Skype is one of the most popular communication apps used worldwide. It allows you to stay connected with friends, family, colleagues, and business partners effortlessly. Plus, it’s included in select Microsoft Office suites.
Have you ever experienced a Skype crash while on an important call? Sudden crashes can be frustrating, especially during business meetings or personal conversations.
If Skype keeps crashing, you need a reliable fix. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to resolve Skype crashes on both Windows and Mac systems efficiently.
Why Does Skype Keep Crashing? Common Causes and Solutions
There is no specific cause for why Skype keeps crashing for certain users. However, most crash reports typically come from Windows 10 users after system updates.
In the past, several bugs have caused Skype to crash unexpectedly. For instance, in 2015, users discovered that sending the text “http://:” would make the Skype app crash.
Bugs like these occur frequently, but they are usually addressed by Microsoft through patches and updates. To stay updated on Skype issues, visiting the Skype Blogs website for announcements and solutions can be very helpful.
Another common reason for persistent Skype crashes is compatibility issues, corrupted files, or the presence of malware.
How to Fix Skype Crashing on Windows: Quick Solutions
Since Skype is most commonly used on Windows devices, most Skype crashing issues are reported on this platform. If you’re facing constant crashes, try the following solutions to resolve the issue quickly.
Update Skype
One of the first steps to take when Skype keeps crashing is to update the application. Running an outdated version of Skype can lead to compatibility issues that cause crashes.
Here’s how to update Skype on Windows 10:
- Launch Skype.
- Click the three dots next to your profile information.
- Select Settings.
- In the left menu, click Help & Feedback.
- Skype will automatically check for updates. If a new version is available, click the Update button.
- Wait for the Skype installer to open and complete the automatic installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, Skype will relaunch. Go back to the Help & Feedback tab to ensure your version is up to date.
Run Windows Troubleshooter to Fix Skype Crashes
Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can help fix general system issues. Running this troubleshooter may resolve app-related problems, such as Skype crashing.
To run the Windows 10 troubleshooter, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys on your keyboard, or access it from the Start menu.
- Click on Update & Security.
- From the left-side menu, find and click on Troubleshoot.
- Scroll down and select Windows Store Apps to expand the view.
- Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to fix any potential errors that could be causing the Skype crash.
Install Media Feature Pack to Fix Skype Crashing
The Media Feature Pack for Windows 10 N is essential for some Windows 10 users to run apps like Skype.
If you’re also facing issues with the Windows Media Player, Voice Recorder, or Music app, this pack is necessary for proper functionality.
Follow these steps to download and install the Media Feature Pack for Windows 10:
- Visit the Media Feature Pack for Windows 10 website.
- Scroll down to the Download Information section.
- Click on Media Feature Pack for N versions of Windows 10.
- Scroll down to the Downloads section.
- Click the drop-down menu and select the version you want. It’s recommended to download the latest version.
- Click on Confirm and wait for the website to process your request.
- Choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
- Launch the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Media Feature Pack.
- Once installation is complete, restart your PC.
How to Reset Skype to Fix Crashing Issues
Resetting Skype restores the application to its original state, which can help fix Skype crashing issues, especially if your Skype files are corrupted.
However, resetting Skype will erase all app preferences and Skype data. Be sure to back up any important chats or files before proceeding with the reset.
Also, don’t forget to write down your login information! You will need to re-enter your account details after the reset.
Follow these steps to reset Skype on Windows 10:
- Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys on your keyboard, or access it via the Start menu.
- Click on Apps.
- Search for Skype using the search bar, or find it manually in the list.
- Click on Skype to expand the view.
- Select Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click on the Reset button.
How to Reinstall Skype to Fix Crashing Issues
If no other solution works, your last resort might be to uninstall Skype and download it again. While this method is more time-consuming, it can effectively fix your Skype crashing issues.
Keep in mind that you will lose app preferences and Skype data during the reinstallation process. Be sure to back up any important chats or files before proceeding.
How to Uninstall Skype
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard, or launch it from the Start menu.
- Click on Apps.
- Use the search bar to find Skype, or manually find it in the list.
- Click on Skype to expand the view.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click the Uninstall button and follow the on-screen instructions to remove Skype.
How to Download and Reinstall Skype
- Visit the Skype download page.
- Choose the version you want to download. You can either get Skype for Windows 10 or download the classic Skype for Windows app.
- Go to your Downloads folder and double-click on the Skype installer.
- Click on the Install button.
- Skype will automatically install and launch itself. You may be prompted to log in again and could possibly lose all your Skype chats and app preferences.
How to fix Skype crashing on Mac
Clean Reinstall and Updates
To resolve the issue, the first thing you should do is perform a clean reinstall of Skype.
Although Skype was not originally developed for Mac operating systems, you can still try to fix issues on a Mac.
There are fewer options for Mac than for Windows, but if the methods below don’t work, contacting Microsoft may be helpful.
Update Skype on Mac
- Launch Skype.
- Click on the Skype menu in the top left.
- Select Check for Updates.
- Skype will automatically start checking for updates.
- If a new update is found, you can install it directly from the menu.
- Once the installation is complete, check back to ensure you have the latest version of Skype.
Perform a Clean Reinstall of Skype on Mac
Reinstalling Skype on a Mac takes a bit longer than on Windows. You’ll need to ensure that all corrupted junk files are completely removed.
Follow these steps to clear all files related to Skype on your Mac, then reinstall it:
- Open Finder, then go to Applications.
- Move the Skype app to Trash.
- In Finder, hold down Shift + Command + D on your keyboard to open the Go to Folder popup.
- Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support and delete any file with “Skype” in its name.
- Go to ~/Library/Preferences and remove the com.skype.skype.plist file.
- Use the search tool to find any remaining Skype files and delete them.
- When no Skype-related files are found, empty your Trash.
- Visit the Skype download page and download Skype for Mac.
We hope that by following this guide, you were able to fix the issue with Skype crashing and disrupting your chats or conferences.
If none of the methods worked, the issue may be more serious and not just related to Skype. In that case, we recommend contacting Microsoft for further support.
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