GET STARTED WITH SKYPE IN WINDOWS 10

DOWNLOAD THE LATEST SKYPE APP

To make use of these new features (or if you’ve not used Skype yet), you’ll need to install the latest version of its Windows 10 app. If you have the Windows 10 Creators Update, the app should be updated as well, but you can also download the new version even if you haven’t updated Windows. Open the Windows Store, search for ‘Skype’ and select Skype or Skype Preview.

LAUNCH SKYPE

After making sure that the latest version of the Windows 10 Skype app has been installed, you can launch it by opening the Start menu and typing in ‘Skype’. Once Skype has launched, a window will appear listing some of its new features. Don’t worry about reading that too carefully, since we will explain each one here! Close the window and you’ll see the main Skype interface.

VIEW YOUR CONTACTS

Skype is all about staying in touch with people, and to do that, you need to add contacts to Skype. The good news is that adding people to Skype is now even easier. If you use the People app in Windows 10 as an address book, you should see your contacts are already in Skype. You can use the search bar at the top of the app window to easily find who you’re looking for.

ADD A CONTACT

If you want to add someone to Skype, click the icon of a person with a ‘+’ sign next to them, which is found at the bottom of the Skype window. The latest version of Skype lets you see any mutual contacts you have with people you search for. This makes it easier to identify the right people. Once you’ve found who you’re looking for, click ‘Add to Contacts’ to add them to Skype.

ADD A PHONE NUMBER

While you can make video and text calls to other Skype users for free, calls to other landline and mobile numbers cost money. Luckily, you can use Skype Credit to make these calls instead. Skype credits are cheap to top up and use, and cost a lot less than making regular international calls. To add a phone number, click the icon of the telephone with a ‘+’ sign next to it.

SEND A TEXT MESSAGE

One of the most useful features of the Skype app is the ability to send regular text (or SMS) messages. Again, these are paid for using Skype Credit, but are still cheaper than using your phone when texting people in other countries. To do this, select a Skype contact who has a phone number.

Where it says ‘Via’ in the chat box, select Skype SMS, type in your message and tap Send.

MAKE BETTER GROUP CALLS

Group calls are when two or more people are involved on the same call – making them ideal for virtual business meetings, or big family reunions. Skype makes group calls even easier – and more fun – than was the case previously. To add people to a group call, click on the icon of a person with a ‘+’ sign next to them, then select who you want to join.

EASILY SWITCH BETWEEN DEVICES

Microsoft has worked hard to make Skype an integral part of your life, and one of the ways it has done this is by adding a feature to the app that enables you quickly and easily switch between devices while on a call. This is great if you’re at your desktop PC, but want to switch to your tablet while you move around your home without interrupting your chat.

SEARCH YOUR CHATS

Skype works brilliantly as a free instant messaging program, enabling you to have text chats with contacts around the world. You can even exchange pictures, video and emoticons. For that reason, one of its newest features is a welcome one – the ability to search your messages. To do that, click the Recent Messages icon, then in the Search Skype box, type the phrase you are looking for.

DON’T FORGET THE BASICS

Skype remains an excellent video and voice calling app, and all the features that made it so popular remain. If you want to start a video call, click on the contact you want to call, then on the Camera icon in the top-right corner of the app. To make a voice call, click the telephone icon. Microsoft is dedicated to improving Skype, so keep an eye out for more new features in future!