If you want to download Skype Installer in 2020, the latest version is 8.67.0.87, for Windows desktop PC. A special build15.66.77.0 is also available from the Windows 10 App store for mobile and ARM-based devices. The old version, Skype Classic has been discontinued, and Microsoft is forcing all users to upgrade to the new Skype. Currently, a Skype offline installer is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop systems. The UI of Skype 8.67 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.
Download Skype 8 offline installer for Windows PC
The 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 8.67.0.87 full installer here
Apart from this, Microsoft also has a Windows10 only version of Skype 15.66 in their App store [LINK]. 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:Get a browser that pays for browsing the web- Brave Offline installer
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 Windows
Computer 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 Skype portable, and carry in it on a USB disk.
Skype MSI (8.67) standalone setup, download here
Finally, 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 Windows
Skype 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 old classic version of the Skype.
Get Skype 8.68 beta [preview] for Windows, here
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 8.68 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), here.
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 2020 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 account
Sometimes, 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, as in the case of Google Chrome, offline installation is more useful for a person who wants to run Skype on multiple machines; for example, a system admin.
- If you see the dialogue box saying to install Skype from Store on Windows 10, just close it.
- Download the Skype full installer 8.67 (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 8.67.0.87 without using a Microsoft account.
Skype 8 for other platforms
The 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 for Mac
Skype 8 for Linux: Download Deb, RPM installers or alternately if you are using Ubuntu, try SNAP 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).
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 customise their Skype colour 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. You can also create meetings with “Meet Now” feature, and welcome others join the meeting by sharing a link.
- Moderated groups feature has been introduced — admin can ban users or change their roles. 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, subtitles, and the option to share screen on mobile and web is also useful.
- For Skype a video calls, you can now blur your background, or change it images of your choice, just like Zoom. This feature is called Skype backgrounds.
Disadvantage of the new Skype 8 for Windows
If you ask me in December 2020, 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.
WINYTIPS says
Thanks for the update @ViktorK. You did a great job in helping us with Skype’s MSI updates for the past few months. Appreciate your work!
ViktorK says
My pleasure it was great to help the community.
Pdg says
How do i find out how many conversations i have had with a skype user? there is a way to get this information in WATSapp
Collins says
How do i split the new version of Skype?
dfss says
HI.
How can I Play the sound from my computer with the new version of Skype 8 without having to share my screen?
chris says
Hi Winytips I have no choice than to download Skype 8.xx but my only Problem is when i turn on my air VPN i cannot make Skype to Skype calls but when the air VPN is off I can make calls. can you help on what to do for me to make calls when the air VPN is on? I use Windows 7
F**kMicrosoft says
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 call…WHY 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. Maddening! 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. The F**K!? 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! –Microsoft
Crazy world says
Can I change the planet ?
I don’t want to live in a planet with companies like Microsoft.
SKYPE was good. skype worked. Why do they …. our minds with the unbelievable update shits that dont work.
erwin says
because MS wants to kill Skype on any Price.
eg: removing to split chat windows -> is like developing a car and removing all doors exclusive “driver’s door” in front . And all others should enter into the car only on 1 door doesn’t matter what happen … they are too stupid. i think 1 company alone can not that stupid
Mike says
I cannot use the Classic version anymore. It seems that Microsoft is blocking to use that version in 2019. Is there anyone that nows a trick to continue using the classic version?
Gabor says
Thanks a lot! I again reinstalled SkypeClassic on top of the garbage Skype8. Finally back to the usable version 🙂
ViktorK says
Hey thanks for announcing that I am building Skype MSI installers. I am not sure if you have latest build, I’ve rebuilt it on November 27 because of possible problems if you are upgrading from 8.32 to versions above so I recommend to use new build based on updated MSI builder tools.
Builds of Skype MSI are automatically built every day if there is a new version so if someone wants it its available on:
am says
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!! 🙁
Iwona says
prosze o wskazowki jak powrocic aplikacje usuniete podczas resetowania ustawien komputera dnia 12.11.2018 Windows 10 gdzie ie usunieto rowniez Skype/wersja 833/plik HTML 9 KB/.SKYPE zawiera lwszystkie dane telefony i wplaty oraz abonamenty.Gdzie moge to pobrac i znowuz cieszyc sie SKYPE? Bardzo prosze o odpowiedz.
wdzieczna emerytka
Iwona Babic
moj e-mail:[email protected]
Itrek Xe says
Hi
is there a way to turn off new Skype 8.31 new user setup, like the microphone,picture and camera adjusting that comes when you first start it up ?
Furqan says
I want to run multiple skype but I am not able to it on new version 8.3…
JLarsson says
If your users are not admins on their computers the 8.x is not for you. It will try to autoupdate when a new version is released and the users will be prompted for admin privileges.
There’s no way (yet) of turning off the autoupdate.
For enterprise admins wanting to provide a managed Skype-client the 7.41 MSI is the way to go.
RADHOUANE KACEM says
Dear
I use skype last version but i can not make no video calls
Miguel Angel says
I need skype for laptop using windows 10 and with 64 bits. I try with the link you mentioned before but it doesn´t donwload 826 exe skype in spit of appears 827 exe but it doesn´t operate. What can I do? I do´t want to pay for it.
Miguel Angel says
I´m trying to install skype on my pc with windows 10 and 64 bit. Yes appears message and it´s not possible. The 826 skype you mentioned below doesn´t appears by clicking de link. Yes appears 827 and exe file doesn´t activate skype. What can I do?. I don´t want to pay for it.
OY says
Hi: Thank you so much for this site! I downloaded and used for about a minute v 8.25.0.5. I found that although it would run @ startup it would not automatically sign me in. Eventually I guess we’ll have to start using it (or use another platform). I just wondered whether anyone else noticed this and had a workaround. When I googled that question I got 4 year old web sites or people talking about its not loading on startup which is a separate issue.
rg says
Have to share full screen. No option to share only a window in the new Skype version. Duh!
борис says
я установил скайп классик и очень доволен никакого сравнения нет с 8. и 8.15
Dave says
Magic – the 7.40 MSI installer worked. Many thanks. (Microsoft – never fails to disappoint)
John says
You got that right. I find they excel at telling me what I want.
Anonymous survivor of the app store Skype installation epidemic says
Great job man! You deserve a thank you!
Jim Drain says
I’m trying to find the .MSI file in the 8.15.04 EXE and used 7Z to extract it but could not find it. How would I find the .MSI?
Tom says
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.
diarbe says
Is it possible to have the Skype Classic version and the 8 version installed on the same computer?
WinyTips says
Yes, it is possible.
Mike Townsend says
Hello. How do you install classic with 8.37? I get a message when I launch 7.41 that says I need to install the new version. Thank you
wolfgang adolph says
Just went back to Classic. THANK you for your info.
Seems that 8 is missing some of my favorite features, such as various options for security setting, and the quality info that is available in classic.
Thanks again.
Alpha Male says
Skype 8 sucks. The whole thing of collecting and gathering all info began already much earlier. I could get around renaming the .exe file but after redesigning the entire thing I just simply stopped using it. Don’t want to pay NSA to listen to my conversations.
WinyTips says
End-to-end encryption is coming to Skype.
Michel Mibitile Mbilambila says
je suis d’avie d’utuliser skype
suni says
Hi,
This was very useful, and helped me to proceed to get an offline installed desktop version of skype 8.12.0.14 .
Many thanks to you.
I wish you a Happy New year
Suni
WinyTips says
Thanks a lot Suni. I’m so delighted to know it worked well for you.
Skype hater says
Unable to sign in please check your internet connection and try again !
jon says
Is any way to download OLD Skye w/o MS BS? They destroyed Skype and easy access to it. MS is a BAD hated company.