Subscriptions are available that provide unlimited calls for an ongoing monthly fee. But to get started using any of Skype’s features, you need a Skype account. Here’s how to create one. In addition to Windows, you can also use Skype on macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and a variety of other devices.
Check Your System Requirements
Skype for Windows has very lenient system requirements, but it’s still important to make sure that your system meets or exceeds them before you take the time to download and install the app. These are the bare minimum system specifications, although Skype will run better with more RAM and a faster processor.
Windows 7 or higherAt least 1GHz processorAt least 512 MB RAMDirectX v9.0 or higher
Download and Install Skype for Windows
Skype is a free app provided by Microsoft, so you have to download it directly from the official Skype website. There is no charge to download or install the app, although some functions, like placing phone calls, do come with associated costs. Here’s how to download Skype for Windows and start the installation process:
Installing Skype and Creating a Skype Account on Windows
Once you’ve downloaded the Skype installer, you’re ready to install the app, create your account, and start calling. If you took a break between the previous section and this one, you’ll need to start by opening your downloads folder and double clicking on the Skype installer to launch it. After that, you can continue with the installation process.
How to Find and Add Contacts in Skype on Windows
Before you can send and receive calls and chats in Skype, you need to add contacts. If you used your real name and phone number when you set up your account, your contacts will also be able to find you by searching. Here’s how to add a contact in Skype on Windows:
Set up Your Microphone, Speakers and Webcam During Skype Installation
Before you can use Skype to place and receive calls, you need to make sure that your microphone, speakers, and webcam are operational. Initial configuration is available during the setup process, but you can skip through it if you just want to get your account set up fast. If you’ve taken a break between the previous section and this one, you can access these settings by clicking the three dot menu and then choosing Settings > Audio & Video.
Other Ways to Add People in Skype on Windows
The search function is the best way to add new contacts in Skype, but it doesn’t work if your contact doesn’t already have an account on Skype. If that’s the case, you can click Invite to Skype to send your contact an email or SMS to request they create a Skype account. If they do, then you can add them as a contact. You can also save a phone number directly to your Skype contacts. This allows you to call that number using Skype, but you can’t send them messages, video chat, or use other Skype functions as it’s just a phone number.
Other Important Skype Settings
You’re ready to start calling and chatting at this point, but there are some other important Skype functionality and options that you should be aware of. You can also delete your Skype account at any time if you feel that you no longer need it. Here are Skype’s most important features that you can access now that your account is set up:
Calling: You can place free Skype-to-Skype calls using the Skype app anywhere in the world. For this type of free calling, you and the person you call both need to have Skype accounts and the Skype app. It doesn’t matter if they have the app on Windows, Mac, or a mobile device. They are all compatible.SkypeOut: You can place calls, for a charge, to any phone number, anywhere in the world, using the Skype app. There are fees associated with this, but the person you call doesn’t need to have Skype, just a phone.Video chat: You can participate in video calls using your web cam for free. The people you call all need to have Skype accounts and the Skype app. Both one-on-one and group video calls are available.Messaging: You can use Skype to send text messages, instant messages within the Skype app, and create chat rooms for multiple Skype users for fun or business purposes.Sharing: You can use Skype to send and receive photos, videos, and all sorts of other files.
