What Can I Do When Skype video not working on Windows 10?
Is your Skype video not working? Here are several tips for troubleshooting common problems with Skype’s video streams during calls. Want to make a video call or just join a meeting in a video conference so Skype doesn’t show your face? While this can be helpful if you’re shy, it may confuse others—it’s not even professional.
If there is a problem between Skype and your webcam, there will be no video stream. If you’re having trouble getting Skype video calls working, here’s what you need to do.
Read: How to Fix Skype Audio Not Working in Windows 10
How to Fix Skype video call not working?
If the video chat software isn’t working, you might be missing out on important chat functions. So, test your webcam and address any issues before you sit in the meeting.
The following Skype video troubleshooting tips are for Windows 10 but also work with most macOS and Linux.
- Configure Skype for video calls.
- Update the software to the latest version.
- Check for updates to the webcam device driver.
- Check if your webcam is disabled.
- Use the correct version of DirectX.
- See other programs that use the webcam.
- Can Your Antivirus Block Skype Video Chat?
- Check the webcam for damage.
Let’s take a look at these tips in more detail and find out why your webcam is not working in Skype.
1. Set up Skype for Video Calls
It’s a good idea to make sure Skype is set up correctly for video calls before starting the conference.
With Skype open, click the three-dot icon to open the menu and select Settings (or press Ctrl + ).
Click on the Audio & Video section and you’ll see which of your camera is selected.
You can locate most Skype problems on this screen. Usually, the problem is the wrong camera selection, although it could just as easily be the webcam settings.
Start by choosing the right camera. You’ll find a drop-down selection menu next to the Camera heading. Make sure you have chosen the right camera here. It will usually show up as a USB device whether it is built into your computer or not.
If Skype is configured to use the correct webcam, you may have a problem with the webcam itself. The first thing to try is to start any software that came with your webcam. It can often be used to turn on and test your webcam. If your webcam has a hardware switch, turn it on.
Also spend some time in the webcam software, checking the settings for restrictions or configuration for video chat. For example, you may need to allow Skype (or other apps) to access the camera.
2. Update Skype
With Skype properly configured, it’s a good idea to update the software. Microsoft releases regular updates for Skype, so hardware problems can be easily fixed this way.
To check your version of Skype, click the three-button menu and then click Settings > Help & Feedback. In the right pane, you will see the Skype version and year. The displayed year must be the current year. Windows users must have Skype 8.59.0.77 or later.
- Skype updates automatically on Windows, but you can force the update by uninstalling Skype and downloading the latest version.
- To delete, press Start and type skype. In the result displayed, expand the list and click Uninstall.
- On the Programs and Features screen, highlight Skype and choose Uninstall from the menu.
- It is advisable to restart Windows after the software has been removed— you are now ready to reinstall Skype.
3. Update Your Webcam Drivers
If you’re having trouble starting a video chat on Skype, update your webcam drivers first. You need to know the current version of the driver first.
- Check it in Device Manager — Right-click on Start > Device Manager.
- A yellow exclamation mark on the webcam indicates that your problem is a resource conflict with another device. To check this, expand the Camera to see the name of the device.
- Right-click, choose Properties > Driver, and note down the date and version of the driver.
- To update, click on Update Driver. If a newer version of the driver is available, it will be downloaded from the Windows Update server.
In some cases, this may not work. For external webcams (connected via USB), check the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver updates. If there’s anything new to install, download and follow the instructions.
4. Is your webcam disabled?
Once you start a video chat with your friend, make sure the webcam is turned on. Otherwise, Skype video calls will be disabled.
You can fix this problem in Device Manager. Simply locate the camera, expand it, right-click on the device name and select Activate Device.
You may need to restart your computer for this change to take effect properly.
5. Update DirectX to Fix Skype Video Calls
In Windows, DirectX is required to ensure smooth multimedia performance. This primarily includes visual media, especially games and videos. If your Skype video calls are not working, it is advisable to update DirectX as part of your troubleshooting process.
DirectX 9.0 and higher is required for Skype video calls. Press WIN+R and type dxdiag in the Run dialog box to check your version of DirectX.
If it’s too old (DirectX 12 is the current version at the time of writing), update it.
6. Check If Other Programs Are Using Your Webcam
Other applications may be using your webcam. If the light was already on before Skype started, some software is already using your webcam. This can cause issues with Skype capturing the same stream.
You can fix this problem by closing other apps, especially all other instant messaging and internet-dependent apps, and then restarting Skype.
Note: This should not be the case with tools such as Multiple Cams, which allow the use of multiple webcams on Skype. However, it takes some time to turn them off to exclude these devices.
7. Is Antivirus Software Blocking Skype Video Calls?
Modern anti-virus software and firewalls can manage the connections of individual devices connected to your computer. This feature helps improve your privacy, but it can be frustrating at times. If your Skype video call isn’t working, it could be because your security software is blocking the webcam.
To check this, open your antivirus software and check the privacy protection settings. Find a setting that relates directly to your computer’s camera and microphone.
See the anti-virus software documentation for the correct steps to take to allow Skype to access your webcam.
8. Is your webcam broken?
If you’ve come across this and your Skype video call is still not working, your webcam may be faulty. This is a sign to replace your old camera with a new one that is guaranteed to work.
You can verify this by trying the webcam out with another app. Windows 10 has a built-in camera app for webcams, so try running that. Or launch any other chat app and try the video chat option there.
Need a new webcam and don’t have time to order one? Check out our guide to using your Android smartphone as a PC webcam.
Read: How to Fix Skype Camera Not Working on Windows 10
Conclusion – Skype video not working
With Skype’s video calling feature working again, you’re ready to start calling again. Maybe you’re meeting with coworkers or recording a podcast. Either way, Skype is ideal. Just make sure you take the time to prepare yourself so you can look good on your webcam.
If you feel the post is helpful for you then you can give your important feedback in the comment box.
