Microsoft has finally integrated Skype into Windows. The voice and video messaging service now comes preinstalled in Windows 10 across three different native apps: Skype Video, Messaging and Phone. What does this mean for you, aside from the fact that you no longer need to download Skype’s desktop client to video chat with your mom?
What version of Windows 10 has Skype?
Starting with August 2013, Skype has been available by default in Windows 8.1 and later in Windows 10. In other words, Microsoft bundles Skype in Windows 10 regardless of what version of this operating system you’re running.
Can you have Skype and Windows 10 on the same computer?
What’s even more confusing is the fact that you can have both Skype apps installed and running at the same time on the same Windows 10 PC, which isn’t something that Microsoft is clear about. One of the fastest ways to open Skype in Windows 10 is to search for it.
But now, if you want to use Skype, you’re going to have to go find it in the Microsoft Store like any other app. A company spokesperson tells The Verge: “Skype is no longer an inbox app for new devices that run Windows 11. The Skype app is available to download through the Microsoft Store for free.”.
Is the Windows 10 Skype app really that bad?
Ever since Windows 10 launched, the universal Skype app that comes preinstalled on all Windows 10 PCs has been more than terrible. It looked unfinished, slow, and was missing lots of features.
The new app is al little heavier it seems, meaning it uses more RAM when it use and also drains battery a bit more. Microsoft does promise to release updates more frequently to the new Skype app however, meaning this might improve over time. So far, I’m really loving the new Skype app for Windows 10.