skype download free How to install Preview for desktop on Windows 10 Creators Update. has just released a brand new Skype Preview app for Windows desktop users that introduces a brand new user interface and several new features, some of which have been in testing in the Windows 10 app for some time. Oddly, the new desktop preview app is only available for Windows 7, Windows 8 and legacy versions of Windows 10, but there's a way of installing it on the latest version of Windows 10 too. If you're on the Anniversary Update or Creators Update, trying to install the new preview app will result in the installer telling you to use the Skype UWP app instead. As we all know, the UWP version of the app is rubbish in comparison, and the new Skype Preview for desktop app is an all round better app. So, here's how to bypass that block and get the new app installed on the latest versions of Windows 10. Install the Skype Preview desktop app. the Installer. Once downloaded, right-click on the installer file and select "properties." At the top of the window, select the "Compatibility" tab. Select the "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" option. Select Windows 8 in the drop-down menu. Run the Installer. There you have it, the program will now run and install on the latest version of Windows 10. Let us know what you think of the new Skype Preview app. Is AMD 'cheating' to get better battery by reducing laptop performance? AMD laptops bring a lot of power to the table, literally. You only see max AMD performance when plugged into an AC outlet instead of running on battery. Is that practice OK, though, and could Intel get away with it as well? Let’s talk about how laptops are changing. Join us LIVE for the Windows Central Video Podcast today at 2:30PM ET. We're LIVE with the Windows Central Video Podcast today at 2:30pm ET, make sure you're there! PlayStation 5 exclusive 'Deathloop' will hit after September 14, 2022. Deathloop is a unique timeloop-shooter where competing assassins work to defend or kill a range of targets on an island that exists outside of the standard flow of time. The game is exclusive to PS5, but only for up to a year, according to this new information. These are the best PC sticks when you're on the move. Instant computer — just add a screen. That’s the general idea behind the ultra-portable PC, but it can be hard to know which one you want. Relax, we have you covered! Skype. Skype is a free calling app that enables video and voice chat as well as . It’s very easy to use and has an intuitive interface. Most users are familiar with video calling and messaging apps, but Skype runs on a powerful server that helps maintain a stable connection. You can use it for free via WiFi, or sign up for a calling plan where you can contact other mobile numbers. Always stay in touch. Skype was one of the very first pieces of that allowed video calling in addition to phone calls. The same coding formula has since been improved and applied to modern apps. The compact design makes it convenient and appealing. Anyone with a few computer skills can familiarize themselves with Skype in no time. You can also sign up with your Google or account, which is always a plus. Since it’s now owned by Microsoft, you’ll also be able to tie your Skype login name to your Microsoft account, making it easier to access on any device. The general structure of Skype is very much similar to any other mainstream messaging apps like Whatsapp or . Even Facebook’s Messenger has the same layout in terms of emojis, reactions, and notifications. Skype offers many of the same features with a touch of its own. For example, you can invite anyone to join your call. Add credits to your account to text and call other mobile numbers. The list goes on. Text and call. There are a lot of features on Skype most users aren’t aware of due to them being more of a bonus than a necessity. One of them is that you can host a conference call and invite anyone using the Meet Now button. The people you invite don’t need to have Skype. Simply send them the link to your conversation, and they can talk to you on their browser. This is a pretty awesome feature as it doesn’t require installation but at the same time entices people to try the app. If you need to have a meeting on the go, you can do it from your Android or iOS device using the app. All texts and calls are free as long as all connected parties are on Skype. If you wish to make calls to a landline or , you can do that by adding credits to your account. The rate per minute is generally high for this kind of service, but Skype does offer a lot of bundles and monthly plans. You can also send text using the same method. Simple interface. The layout is easy to navigate. The left-hand side shows you all of your recent conversations and active friends. The color palette of the program is easy on the eyes and draws a clear separation between sections. Users are given the option of both Light and Dark Mode . You can also change the “theme color”, which changes the accent color applied to buttons and selected items. The options menu itself has a lot in it. You can adjust emoji sizes in messages, test your mic, speakers, and camera, and adjust settings for making and receiving calls. You can even add Skype credits here for making phone calls. Stylized functions. Most interface features, including reactions, emojis, and stickers, can be found on popular platforms such as Messenger and Whatsapp. However, these features come in a more creative form on Skype. You’ll like the lively emojis that never stop expressing themselves. The collection of reactions is also much larger than any other apps. One thing you may find lacking is the definition of these artworks. Skype allows voice and video messages . These features are somewhat similar to the Google Duo, except you don’t have augmented reality images. You can also share files directly to your friends via the chatbox. Performance. One of the reasons Skype has not been gaining more popularity is due to its poor performance . While you still receive timely notifications, the app itself is super slow. The loading time for your conversations and transitioning between calls do not meet the standard set by leading software. Calling quality is fine, but there are few volume controls when screen-sharing. Skype offers conference calling and group chats. It also contains a screen-share feature, which is useful for companies with multiple offices, where in-person presentation isn’t an option. Considering the slow performance even for one-on-one conversations, group calling is not preferred. The weird thing is that it has nothing to do with your computer RAM or bandwidth, the app is genuinely sluggish. Compared to Zoom, which specializes in video chat, Slype is falling behind. When paired against the likes of , whose sole design is gathering users, it’s almost embarrassing. Is Skype dead? While the application remains in active development, it is falling out of favor with groups that used it primarily as a venue for gaming chat. Discord, specifically, offers most of the same features that Skype does, but adds in customizable servers with server-based emojis. Skype is still installed on Windows by default, and it certainly still has utility for dialing mobile numbers as long as you have a subscription. That’s a feature that Discord and similar apps do not contain. Although Skype is unique in bringing all of its core features together under one application, there are a few apps that all perform Skype’s functions better than Skype does. A decent toolbox. Every app has its flaws, and Skype has to continue putting in more effort to make up for its sluggish performance. While the interface is neat and appealing, some work on the graphics is much needed. Despite the slowness, Skype provides high-quality audio on both voice and video calls. The connection is also very stable; it has far fewer drop rates compared to other calling apps like TextNow. If you like it simple and solid, give Skype a try. There isn't much to die for, but those who just want a simple conversation will enjoy using this app. If you’ve already tried Zoom or Duo, or are an influencer, then this may be a downgrade. Skype for Windows. Skype is one of the most popular and easiest-to-use communication tools , connecting people from around the world. The program supports video conferencing, voice calls, and instant messaging . Additionally, you can use the software to send large-sized files up to 300 MB. Skype download lets you purchase additional subscriptions to call mobile phones and landlines. While the program has been a standard for group messaging and online chat, it has faced tough competition from new titles, such as Zoom, Discord, and . Group messaging, video calls, and more. Skype has always been a popular choice to connect with friends and family on the internet. Over the years, the release of new features has turned the tool into a full-fledged communication platform for business purposes. With the expansion of services, users cut down costs on standard phone messaging and calls. Since Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, the program has been promoted as a feature-packed communication tool. To use Skype, you need to sign up and create a Microsoft account. If you already have one, you can use the same to sign in to Skype. However, you'll notice that the program weighs more than competing tools like Discord and Zoom. Occasional lags may occur, and slow loading time can put some users off. Yet, the simple interface seems to balance out the drawbacks of such sorts. How to start using Skype? To create an account, you need to enter a few details, including an email address or mobile phone number. Once you’ve entered this information, you'll just choose a strong password to create a new Microsoft account. Before the process is complete, you also need to provide your first and last name. The last step includes verification of your email address or phone number. While the process may seem tedious, it eliminates the chances of someone else using your Skype account. Once again, you can continue using an existing Microsoft account. How to set up the account? Once you’ve logged in to the video conferencing app , you can set up a new profile picture on the home screen. This is the image that will show during a chat, voice call, or video conference. It helps other people identify you easily. Skype also provides you with a ‘Status’ section, which lets other people find out about your thoughts, profession, or basically anything you want. Most people use this feature to let others know whether they’re available or busy. What are the features? As mentioned earlier, Skype is a full-fledged communication tool . The latest version of the program lets you send messages, share content, and initiate video or voice calls with individuals or groups. Before you start using Skype, you only need to create an account and add contacts. You can even import contacts from various sources, including Microsoft Outlook, to save you some time. The program displays all the features in large-sized icons. When you call someone via Skype, you can hear the iconic . Before you initiate instant messaging or video conferences , check out the status to get an idea about the other person’s availability. There’s a dot right beside the profile picture to denote the status even more conveniently. While red means busy, green implies availability. Skype lets you send files up to 300 MB . Compared to other instant messaging and video conferencing apps, this is an excellent addition to the list of features. You can easily send images, videos, documents, mods, or game saves. You can also use Skype in place of a standard mobile phone or landline. With the pay-as-you-go subscription model, you can recharge the account and use credits to call phones . All you need is a stable internet connection. The program is prominently used for group messaging. It’s an excellent tool for collaboration among colleagues. However, the slow loading time is annoying at times and other alternative platforms may be worth considering. What are the alternatives? Although Skype is a popular communication platform, you can find a lot of options online. Depending on your usage, needs, and requirements, you can choose from simpler, more feature-loaded, and visually appealing programs. For instance, Discord is a good choice for gamers. The application comes with in-app streaming, support for multiple servers, and a dedicated game store. It lets you use an existing server or create a new one. In the last couple of years, Discord has built a solid community, where you can interact with like-minded people. If you’re looking to chat with friends during games or share files up to 8 MB, Discord will be a good choice. Additionally, the tool supports voice and video calls, making it an ideal choice for friendly conversations and chats. Another program from Microsoft that has fared well in the business community is Microsoft Teams . The video conferencing app targets large enterprises and is ideal for virtual meetings. The program also boasts a wide range of features to chat, share, and collaborate. Lastly, Zoom has grown in impressive populating to be a popular instant messaging and video conferencing app for Windows 10. The simple interface doesn’t require any technical skills and large groups of people can collaborate online. However, privacy issues may prove troublesome for some people. With tough competition from next-gen apps like these mentioned, Skype has taken a backseat. However, if you prefer the familiar interface and easy-to-use features, Skype will not disappoint. A decent choice for Windows computers. With almost everything happening on the internet, you need a powerful communication tool to chat, share files, and voice or video call friends and colleagues . Skype serves the purpose and provides you with all the necessities. While you can explore other programs, this one continues to be the preferred choice of most Windows users. It’s also available for Mac, iPhone, and Android devices. Download Skype for PC. Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws. About Us. Legal. Users. Softonic in: The name and logo of Softonic are registered trademarks of SOFTONIC INTERNATIONAL S.A. Copyright SOFTONIC INTERNATIONAL S.A. © 1997-2021 - All rights reserved. In Softonic we scan all the files hosted on our platform to assess and avoid any potential harm for your device. Our team performs checks each time a new file is uploaded and periodically reviews files to confirm or update their status. This comprehensive process allows us to set a status for any downloadable file as follows: It’s extremely likely that this software program is clean. What does this mean? We have scanned the file and URLs associated with this software program in more than 50 of the world's leading antivirus services; no possible threat has been detected. This software program is potentially malicious or may contain unwanted bundled software. Why is the software program still available? Based on our scan system, we have determined that these flags are possibly false positives . What is a false positive? It means a benign program is wrongfully flagged as malicious due to an overly broad detection signature or algorithm used in an antivirus program. It’s highly probable this software program is malicious or contains unwanted bundled software. Why is this software program no longer available in our Catalog? Based on our scan system, we have determined that these flags are likely to be real positives. We’d like to highlight that from time to time, we may miss a potentially malicious software program. To continue promising you a malware-free catalog of programs and apps, our team has integrated a Report Software feature in every catalog page that loops your feedback back to us. Flag any particular issues you may encounter and Softonic will address those concerns as soon as possible. Skype - free IM & video calls. Skype keeps the world talking. Say “hello” with an instant message, voice or video call – all for free*. Use Skype to send SMS messages to mobiles worldwide and with SMS Connect you can now also read and reply to your phone's SMS messages right from your computer. SMS connect will be released gradually. • Video calls – Don’t just hear the cheers, see them! Get together with 1 or 24 of your friends and family on a HD video call. Watch everyone’s smiles and cries when you tell them “We’re engaged. " • Chat – Reach people instantly. Send messages to your friends, grab someone’s attention with @ mentions, or create a group chat to plan a family reunion. • SMS Connect - Read and reply to your phone's SMS messages in Skype on your PC or Mac. • Share – Send photos and videos with your family and friends. Save shared photos and videos to your camera roll. Share your screen to make travel plans with friends or present designs to your team. • Voice calls – Camera shy? Make voice calls to anyone in the world on Skype. You can also call mobile and landlines at low rates. • Express yourself – Liven up conversations with , click on the “+” in chat to send a Giphy or images from the web, and annotate images with words, lines and more. By downloading the Skype Preview, you’ll gain early access to our newest and coolest features. Of course, while you’re having fun, know that this app is a work in progress. We're hoping to get your vital feedback as we add new enhancements and features to Skype. Simply click the heart icon on the main screen and you will be able to send your comments to our team, helping us shape the future of Skype. Skype is available on phones, tablets, PCs and Macs. *Skype to Skype calls are free. Operator data charges may apply. We recommend using an unlimited data plan or WiFi connection.