7 Fixes For Skype Crashing In Windows

Skype is a valuable tool for video chat and voice calls. But, it can run into crashing problems, especially during a video session. If you’re struggling with the crash issue, we are bringing you a complete range of solutions. There’s no need for you to go into Registry settings, or update the Graphics driver. Those are the last resort.

Here you will find solutions for the Skype crashing problems that matter. From installing the Media feature pack to using the troubleshooter, this is the one-stop solution. So, let’s have a look:

A Checklist For Skype Keeps Crashing Windows 10

Skype website home page

You can skip this part if you’ve already tried the basic solutions. Still, you can use this as a checklist. See if any of these help you fix the problem. Once you go through this checklist, you can move to the solutions below:

  • Launch Task Manager (CTRL + SHIFT + ESC) and find Skype task. End it and relaunch Skype.
  • Restart your computer and see if this fixes the issue.
  • Make sure that you have a stable internet connection.
  • Make sure that you meet the standard Skype’s system requirements.
  • Launch Skype as Administrator and see if you face any more crashes. For this, right-click on Skype and select ‘Run As Administrator.’
  • Check if any third-party app, plug-in, add-ons, or extension are interfering with Skype.

Once you go through this checklist and find nothing, move on to the solutions below.

Solutions For Skype Crashing In Windows 10

  1. Check For The Latest Skype Version
  2. Check For The Windows Update
  3. Reset Skype
  4. Reinstall Skype
  5. Use The Troubleshooter
  6. Install Media Pack Feature
  7. Use The Compatibility Option 

Fix Skype For Business And Skype Official Keeps Crashing In Windows 10

1. Check For The Latest Skype Version

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Skype has never been a good platform to blend with the updates it offers. In most cases, if you have an older version, it will start crashing. You might not even have an opportunity to connect with friends in the video or voice calls.

An outdated version also leads to compatibility issues, among other problems. So, it is wise to check for the latest Skype version. For this:

  • Launch Skype and find the Menu button. It is the three vertical dots usually on the side of the Username / Skype Name.
  • Once you click on the Menu button from Profile Information, go to Settings.
  • You will see ‘Help & Feedback’ at the bottom of the list of settings. Click on it.
  • Now, in the right-panel, Skype will show you if there’s a new version available. It is an automatic process and if the update button is available, click on it.
  • This will launch the Skype installer and start to download and install the updates for the latest version.
  • Once the update completes, relaunch Skype and go back to the Help & Feedback option. This is to double-check for any more updates.

If there aren’t any more updates, see if this solved your problem.

2. Check For The Windows Updates Version

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Every Window Update is equally essential to ensure the best performance. It helps in fixing any compatibility issue with apps. More importantly, if there was an error from Microsoft’s side for Skype crashing, you can fix it. All you have to do is check for the Windows Updates.

  • Click on the Start Menu icon at the bottom-left corner.
  • In the search bar, type ‘Update.’ This should show you ‘Check For Updates’ as a result. Launch it and the Update Window will open.
  • Now, click on ‘Check For Updates.’ There might be a Windows 11 update available for you. You can avoid it for now and stick to Windows 10 updates.
  • If there are any updates, install them and restart your system.

Now check and see if the Skype crashing issue gets fixed.

3. Reset Skype

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Resetting Skype is the same as resetting any app. You will end up losing all the essential data, saves, and cache stores on your PC. Resetting is a good option if you think there is some setting you can’t find. The reason for Skype crashing could be in these unknown errors.

As you will lose your data, you can also try the other solutions below before giving this step a try. You can also back up the data somewhere before giving this a try.

Here are the instructions:

  • Go to the Start Menu and click on the Settings option. If you can’t find it, press Windows Key + I on your Keyboard.
  • From the settings, find ‘Apps’ and launch it.
  • Then, find Skype in the list. Click on it once and ‘Advanced Options’ will load below it.
  • Select the Advanced Options. You will find the Reset command in the list. Click on it.
  • Go through with the Reset.

Wait for a while as Skype resets. You can relaunch Skype. Now, you will have to provide the Login details again. See if this fixes the Skype issues.

4. Reinstall Skype

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If resetting Skype didn’t work, it’s time for drastic measures. You will now have to reinstall Skype. What’s the difference? Well, resetting Skype only works for cache files and data. Reinstalling Skype works for all the files related to the app.

In simple words, if you have any corrupted file component or error settings, it will go away. You will reinstall Skype which will help you fix most of the crashing issues. It is also one of the best ways to fix the Skype crashing issues in most cases. If you don’t want to get into other solutions and fix Skype in the best way, this works.

  • First, you will have to Uninstall and remove Skype from your system. For this, go to the Apps options like from the previous solution. But, choose the ‘Uninstall’ option from the Advanced Options.
  • If that isn’t available. You can also use the Programs in Control Panel, find Skype and uninstall it from there.
  • Now, go to the C Drive and Program Files to check the Skype folder and delete it from your PC. Also use the Run (Windows + R Key) and type: %temp%. Hit enter and delete everything from the temporary folder. Restart the PC.
  • Once you go through the Uninstallation process, visit the official Skype website. You can also find it on the Windows Store.
  • Once you download the latest version, launch the Installation. Go through with the setup wizard.
  • Once done, launch Skype and log in to your account.

Before logging in to your account, you can also choose to log in with a new account. Linger around for a bit and see if Skype doesn’t crash. Then log out and use the actual Account that you have. See if Skype starts crashing. In this case, you will have to contact skype support. Because the problem could be with your Account and not anything else.

5. Use The Troubleshooter

Additional Troubleshooters page with the Windows Store apps troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with a brilliant troubleshooter function. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of resetting or reinstalling Skype, you can give it a try. This option can help you find and solve any problem. If this doesn’t work, you always have other solutions lined up for you.

  • Once again, open the Windows 10 Settings (Windows Key + I). Then go to the Update & Security option.
  • From the left-panel, find and select the Troubleshoot option. Then click on ‘Additional Troubleshooters.’
  • Scroll down to the end of the Troubleshooter list and find the Windows Store Apps in the option.
  • Click on it and go through with the entire Wizard. If there is any problem, it will find the solution for you.

You can also go to the Control Panel and find the troubleshooter there. That one has different names. You could find something that helps you fix the issue for your Skype error.

6. Install Media Pack Feature

List of media feature packs in drop down menu

If you have Windows 10 N, you will need the Media Pack Feature. The Media Pack Feature is available for older operating systems and Windows 10 N.

It will install the essential components and Windows Media Tools on your system. These include the Media player, voice recorder, music player, and other essential packs. With these, you can support Skype better and prevent it from crashing. How? Here is the guide:

  • First, visit this official website to Download Media Feature Pack.
  • Make sure to download the latest versions and choose the bit versions. The bit version should be same as your Windows OS architecture (32-bit or 64-bit version)
  • Once downloaded, click on the pack to launch it. Follow through with the Wizard and you’re good to go.
  • Don’t forget to restart the PC and relaunch Skype after installing it.

7. Use The Compatibility Option

Search result for Skype app

Maybe the issue is with some kind of compatibility. The good news is that Windows 10 comes with a brilliant compatibility option. This option allows you to use older apps, play older games, and much more. You can run them as if using the older Operating System. Follow these steps:

  • Find the Skype launch icon (.exe) and then right-click on it.
  • Select Properties and go to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
  • There, you will see an option: ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for.’ Check it on and select Windows 7 from the list. Usually, Windows 7 works.
  • Then press Apply and click OK to save changes. Relaunch Skype and see if this works.

This feature is great for various apps. But, if this ruins Skype further, you can just uncheck the compatibility option. There is also a ‘Run this program as admin’ option in the Compatibility tab.

If you want, you can use it to always launch Skype as Admin.

What If None Of The Solutions Work?

It is rare for neither of the solutions to work. If that’s the case, use your Antivirus software. There could be some malware or virus inflicting problems to your PC. You can run a full scan. Windows Defender comes with an option to scan the PC while booting, you can check that out.

If that’s not the case, then you can go ahead and reinstall the entire Windows, or reach Skype Support. Either of these options can work for you.

Conclusion – Skype For Business Keeps Crashing Windows 10

Now you received all the solutions for Skype’s crashing issue. Remember that even Skype for Business is a similar tool. If you’re facing Skype for business crashing on Windows 10, and Windows 11, you can use these options.

Also, it is not a great idea to update to Windows 11 just yet. It might still be a while before it is better than Windows 10. So, stick to Skype for Windows 10 for now. Once there are updates and fixes, you can move to Skype for Windows 11. 

FAQs – Skype Crashing Windows 10

How To Fix Skype Keeps Crashing On Android?

You can go to the Android App Information and clear cache and data there. If that doesn’t work, then uninstall and reinstall Skype for Android. This should fix the problem. If you have an outdated Android phone, there isn’t much that you can do. 

How To Fix Skype Keeps Crashing On Startup?

Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to launch the Task Manager. Then, go to the Startup tab. There, you will see various startups available. Right-click on Skype and select Disable. This will prevent Skype from launching at the startup. Do it for other apps because they can hinder the Operating System from loading. Now, launch Skype manually whenever you need it. This should solve the issue. 

What To Do If Skype For Business Keeps Crashing During Video Conferences?

You can go to the Device Manager and check the Graphics Adapters and their drivers. Right-click on them, go to properties and update them. Typically, an outdated graphics or display adapter could be the reason for Skype crashing during a video call. 

Why Does Windows 10 Skype Keep Crashing On Call?

Skype can go unresponsive easily as it is a resource-hogging program. You need an up-to-date PC and an equally robust internet connection to maintain it. Make sure to check the Task Manager and see if anything is hogging all the resources. Fix that, and it should be good to go. 

Meet the Author

Abdul Rahim has been working in Information Technology for over two decades. Learn how Abdul got his start as a Tech Blogger , and why he decided to start this Software blog. If you want to send Abdul a quick message, then visit his contact page here.