Recently, I installed Windows 8 on my computer. One of the few applications that I installed is Skype. I downloaded it directly through Windows Store. I searched for the installer initially from Skype official website but after I clicked on Get Skype for Windows 8 button, I was redirected to Windows Store.
After I installed it, I was surprised that there’s no Skype shortcut icon created on desktop. That’s the only time I discovered that the Skype I installed was a metro app. A metro app can be accessed through Metro UI (User Interface – Windows Start) and when you open it, it will take full screen. In short, you can’t open or minimize it on desktop.
Skype metro app is not what I need. I always do multi-tasking. I want to be on the phone while doing some stuff like browsing the internet, writing documents, playing games and many more. But with metro app, I’m stuck to one program.
I tried to find a way to install a desktop version of Skype. Luckily, I was able to find a workaround.
Installing Skype Desktop Version on Windows 8
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install Skype for Desktop on Windows 8. It is a great alternative for Skype metro app.
- Step 1: Download Skype for Desktop here: http://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/
- Step 2: Click “Learn about Skype for Windows Desktop” link. It is located below Get Skype for Windows 8 button.
- Step 3: Click “Get Skype for Windows Desktop Window”.
After I installed it, I was surprised that there’s no Skype shortcut icon created on desktop. That’s the only time I discovered that the Skype I installed was a metro app. A metro app can be accessed through Metro UI (User Interface – Windows Start) and when you open it, it will take full screen. In short, you can’t open or minimize it on desktop.
Skype metro app is not what I need. I always do multi-tasking. I want to be on the phone while doing some stuff like browsing the internet, writing documents, playing games and many more. But with metro app, I’m stuck to one program.
I tried to find a way to install a desktop version of Skype. Luckily, I was able to find a workaround.
Installing Skype Desktop Version on Windows 8
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install Skype for Desktop on Windows 8. It is a great alternative for Skype metro app.
- Step 1: Download Skype for Desktop here: http://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/
- Step 2: Click “Learn about Skype for Windows Desktop” link. It is located below Get Skype for Windows 8 button.
- Step 3: Click “Get Skype for Windows Desktop Window”.
If you are having trouble finding the download button, you may directly download Skype for Desktop installer from this link: http://download.skype.com/961f38761d13c0d87a888e2ccdad86fa/SkypeSetup.exe
- Step 4: Run SkypeSetup.exe then proceed with the installation.
If you get User Account Control warning, click Yes.
- Step 5: Installation will take a few minutes to finish. The program will create a Skype shortcut icon on your desktop automatically. The icon will be added on metro apps list as well. See example.
You can click the Skype icon from Metro UI and the program will open on your desktop.
If you initially installed Skype metro app, there might be two Skype shortcut icons that will show on Metro UI (Windows Start). Always click on Skype for desktop for your convenience.
Skype for Desktop Compatibility Issue
You might ask if there will be a problem if you install Skype for Desktop on Windows 8. The answer is no. Even though Windows 8 is not included on the compatible Operating Systems on Skype for Desktop download page, it doesn't mean that the program won’t run on 8. You can install it anytime without getting errors.
You might ask if there will be a problem if you install Skype for Desktop on Windows 8. The answer is no. Even though Windows 8 is not included on the compatible Operating Systems on Skype for Desktop download page, it doesn't mean that the program won’t run on 8. You can install it anytime without getting errors.
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