirus program).
To disable Windows Firewall, visit Control Panel’s ‘System and Security’ section, click Windows Firewall and then ‘Turn Windows Firewall on or off’, select ‘Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)’ and click OK. If Skype now launches, re-enable your security software then look for any reasons for the blocking. In Windows Firewall, for example, click ‘Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall’, then make sure that Skype is ticked.
Finally, a corrupted Skype file can sometimes prevent launch. Press Windows key+R to open the Run box, then type %appdata%\skype and press Enter. In the folder that opens, select and then delete the file ‘shared.xml’. A new clean version of the file will be created automatically the next time you open Skype.
Calls keep breaking up
Skype uses different amounts of bandwidth depending on the type of call you’re making – video call, group call and so on (www.snipca.com/17154). As a result, video and audio quality can change during your calls, to match fluctuations in your connection quality and that of the person you’re calling.
You can check the current status by glancing at the Call Quality Monitor icon (a little row of bars). If this icon is red or yellow, click it, and then click the Connection tab to see more information. To improve the connection, try moving your computer closer to your router (if you’re using Wi-Fi), or use an Ethernet cable for the best possible broadband speed. Also, pause any background downloads and temporarily disconnect other devices from your router.
Video doesn’t work
If Skype will let you make audio calls but not video calls, check that your webcam is properly attached and that Skype isn’t having problems detecting it. Choose Tools from the Options menu, then click ‘Video settings’ under General. Now click ‘Webcam settings’ and choose your webcam from the Video Source dropdown menu. Click OK, then Save.
If you still don’t get a picture, close all other programs that might be using the webcam, such as video-editing software or instant-messaging tools.
Also be aware that various Skype features, including video calling and screen-sharing, aren’t supported by PCs bought before 2001 (www.snipca.com/17151). Unless Microsoft (Skype’s owner) changes this – which is highly unlikely – you’ll have to live with the limitations, buy a new PC or use the free Skype app on a smartphone or tablet (Android www.snipca.com/17152, iOS www.snipca.com/17153).
People can’t hear you
If the person you’re calling can’t hear you properly, use Skype’s Test Call facility to check what they are hearing and to test your equipment.
Click Test Call in the Contacts list, click the Call button and then follow the voice prompts to record and play a test message. If you do indeed sound too quiet or even silent, open the Tools menu, choose Options and then click ‘Audio settings’. Check that your microphone is selected in the Microphone dropdown menu, then speak into it and check that the green bar moves as you speak. If there’s not much movement, remove the tick from the ‘Automatically adjust microphone settings’ box, then move the Volume slider all the way to the right. Click Save and try another test call.
You’ve logged out but Skype says you’re online
If you remain ‘available’ after logging out, it’s probably because you’ve logged on at least once using the Skype mobile app. Skype sometimes maintains your available status after you’ve closed the app, depending on how you’ve set up the app’s notification settings. You can fix this by disabling notifications or signing out of the app. Tap the three dots at the bottom right of the Skype app, then tap ‘Sign out’.
If you no longer use the mobile app, you can use the PC program to sign out instead. Start a chat with any contact, type /remotelogout into the chat window and press Enter. Now sign out of the program by choosing Sign Out from the Skype menu.