Stop Skype Lowering Volume: Fixes That Work
If Skype automatically lowers your system volume when you make or receive a call, the fix is to disable the “Automatically adjust mixer levels” option in Skype’s audio settings, or to turn off Windows’ exclusive mode for the playback device. This guide explains why Skype does this, how to stop it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Why Skype Lowers Your Volume
Skype has a built-in feature called “automatically adjust mixer levels” that is designed to reduce background noise during calls. When enabled, Skype lowers the volume of other applications (like music players or games) so that the person on the other end can hear you more clearly. This is a convenience for some, but it can be frustrating if you want to keep your music or game audio at a constant level while on a call.
Windows also has a feature called “exclusive mode” that allows apps to take full control of an audio device. If Skype is set to use exclusive mode, it can override the system mixer and reduce the volume of other apps. Disabling this option in Windows Sound settings can also help.
How to Disable Skype’s Automatic Volume Adjustment
The most direct way to stop Skype from lowering your volume is to turn off the automatic mixer adjustment in Skype’s settings. Here’s how to do it on the desktop version:
- Open Skype and click on your profile picture or the three-dot menu (⋯) at the top left.
- Select Settings (the gear icon).
- Go to Audio & Video.
- Under “Audio,” uncheck the box that says “Automatically adjust mixer levels”.
- Close the settings window. The change takes effect immediately.
If you are using the Windows Store version of Skype, the steps are similar: go to Settings → Audio & Video, and uncheck the same option.
Disabling Exclusive Mode in Windows
If disabling Skype’s automatic adjustment doesn’t solve the problem, Windows’ exclusive mode might be the culprit. Here’s how to turn it off:
- Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select Sounds (or Playback devices).
- Go to the Playback tab, select your default speaker/headphone, and click Properties.
- Go to the Advanced tab.
- Under “Exclusive Mode,” uncheck both boxes: “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device” and “Give exclusive mode applications priority.”
- Click OK and restart the app that was being affected.
This prevents any app, including Skype, from taking over the audio device and altering the volume of other apps.
Other Possible Causes and Fixes
Sometimes the volume drop is not caused by Skype’s settings but by other factors. Here are a few things to check:
- Windows Sound Settings: Open Settings → System → Sound → Volume Mixer. Make sure the volume sliders for individual apps are not set lower than the master volume. If Skype appears in the list, ensure its volume is at 100%.
- Communication Activity: Windows has a feature that automatically reduces the volume of other sounds during communications. To disable it, go to Settings → System → Sound → Sound Control Panel (or right-click the speaker icon → Sounds). On the Communications tab, select “Do nothing.”
- Outdated Audio Drivers: If the problem persists, update your audio drivers. Go to Device Manager, find your sound device, right-click and select “Update driver.”
- Skype for Business or Web Version: If you are using Skype for Business or the web version, the settings may be different. In Skype for Business, look for “Audio Device Settings” and uncheck “Automatically adjust microphone and speaker levels.” For the web version, you may need to use the browser’s sound mixer settings.
How to Test If the Fix Worked
After making the changes, test with a quick call:
- Play some music or a video at a comfortable volume.
- Make a test call to the Skype test service (echo123) or to a friend.
- During the call, check if the music/video volume stays the same.
- If it still drops, go back and ensure both Skype’s automatic adjustment and Windows’ exclusive mode are disabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Skype lower the volume of other apps?
Skype’s “automatically adjust mixer levels” feature is designed to reduce background noise so the person on the call can hear you better. It lowers the volume of other audio sources during a call. Disabling that option stops the behavior.
Does this fix work on Mac?
On Mac, Skype does not have the same “mixer levels” option. However, macOS has its own “Reduce loud sounds” and “Play sound effects through” settings. Check System Settings → Sound, and make sure “Reduce loud sounds” is off. Also, in Skype’s Preferences → Audio/Video, ensure “Automatically reduce volume when making calls” is unchecked (if present).
Will disabling exclusive mode affect audio quality?
Exclusive mode allows apps to bypass the system mixer, which can reduce latency. Disabling it may add a tiny amount of latency, but for most users the difference is imperceptible. Audio quality remains the same.
Why does Skype lower my volume only during calls?
Because the automatic adjustment is triggered only when a call is active. When you end the call, the volume of other apps returns to normal. If it doesn’t, you may need to restart the app or adjust the Windows volume mixer.
Can I set a specific volume level for Skype separately?
Yes. In Windows, you can open the Volume Mixer (right-click the speaker icon) and adjust the volume slider for Skype independently. This lets you keep Skype at a different level than other apps.
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