If you’re using the Skype for Windows 8 application, you’ll be required to switch to the desktop app starting July 7. Microsoft has chosen this date to retire the modern application in favor of the desktop app, coinciding with the release of Windows 10:
With the upcoming release of Windows 10 for PCs, it makes sense to use the Skype application optimized for mouse and keyboards use, capable of doing touch as well rather than 2 separate applications performing the same function.
You told us that Skype for Windows desktop:
- Helps you efficiently navigate – it presents all information in one window – including notifications, multiple conversations and a full contact list – so you don’t have to scroll back and forth.
- Comes with great features that help you get more done- like group video calling, sharing your screen for showing directions or working together on a document and soon translation.
After July 7, the modern app will cease to function and you’ll be directed to download the desktop application. If you don’t want to wait until the last minute to get the desktop application, you can get Skype for Windows desktop here. If you’re already using Skype for the desktop, you don’t need to do anything.
Skype says that “all of your contacts and conversations from last 30 days will be available” once you’ve moved over to the new app. For those of you on Windows RT, nothing will change.
Skype also says that it will “begin rolling out” Windows 10 versions of the Skype app built into Messaging and Phone “later this year.”