Learn how to set up and use a headset, the built-in microphone and speakers on your computer, or another device for Skype for Business audio. For the best audio quality during a Skype for Business meeting or call, use an optimized for Skype for Business audio device. You can test the audio quality by following steps in the Test your audio quality section.
To use the audio features of Skype for Business, your computer must have a working microphone and speaker. If there is no built-in microphone, then you must connect an external microphone or headset to your computer.
Take a moment to consider each of the following:
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External microphone If you want to use an external microphone, it must be set up according to the instructions later in this article.
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Using internal microphone and speakers If you will only use an internal microphone and speakers, it is still very important that you follow the steps in this article.
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No audio devices necessary It is not necessary to choose a microphone to use Skype for Business, because it can be used with speakers only—or without speakers. You might choose to listen only, or only use the non-audio features.
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Troubleshooting If you are following all of the steps and continue to encounter difficulty, be sure to read the Troubleshooting section and follow the appropriate link for your version of Windows.
Note: If you’re using Skype for Business with Windows 8.1, ensure that you update your device drivers to the latest version. See Download and install drivers for Windows 8.1.
Set up your device
Note: To ensure that your preferred audio device is chosen each time you start Skype for Business, it is important to follow all of the steps in this section.
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In the Skype for Business main window, click the arrow next to the Options button
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Under Audio device, choose the device you want.
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Click the green arrow next to Speaker to hear a sample tone, and drag the slider if you need to adjust the volume.
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To test your microphone volume, speak into it for a few seconds. The volume is optimal when the progress bar reaches the middle of the test area. Drag the slider next to Microphone to adjust the microphone volume.
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Click the green arrow button next to Ringer to hear a sample ring when you get a call, and drag the slider to adjust the ringer volume.
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Click Check Call Quality and follow the prompts to record a short message and play it back. Adjust audio as needed. Note that this option might not be available for your account.
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If you have more than one audio device, you can choose to set both to ring when you get a call. Under Secondary Ringer, select Also ring, and then select an additional device.
You can also select Unmute when my phone rings, which will automatically unmute your speakers when you receive a Skype for Business call.
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Select Allow stereo audio playback when available to ensure that the best audio quality is available during a meeting.
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Click OK when you’re done.
Tip: You can select different devices for microphone and speakers under each section. But to avoid echoing, it's better to use the same device for both. If you have to use separate devices, minimize echoing by lowering your speaker's volume.
Don't see your audio device?
If you don’t see your device in the list, ensure that it’s connected directly to your computer. Then, carefully follow the instructions that came with the device to install it.
For help with fixing audio or sound problems, try the audio troubleshooter, which can often fix audio problems automatically. To run the troubleshooter, click the Start button, type Troubleshoot, and then click Troubleshoot in the listing. Click Playing Audio > Run the troubleshooter.
For more details on Windows audio troubleshooting, see Fixing Windows Sound Problems.
Multiple headsets or outputs
To configure Windows to use multiple headsets or other audio output devices, see Output audio to multiple devices in Windows 10.
Test your audio quality
Before you start a Skype for Business meeting or call, ensure that your audio device is producing sounds correctly. Note that Check Call Quality might not be available for your account.
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On the lower-left side of the main Skype for Business window, click Select Primary Device.
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Click Check Call Quality and follow the prompts to record a short message and play it back.
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If you’re not happy with the audio quality, click Audio Device Settings to adjust your microphone and speakers, or select another device.
Muting the microphone
To mute your microphone during a meeting, click the Mute button. Click it again to unmute the microphone.
Troubleshooting audio in Skype for Business
Still having trouble with your audio? See Troubleshoot audio and video in Skype for Business.
For more information about general Windows audio troubleshooting, see Fixing Windows Sound Problems.
Important: If your audio device isn't listed when you're installing drivers, you need to install the software for your audio device. Here are some tips:
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For Windows 10: Fix sound problems
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For Windows 8.1: Update drivers
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For Windows 7: Update drivers
See Also
Troubleshoot audio and video in Skype for Business
Set up a video device for Skype for Business
Start an impromptu Skype for Business meeting
