As of 2023, there are two distinct desktop builds of Skype available for Windows PC users. The first one is a standalone version called Skype 8 (latest version-8.95.0.408), which is designed to be compatible with Windows 7 and all later versions. The second one is an exclusive build known as Skype 15 (latest version-15.94.428.0), which is only available through the Microsoft Store and is specifically designed for use with Windows 10 and 11.
Skype 8 introduces a sleek and lightweight design, minimising resource consumption. Additionally, new features are now universally accessible across all operating systems supported by the app. Microsoft has retired Skype Classic, requiring all users to upgrade to Skype 8 to maintain uninterrupted access to the service.
How to download Skype installer for Windows (8.95)
This article was originally written when Microsoft only offered an online installer for Skype, which forced customers to depend on the Windows store for downloading and installing updates. To support users who were seeking Skype offline installer, we offered a solution on our website. However, the company has since altered its approach, and Skype can now be downloaded as a complete installer directly from the Microsoft website by anyone.
Click one of the following links or type in that URL on your browser’s address bar to download the Skype offline installer directly from Microsoft. We provide links to both stable and beta versions of Skype, and these links always get you the latest edition of Skype for Windows regardless of the version number we have mentioned below.
Skype installer for Windows 11 (direct download link)
https://go.skype.com/windows.desktop.download
(Skype 8.95 Final/Stable)
https://go.skype.com/windows.preview.download
(Skype 8.96 Beta/Preview)
How to download Skype 15 Offline Installer (Microsoft Store)
Skype for desktop 8.95 and the Microsoft Store version of the Skype app for Windows 15.95 are similar in many ways. Although the latter is intended for use on Windows 10 and 11 PCs and tablets, users must log in to the Store to get it.
If, however, you wish to obtain an offline installer for the Skype Windows Store app, you may follow the instructions below to download (Appx/AppxBundle/Msixbundle) the required files from Microsoft’s servers. You may use this installer to install Skype on several Windows 11 PCs without having to log in to the Windows Store.
- Get the official Microsoft Store link for the Skype app
Click on this link to open the Skype app listing in Windows Store. Now copy the URL to the listing from the browser.
- Extract the download link for Skype appxbundle/msixbundle file using a third-party website.
Now open this website and paste the Skype’s App Store link on the box as shown in the image. Then select the Retail channel and press the tick button.
- Find the Skype app’s full offline installer file and download it
It’s a bit tricky to find the download link for Skype 15.94.428.0 from the file list. It should start with Microsoft.SkypeApp and ends with an extension something like .appxbundle or .msixbundle.
- Download Skype 15 for Windows 10/11 without Microsoft Store.
Once you find the web link for the latest version of the Skype 15 app, right-click on that link and use a download manager like IDM to save it to your Windows PC or tablet.
After download, you can double-click on the file to install Skype as usual. Since it is an offline installer of Skype 15 for Windows, you can transfer it to any Windows 11/Windows 10 PC and proceed without app store access.
Download Skype 8 portable for Windows
In certain schools and colleges, the use of Skype and other social media platforms is prohibited. As a result, network administrators impose restrictions that prohibit the installation of additional software on institutional-owned systems. If the desktop version of Skype is prohibited by the system administrator, Skype for the web can be used as a substitute.
If even Skype for the web is blocked, consider downloading Skype portable. This is a third-party-developed offline version of Skype for Windows that has been modified to simplify the installation process. It comes as an archive that includes Skype files, and you can open and run it by clicking on the Skype icon within the extracted Skype portable folder, without the need for installation.
Download Skype MSI (8.95) for Windows
The MSI edition of Skype 8 is a complete, standalone version of the application that is typically utilized by network administrators. Microsoft did not initially release the .msi version of Skype 8 when they announced the software to replace Skype Classic. However, with the official release of the Skype MSI Installer, it is now easy for administrators to install, repair, and update Skype on a network of computers that fall under their control.
Download Skype MSI here: https://go.skype.com/msi-download
Unless you are responsible for overseeing numerous systems that run Skype, the MSI version of the installer generally makes no difference.
Download 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.
Download Skype for Business Windows (32-bit or 64-bit)
Sign in to the Microsoft online portal with your Office 365 business account to download the Skype 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 isn’t any major release for this app in 2023 as Microsoft is migrating all its 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.
How to download Skype installer- FAQs
You can refer the official changelog portal to read what’s new in Skype 8/15 for Windows.
If you cannot download or sign in to the Microsoft store for some reason, you can download the offline installer listed above. It doesn’t require logging into the Windows Store for installation.
Unfortunately, you can’t download Skype for Windows in the 64-bit format as Microsoft doesn’t provide that installer. Upgrade to MS Teams if your requirement is large-scale video calls that need higher memory resources.
There is a specific page on the Microsoft website for downloading Skype for Business 2015 basic version. Sign in to Microsoft online or the Office admin website (mentioned above) for other variants.
Skype has macOS (DMG) and Linux (DEB & RPM) versions. In Ubuntu systems you can install it using SNAP.
Skype Classic is officially dead- you can’t download it from Microsoft nor use it on any Windows platform.
You can differentiate the Skype app from the desktop build 8.95 by its version number 15.94.428.0 given in the Skype Settings> Help & feedback. You will also find some advanced options for Skype in the Apps tab of the Windows Settings if it is the Microsoft Store version.
Depending on the installation route, you can update Skype for Windows from the Store or manually from Skype for the desktop app. Open Windows Store> Library and click on Get updates. In the desktop version, take the Help & Feedback tab in settings, and the application itself will check for new versions.
![Download Skype 8.74 for macOS [2021]](https://www.winytips.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Skype-for-Mac-download-free.jpg)
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!
My pleasure it was great to help the community.
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
How do i split the new version of Skype?
HI.
How can I Play the sound from my computer with the new version of Skype 8 without having to share my screen?
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
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
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.
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
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?
Thanks a lot! I again reinstalled SkypeClassic on top of the garbage Skype8. Finally back to the usable version 🙂
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:
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!! 🙁
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]
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 ?
I want to run multiple skype but I am not able to it on new version 8.3…
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.
Dear
I use skype last version but i can not make no video calls
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.
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.
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.
Have to share full screen. No option to share only a window in the new Skype version. Duh!
я установил скайп классик и очень доволен никакого сравнения нет с 8. и 8.15
Magic – the 7.40 MSI installer worked. Many thanks. (Microsoft – never fails to disappoint)
You got that right. I find they excel at telling me what I want.
Great job man! You deserve a thank you!
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?
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.
Is it possible to have the Skype Classic version and the 8 version installed on the same computer?
Yes, it is possible.
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
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.
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.
End-to-end encryption is coming to Skype.
je suis d’avie d’utuliser skype
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
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.
Unable to sign in please check your internet connection and try again !
Thanks a lot Suni. I’m so delighted to know it worked well for you.