Skype stereo mix not working in Windows 11? Fix it now

March 2023 · 8 minute read
Stereo Mix not working in Skype in Windows 11

XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE

Fix Windows 11 OS errors with Restoro PC Repair Tool:This software repairs common computer errors by replacing the problematic system files with the initial working versions. It also keeps you away from critical file loss, hardware failure, and repairs damages made by malware and viruses. Fix PC issues and remove viruses now in 3 easy steps:
  • Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).
  • Click Start Scan to find Windows 11 issues that could be causing PC problems.
  • Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer's security and performance
  • The Stereo Mix has become an essential feature, of late, and it should work fine. However, users have been facing certain problems with it and reported that Stereo Mix is not working on Skype in Windows 11.

    Stereo Mix allows you to record the audio output from the computer after combining all available channels. For those using it with Skype, the problem arises when they want others to listen to the audio output of their computer.

    In the following sections, we will walk you through the most effective methods to get Stereo Mix working on Skype in Windows 11.

    Why is the stereo mix not working on Skype in Windows?

    The problems with Stereo Mix in Skype could arise due to several reasons, both pertaining to the connected audio device and software issues. We have listed them all below:

    With a basic understanding of the underlying issues, you are now in a far better position to proceed to troubleshoot. Let’s now head to the methods to get Stereo Mix working in Skype in Windows 11.

    What do I do if the stereo mix is not working on Skype?

    1. Check the connected device

    The very first thing you must check when Stereo Mix is not working on Skype is whether the connected devices are working properly.

    To do this, disconnect both the microphone and speaker if you are using external ones. Now check for any damage to cables or the port they are plugged into. If none are found, reconnect and check if Stereo Mix starts working in Skype.

    Also, you can connect the same set of peripherals to another system and check if Skype works perfectly there. If that’s the case, the problem lies with the app or misconfigured settings, and you can proceed to the other fixes listed below.

    2. Run the built-in audio troubleshooter

  • Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Troubleshoot from the options listed on the right in the System tab.Troubleshoot to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Click on Other troubleshooters.Other troubleshooters
  • Locate the Playing Audio troubleshooter and click on the Run button next to it.Run playing audio troubleshooter to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Choose the appropriate response, if and when prompted, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  • Whenever you encounter an issue in Windows, your primary approach should be to look for a relevant built-in troubleshooter. Microsoft offers these to help users easily diagnose and eliminate problems affecting the performance.

    3. Enable Stereo Mix

  • Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Change system sounds in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears.Change system sounds to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Go to the Recording tab.Recording
  • Next, right-click on the Stereo Mix entry and select Enable from the context menu.Enable Stereo Mix to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Click on OK to save the changes and close the window.Save changes
  • Now, launch the Skype app, click on the ellipsis at the top, and select Settings from the context menu.Skype settings
  • Navigate to the Audio & Video tab from the navigation pane on the left.Audio & Video
  • Click on the dropdown menu next to Microphone and select Stereo Mix from the list of options.Select Stereo Mix to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • 4. Update sound card driver

  • Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.Launch Device Manager to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Locate and double-click on Sounds, video and game controllers entry to expand and view the devices listed under it.Sound, video and game controllers
  • Right-click on the audio device and select Update driver from the context menu.Update driver to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Next, select Search automatically for drivers from the options listed in the Update Drivers window.Search automatically for drivers
  • Wait for Windows to find the best available version on the system and install it.
  • Drivers help relay commands between the OS and the hardware. Updating the drivers ensures the best performance along with the introduction of new features added in the subsequent versions.

    The Device Manager method listed above only scans the storage drive for the driver and not the web, thus acting as an offline update. This reduces the chance of finding a newer version.

    Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
    Click here to download and start repairing.

    If you are unable to get the latest version this way, try checking for driver updates in Windows Update or manually download and install it from the manufacturer’s website.

    In case that feels like too much trouble, you can always use a reliable and effective third-party app for the job. We recommend using DriverFix, a dedicated tool that checks all available sources for the latest version and keeps the installed drivers up-to-date.

    After updating the sound card driver, check if the Stereo Mix not working problem in Skype is fixed.

    5. Set speakers as the default device

  • Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Change system sounds in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.Change system sounds to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Go to the Playback tab.Playback
  • Right-click on the desired speaker, and select Set as Default Device from the context menu.Change default device to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.Save changes
  • If the wrong speakers have been set as the default playback device, you are bound to encounter problems with the Stereo Mix in Skype. Therefore, make the necessary corrections and check if the issue is eliminated. If not head to the next fix.

    6. Check if the audio device is muted

  • Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Change system sounds in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears.Search for Change system sounds to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Navigate to the Playback tab.Playback tab
  • Right-click on the default speaker and select Properties from the context menu.Speaker properties to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Go to the Levels tab from the top.Levels
  • Check if the output is muted, and click on the Mute icon to unmute it.Unmute audio to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Click OK at the bottom to save the changes.Save the changes
  • 7. Repair/reset the Skype app

  • Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.Apps
  • Next, click on Apps & features on the right.Apps & features to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Locate the Skype app, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Advanced options from the menu.Advanced options
  • Click on the Repair button and wait for the process to complete.Repair app to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Now check if the problem is fixed. If not, click on the Reset button.Reset app to fix skype stereo mix not working
  • Again, click on Reset in the prompt that appears.Confirm reset
  • If the above methods haven’t yet worked, it’s likely that the issue lies with the Skype app itself. In which case, it’s best that you first try to repair it, and if that doesn’t help, reset the app.

    Repairing the app identifies problematic files and replaces them, verifies the Registry entries, and checks the installation files without affecting the cache or configured settings.

    On the other hand, resetting the app will remove everything and will take it to a state similar to when you first installed it.

    What are some good software tools for audio enhancement in Windows 11?

    A simple Google search would show hundreds of different software, with each claiming to outperform the other. This often confuses users and they are unable to choose the right one.

    If you are looking for surround sound software, check our curated list of the best ones in the market. In case you are just looking for audio enhancers, here are the ones you should grab right away. Users trying to find an audio recording software can check out this list.

    By the time you reach this section of the article, the Stereo Mix should be working on Skype and you know a lot of software that could be used both for audio enhancement and recording.

    In case there’s no sound output on your Windows 11 PC, learn how to fix the problem.

    Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

    ncG1vNJzZmivmaOxsMPSq5ypp6Kpe6S7zGiqpLGgmnq0wMSrnKhlnZ7FbrrOrWSwp6Kgtq%2Bzjg%3D%3D