Skype Crashing in Windows 8

Skype crashes while communicating with others using instant messages, microphones or webcams. This article will help fixing such crashes and establish a smooth audio/ video call.

 

• Repair Skype Installation
• Re-enable Skype Plug-In
• Update Microsoft DirectX and Graphics Driver
• Scan and Repair Skype Registry Settings
• Download Skype Updates & Patches
• Disable the Firewall Protection
• Rename Shared.XML File

 

Repair Skype Installation

Corrupt program files are the most common reason. Repair Skype installation to fix Skype crashing in Windows 8.

• Click the Start button.
• Start Screen shall open.
• Move your cursor on the right hand side and click on the Search box.
• Type Control Panel and click the Apps icon.


• Click Control Panel from the Search Results.
• Scroll down the window and click More Settings.
• Click Programs | Programs and Features.
• Right click Skype, select Uninstall/ Change.
• Click the Repair button.


• The repair or reinstall process shall start automatically. Please be patient.

 

Re-Enable Skype Plug-In

Skype installs it’s plug-in within your web browser. Frequent Skype crashing in Windows 8 is experienced due to problem with the plug-in itself. Re-enable it as below: For Google Chrome Users:

• Click the Wrench icon on the top right hand side.
• Select Tools and then Extensions.
• Uncheck the Enabled checkbox you’ll see in front of Skype icon.


• Re-start the browser.
• Repeat the Steps 1-2 above.
• Check-up the Enabled checkbox next to the Skype icon.

 

Update Microsoft DirectX and Graphics Driver

Sometime Skype crashes due to outdated Microsoft DirectX and your Graphics Driver. Update them as below:

 

Updating Microsoft DirectX:

• Visit DirectX Download Page at Microsoft.
• Save the file to your desktop.
• Run it after the download has finished.
• Follow the DirectX installation wizard.

 

Updating Graphics Driver:

• Visit the website of your Graphics Card Adapter.
• Go to the Downloads section.
• From the list of driver updates available, select the appropriate system configurations.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

 

Scan and Repair Skype Registry Settings

Skype has made several entries into your registry to store its settings. These entries become corrupt due to misinformation provided by programs and users. 

• Download, install and run RegInOut System Utilities.
• Click the Registry Cleaner tab.
• Start a full registry scan by clicking Start Scan button.



 
• The registry process will take a few minutes. Please wait.
• Click Fix button after the scan is finished.

Download Skype Updates & Patches

Skype releases new updates and patches to fix software bugs and prevent Skype crashes. Download them as below:

• Open Skype.
• Click the Help menu.
• Select Check for Updates option.


• Let the update process finish.
• Restart your computer.

Disable the Firewall Protection

Windows Firewall or any other firewall protection you use can be interrupting Skype while making audio/ video calls. Fix Skype crashes on Windows 8 by disabling your firewall protection.

Disabling Windows Firewall:

• Open Control Panel as mentioned in the Steps 1 to 6 under Repair Skype Installation section.
• Click System and Security | Windows Firewall.



 
• On the left side of your screen click Turn Windows Firewall On or off.
• Select the option Turn off Windows Firewall from both the Home and Public Network Location categories.



 
• Click OK.

Disabling Third Party Firewall Protection:

Please refer firewall manual for detailed information.

Rename Shared.XML File

The Shared.XML file is located in Skype application data directory. If you’re still encountering Skype crashes it is possible that this file is corrupt. Simply rename this file so that Skype will automatically create a new file for you.

• Press Windows Key + R combination.
• Type the following path into Open textbox:
• C:\Users\{Your User Name Here}\AppData\Roaming\Skype
• Click OK or press ENTER.
• Rename the file called Shared.XML as Backup_Shared.XML