Should your VPN be causing problems with your Skype calls, fret not, as there are several easy solutions to address this issue. Virtually Private Networks or VPNs and Skype often work together to provide you with secure lines of communication, but at times, they clash and lead to technical issues. This article provides a thorough guide on understanding and tackling these common VPN-Skype combinations.
Understanding the correlation between VPNs and Skype
Typically, a VPN operates through a process of encryption; it encodes your data, ensuring secure delivery to the intended recipient. Therefore, when you are running Skype over a VPN, your calls and messages are being encrypted before communication, solidifying your privacy.
However, when problems arise, typically they point towards compatibility issues, server overloads, or even configurations. Here’s what you can do:
- Equip yourself with the right VPN for Skype – Update your VPN and Skype to keep up with latest features and fixes.
- Make sure your internet connection is fit for the task – a weak connection may also cause lagging or interruptions to Skype calls.
- Turn off your VPN temporarily to isolate the issue. If Skype performs better without the VPN, your VPN service might be an issue.
Solution 1: Selecting a reliable VPN provider
The right, reliable VPN service can make all the difference to your Skype experience. Various factors should be considered while choosing your VPN, including speed, server location, and privacy protection.
If you suspect your current VPN provider is causing problems with your Skype calls, consider switching to a more suitable one. VPNs dedicated to providing exceptional VoIP experiences usually work best alongside programs like Skype.
Solution 2: Changing your VPN Server Location
Switching to a server closer to your location could significantly enhance your Skype experience. The greater the distance between the VPN server and your device, the slower the connection speed.
To change your VPN server location, follow these steps:
- Open your VPN application.
- Head to the server selection menu.
- Choose a server closer to your location.
Pro Tip: Try disabling the auto-select feature if your VPN service has one. It could lead to better control over performance.
Solution 3: Adjusting Skype’s bandwidth settings
If you’re still experiencing issues with your Skype calls while using a VPN, tinkering with Skype’s bandwidth settings might help. These settings control how much data Skype is allowed to use, and by adjusting them, you may enhance your call quality.
To adjust Skype’s bandwidth settings:
- Open your Skype application.
- Navigate to the Settings menu where you can find the ‘Bandwidth’ section.
- Adjust the bandwidth settings to suit your specific needs and the capabilities of your VPN.
Remember, the higher the bandwidth, the more data is consumed but it also potentially improves the communication quality. Here, delicate balance is key.
Solution 4: Check and Adjust Firewall Settings
Believe it or not, firewall settings could be the unseen culprit behind your VPN-Skype issue. Firewalls function as security guards for your network, blocking unsecured connections. Sometimes, they might go overboard and block your Skype or VPN connections too.
These steps will help get you through:
- Go to the Control Panel on your computer.
- Move to the System and Security section.
- Select Windows Defender Firewall.
- Choose Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left sidebar.
- A list of apps will be displayed. From this list, ensure Skype and your VPN are ticked.
Best Practice: Perform system checks and updates regularly. Ensuring your firewall settings are up-to-date can prevent unnecessary blocking of Skype or VPN traffic.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating when VPNs end up causing problems with your Skype calls, especially when they’re meant to boost your security. However, armed with the knowledge provided in this article, you should be able to efficiently troubleshoot and correct any VPN-induced Skype issues. So, go ahead, secure your communication with a VPN and enjoy uninterrupted Skype calls. Happy chatting!
Key Takeaway:
- VPNs and Skype can clash at times leading to compatibility issues, server overloads, or configuration problems.
- Using a reliable VPN, ensuring a good internet connection, updating VPN and Skype, and disabling VPN temporarily to isolate the issue can help prevent and assess these issues.
- Server location of the VPN affects Skype call quality, selecting a closer server can improve this.
- Adjusting Skype’s bandwidth settings and checking firewall settings to allow Skype and VPN can also resolve common issues.
In light of these insights, remember that technology, while excellent, is not without its setbacks. However, it’s assuring to know that majority of these issues have readily available solutions. By staying informed and prepared, navigating through these minor hiccups becomes less daunting and more manageable.
FAQs
Q: Does the choice of VPN affect how Skype works?
A: Yes, your choice of VPN can significantly affect your Skype calls’ quality. Make sure to choose a reliable VPN that supports Skype and possesses good speed and privacy protection.
Q: How does changing my VPN server location help?
A: Changing to a server closer to your location can enhance your Skype experience. The greater the distance between the VPN server and your device, the slower the connection speed could be.
Q: What are Skype’s bandwidth settings and how does changing them help?
A: Skype’s bandwidth settings control how much data Skype is allowed to use. By adjusting them, you can balance your call quality and data usage according to your needs and VPN capability.
Q: What role do firewall settings play in this scenario?
A: Firewalls function as security guards for your network and can sometimes block connections from Skype or your VPN. Checking and adjusting these settings can resolve unnecessary blocking.
Q: Is it enough to adjust settings and choose a good VPN for uninterrupted Skype calls?
A: While these steps can help significantly, it is also important to keep your VPN, Skype, and system settings updated to prevent new issues from cropping up.
Don’t forget to share this article with others who might find it useful. Explore more interesting and informative articles on our website.
