Skype is one of the oldest applications to hit the market, way before the advent of Facebook and WhatsApp, Skype was already empowering its users to stay in touch with friends and family, through video calls and chats. This software breached the void of instant communications and revolutionized the way information was exchanged.Since entering the market, Skype has evolved and upgraded to fit different eras and user needs.
It has gone from just an ordinary tool for video calling one person to the ability to make conference video calls, record video calls in the absence of the receiver, and a thousand and one cool features we will be reviewing in this article. How Beneficial is Skype?The user interface of Skype has not changed so drastically to confuse beginner users. It still has all the necessary functionalities as well as additional advanced ones. After signing up to a Skype account, you are at liberty to customize your profile image, as well as limiting the number of private information accessible to others. You can control who sees your age, email, location, birthday, and others. To protect yourself, Skype allows you to choose any location to display on your bio without asking to verify if you are indeed in that location. This is especially good if you are trying to conceal your current location from others.
Another thing you can do is to prevent certain people in your contact list from accessing some information on you.If you are new to using Skype, then you will notice that on the top left corner of your screen, you can configure several options to further smooth-out the way you interact with this software as well as other users. By clicking on your avatar, you can select the mode you wish displayed to other users - for instance; you have options to either be seen as Active, Away, Do Not Disturb or Invisible. Each status mode comes with a distinct color to quickly understand when a user is not online and when they are busy.Next, you can tell your contacts or Skype users what you are up to.
You can either customize the display message or choose to use the preset sentences, like Be Right Back, Out For Lunch, At Meetings, At School, and lots of others. You can even use the only emojis to represent what you are doing or combine animated emojis and texts.Furthermore, you can manage your Skype Profile, method of making calls and tweak the settings to suit your needs. Most of the features on Skype are free of charge; however, some functions, like Skype to Phone, which allows you to use your Skype account to call cellular phones require that you purchase some Skype credit. Skype credits work just like your local service charges and enable you to call people or send messages to them without the need for them to have Skype accounts. Another thing you can do with Skype is that you can decide to have a second phone number of any country of your choice, which means that you can live in Barbados and have a second phone number of the United Kingdom. With these Skype numbers, you can pay a flat fee for unlimited local calls, have access to about 26 countries in the world, and you can receive calls on this number across all devices(computers and mobile devices).If you wish to personalize your experience on Skype, merely click on Settings and you will have options to tweak and customize any settings.
You can change the language of administration, select if you want the application to keep running upon closing it or not. You can also opt to share your location with Bing.To further customize Skype, you can change the overall appearance of your user interface by navigating to Settings and then to Appearance. Where you can play around with the chat color, preview all your changes and revert them in case, you do not fancy them. You can alternate between the Light and Dark mode, or Use your system’s default mode settings.
You even can choose between Accessible Modes by selecting either High Contrast Light mode or High Contrast Dark mode. All these changes can be previewed and automatically applied in real-time. Skype allows you to adjust the sidebar as well. You can set the Compact List mode which shows more contacts on the sidebar than the few recent ones, and you can show user and conversation icons too. Again, whatever changes you make on the Appearance feature, is automatically applied in real-time for you to see.Moving on, with Skype, you can adjust your audio and video settings to fit your needs. The microphone settings have three modes - Built-in Microphone, Skype Interview, and Default Device.
If you are not entirely savvy on what microphone mode to use, you have the option of enabling the ‘Automatically Adjust Microphone Settings.’ Apart from the microphone option, Skype offers Speakers settings as well, and you can choose one of the three speakers modes - Built-in Output, Multi-Output Device, and Default Settings. After adjusting all these settings, you can Test your audio sound to ensure that it will work properly. You can mute or unmute sound for incoming calls and allow additional rings on other devices. Finally, you can make a free test call to verify you approve these settings.As for the video settings, the quality of your video will largely depend on the quality of your device’s webcam. If your web camera is of low-quality, or your device does not have a built-in webcam, you can utilize an external web camera to make and receive video calls.If you wish to enable or disable your Caller ID, navigate to the settings, and under Calling, you can perform this function. You can even activate call forwarding to another local number, skype account, or voicemail.
Note that these will only work when using Skype Credit to call mobile phones or landlines; otherwise, the setup is unnecessary. You can enable window when Skype is in the background, or only allow Skype calls from contacts to ring on specific devices.Another cool thing about Skype is that you can enable subtitles for Calls. You have the option to have your calls transcribed for the other party and yourself. You can select from the list of over nine languages to be your default spoken language as well as the translated language. This is an excellent option as you can communicate effectively with people of various cultures without fear of a language barrier.When it comes to messaging and chats, you have several options to make your experience fun and less tedious. You can enable Read receipts in conversations with fewer than 20 participants.
Enable Large emoticons(this only works for single emoticons as multiple emoticons sent at once will remain the usual size), preview web links, adjust text size, send messages with Enter key, automatically download photos, automatically download files, select a designated storage for all the data you receive, as well as the ability to export your chat history. You can edit an already sent message, or reply to any message by quoting the message directly.You can tweak the notification settings to make your life easier. Just go to the settings, find Notifications and begin to enable or disable all the options to have a smooth Skype experience. Note that you can create chat groups and add as many people as you want to the group.
You can equally make conference audio or video calls within the group. As long as you have a great internet connection, you can hear clearly and vice versa. In case there were disruptions during your Skype call, you can send automatic feedback to the developers, and they will try to fix the issue. Skype allows you to block contacts, synchronize your local contact as well as Facebook friends. You can choose to be seen during general username searches or not. Skype encourages privacy of information and has all the tools you need to protect your privacy even without any technical skills.It’s compatible with Windows operating systems, including Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, XP 64-bit, Vista 64-bit, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 8, Windows 8 64-bit, Windows 10, and Windows 10 64-bit.
If you want to download Skype Installer in 2019, the latest version is 8.54.0.85, for Windows. The old version, Skype Classic has been discontinued, and Microsoft is forcing all users to upgrade to the new Skype. Currently, an offline installer for Skype is available in Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop systems.
The UI of Skype 8.54 is like a responsive web app, yet it is feature-rich and offers cross-platform compatibility in all respects. It may take a few days for you to adjust to the new design of Skype 8 if you are upgrading from the Classic. But I’m sure that will like it for the new features, after the cooling-off period.Advantages of the latest Skype 8 for Windows. Skype 8 follows a fresh and flat design concept. Most of the UI elements are the same across mobile and desktop versions. The re-design is more mobile-focused and modern. It offers quick access to contacts, chats, and calls.
Skype 8 brings a new notification tab for updates and alerts with the app. Users have the option to customize their Skype color and theme soon after installation. Option to send larger files and documents up-to 300 MB. Skype 8 adds several tweaks to the messenger tab. The one I like most is the Gallery, which stores all your media files.
The option to quote, forward, and react to chats, share the location, insert GIFs from third-party services, get read receipts, etc. Are new for Skype. Skype’s USP is the group calling and messaging. In version 8.0, you get 1080p HD video support for calls, for up to 25 people. Participants in a group chat now have the option to use @ to mention specific contacts. It is also possible to generate group invite links. Skype 8 has end-to-end encryption to make your calls and chats more secure.
Call recording, and the option to on mobile and web is also useful. Finally, if you download Skype 8 you get call recording and a new facility to enable subtitles during conversions.Disadvantage of the new Skype 8 for WindowsIf you ask me in November 2019, I would say none.
The team keeps on adding new and innovative features in every release. So except for the design, which some people dislike, everything is positive about Skype 8. Skype 8 offline installer for Windows PCThe initial response for Skype 8 was negative when Microsoft pushed the first Windows version in 2018.
Not the change in design but removing existing features and forcing users to download a half-baked release was unacceptable. Thanks to the negative customer feedback, Microsoft now ships Skype 8 with all useful traits of Skype Classic minus the design.Coming to downloading Skype for Windows, you have multiple options depending on your requirement. The new standalone Skype 8 installer is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. If you already have Skype installed your PC, you may rely on the update process to download Skype 8. Otherwise, click on the direct link below.
Download Skype 8.54.0.85 full installerApart from this, Microsoft has a Windows 10 only version of Skype up on their app store. Customers need a Windows Store credential for downloading this version of Skype. When Microsoft launched Skype 8, they wanted to push the Store version instead of the offline installer. However, this requirement got lifted after a few weeks.Related:Where is the download link for Skype 64-bit?You don’t need a 64-bit Skype as most of its functions operate smoothly under a 32-bit PC configuration. If you need to Skype for large-scale group video calls and meetings, consider subscribing to Skype for Business, which offers a 64-bit installer. Skype 8 Portable for WindowsComputer admins usually prevent students from installing third-party programs in colleges and schools.
Instant messaging apps like Skype is generally in the block list. If you are facing this problem, you may download, and carry in it on a USB disk.
Skype MSI (8.54) standalone setup, downloadFinally, Microsoft has released the MSI version of Skype for Windows. The Skype 8 MSI is also an offline installer of the application, generally used by network administrators. With the launch of Skype MSI Installer, it is now easy for admins to install and update Skype on a network of computers under their control. Skype Classic for WindowsSkype Classic, the previous edition of Skype is no longer supported by Microsoft, the download link has also been removed from the official website.
Microsoft has disabled all means to login to Skype Classic- so now its worthless to download the application on Windows platform. However, if you are interested, you may visit our page discussing of the Skype. Get Skype 8.54 beta preview for Windows,Skype Preview program is designed to push the beta builds of the Skype app to the developers. Dev community helps Skype programmers to polish the app and fix bugs before its launch to the mainstream users. Regular users may also download Skype preview 8.54 if they would like to test new feature additions before it is publicly available. Some features of Skype Preview may not work if the person on the other side is not using the same build. Also, there may be security issues with Skype preview builds, but it is rarely reported.
Download Skype for Business Windows (32-bit or 64-bit),. Skype for business is a special edition of the IM with more advanced tools that are useful for enterprise customers. Microsoft had a product called Lync until 2015, until Skype for business replaced it, by combining the best of two software. Elements of Skype for Business is tightly integrated with Office tools like OneDrive, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. The application allows clients to do online meetings with hundreds of users at the same and supports full HD video calls, screen sharing, or to do collaboration work.
However, the features of Skype for business on Windows depends on whether you are subscribed of Office 365 or not.Although there are limitations, the basic version of Skype Business for Windows also supports audio/video calls and small-scale meetings.Sign-in to the Microsoft online portal with your business account to download the version you need. As shown in the screenshot, you can download Skype for Business 2015 or the basic edition for Office 365. Skype for Business is available for both 64-bit and 32-bit Windows editions.There won’t be any major release for this app in 2019 as Microsoft is migrating all it’s features to the Teams app, which would eventually replace Skype for Enterprise.
It is possible to download and upgrade to MS Teams right now by logging into the Office portal, but it is not easy to go back and downgrade if you proceed. Install Skype on Windows 10 without app store or Microsoft accountSometimes, on Windows 10, Skype shows an error message, ” Please install Skype from the Windows store for the best experience. ” The Skype offline installer that you download from the link above won’t work. Instead, it quits and opens the Windows Store page listing the Skype app.
Check the video below to fix this error and make the Skype setup file working.Microsoft wants customers to use the Windows Updates or the Store to get Skype on Windows 10. However, it is little difficult for a System-admin or a person who wants to run Skype on multiple machines to download the full installer repeatedly. If you see the dialogue box saying to install Skype from Store on Windows 10, just close it. Download the Skype full installer 8.54 (link above) and save it to the desktop. To install Skype offline, right-click on the installer and select Properties. Click on the Compatibility tab and find the Compatibility Mode section. Choose to run Skype on compatibility for Windows 8 as shown in the image and save.
Restart the installation.Now you would be able to run Skype for Windows 8.54.0.85 without using a Microsoft account. Skype 8 for other platformsThe good thing about Skype nowadays is that it gets equal attention on all desktop and mobile platforms.
Skype is now one of the best IM apps in Linux operating system like Ubuntu; that is a good sign. Check below if you wish to get a copy of Skype on Windows alternatives.Download Skype forSkype 8 for Linux: Download, installers or alternately if you are using Ubuntu, try for installation.Apple iOS and Android mobile users may directly search the respective App Stores to get the Skype 8, Skype for Business, Skype Preview and Skype Lite (version designed for a low-speed network). I was just forced to upgrade to version 8 and it is utter trash. Their “simple” design is actually harder to use.
It takes up damn near the entire screen when on a callWHY does the chat have to be on the left side of the video!? Why not allow it to be below the chat–like it was before!–so that Skype can take up less screen space?
And when making group calls, you can no longer enlarge one person’s video window while minimizing the others–nope! They’re all given equal screen space. Also when on a call with one person and another person messages you, there’s no way to see who the other person was or what they wrote. Whoever designed and forced this disaster on us should be put before a firing squad. I’m going to be using Skype much less from now on, I have such a disgusting taste in my mouth.
It almost feels like that’s what Microsoft wants. If it’s not broke–break it! We are terribly disappointed in the “NEW” Skype version.
First – I’ve not been able to find my old contacts without having to “Search” for the “names”. Second – I may be wrong but I have found how to bring up or ‘upload’ the old contacts I’ve had for years!! What gives?!?! It appears that these ‘updates’ are designed to hamstring regular people from using that software. Share on Microsoft and their ‘clever’ designers. Which ‘version’ can I still use to continue with the old contacts?!?!?
Thank you for your work!! 1) A PC running the new Skype 8 is no longer sufficient to show an active status. It won’t pickup the correct status until you actually try to make a call.
That’s not good for those that used Skype as an indicator to show whether a PC was running.2) The App Store version provides no icon in the quick view section next to the clock. Consequently, you’re not made aware of missed calls/messages. Pinning respective icon to the Taskbar is of no help. This is an important omission that will force people to revert to Skype Desktop Version 8.15.0.4.
Alas, this still doesn’t solve the first issue.