unofficial blog

Remarkable features of Skype

Support for classic Skype will be ending in September 2018

Users of classic Skype began to receive notifications about the need to upgrade to the latest version of Skype for Windows. At the moment, it's just recommendation, but according to the FAQ from the official website, the support for classic Skype will be ending in September 2018. This means that users will no longer be able to use Skype 7 for Windows.

Moreover, the sad thing is that the new Skype is supported only by Windows 7 and higher. This will lead to the fact that since September 2018 users will no longer be able to use Skype for Windows XP and Windows Vista. For these users will remain only the ability to use chats from Skype for Web.

Quotation from the official FAQ:
Updating to Skype (version 8) for Windows Desktop is not mandatory at this time, but support for Skype (version 7) for Windows Desktop will be ending in September 2018. We want to ensure that you have the smoothest upgrade experience and are able to upgrade when it is most convenient for you. Upgrade today so that you don’t experience any interruptions in Skype service in the future.

[...]

This update is currently only available on Windows 7 and 8. After September 2018 Skype (version 7) for Windows desktop will no longer be supported on versions of Windows that are older that Windows 7. Users on these platforms are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version of Windows.

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA34841

Updated 16.07.2018 (quotation from the official blog):
Today, we are rolling out an updated version of Skype (version 8.0) for desktop that will replace Skype version 7.0 (also known as Skype classic).

We are encouraging everyone to upgrade now to avoid any inconvenience as only Skype version 8.0 will work after September 1, 2018. As we roll out improvements, there comes a time when we must shut down older services and application versions.

https://blogs.skype.com/news/2018/07/16/upgrade-to-the-latest-version-of-skype-for-desktop/

Updated 06.08.2018 (quotation from the official forum):
Based on customer feedback, we are extending support for Skype 7 (Skype classic) for some time. Our customers can continue to use Skype classic until then.

Thanks for all your comments - we are listening. We are working to bring all the features you've asked for into Skype 8.

Watch this space.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/skype/forum/skype_newsms/skype-7-skype-classic-to-be-discontinued-soon/28c3578a-128c-40eb-a99b-f3985c925176?messageId=ecf362c4-917d-4133-a33a-3572b2e39277

61 comments

  1. 1 +1 0
    Rick (karma: +179),
    Need the URL, since I'm not seeing it in the FAQ that's easily found.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hello Rick! Sorry, I'm to blame. I updated the page with some quotes and the URL.
      1. 0 0 0
        Rick (karma: +179),
        Maybe there's a benign meaning of "support," like "We will no longer answer questions about it or upgrade it." Not that it will no longer work. Like, say, Office 2010 is no longer supported.
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          That would be nice! But when developers say that they will drop support for old versions, these versions are no longer able to log in. For example, that's why now we cannot use Skype 7.30 and below.
          1. 0 0 0
            Rick (karma: +179),
            Probably so. I wonder how they phrased the phase-out you mentioned. Did you have an article on that? If it was using the same terminology, that would be a smoking gun.

            This all just seems strangely early. It seems like about 6 or 7 months ago when MS was asking people (via survey and/or forum) what they thought was missing from the new client. And it was a lot. I don't recall to much being filled in since then, but I haven't been watching it closely.

            This also brings up the question for Win10 users: which replacement to use? Last time I looked, 8.x was more configurable than the Store version, but MS clearly doesn't want Win10 users running 8.x just based on the fact that you have to perform a trick to even install it. It wouldn't shock me if they outright block it at some point, which might make the lowly Store version the only safe choice.
            1. 0 0 0
              Administrator (karma: +1207),
              For example, check the recent news. Also, the same terminology is used for disabling Translator. I'm sure there are more examples, but the old community is down and I can not find anything.

              Before they started that survey, I created my own voting for most important features: Old features in the new Skype.

              As for Windows 10, I think they will not go to this step, just because there are too many users and the loss would be too great. Although, I do not have access to their statistics, and, perhaps, this day will come.
              1. 0 0 0
                Rick (karma: +179),
                Yes, that's compelling evidence. Too bad.

                Right, I recall that page that you made. That's three additions in six months or so. It'll be interesting to see which of those three, if any, made it to 12.x.

                I'm not even too confident in the Store version given how MS's fortunes have gone when it comes to UWP (the phone platform dying removed one of its primary reasons for being). Who knows, maybe they'll phase it out in favor of PWA.
  2. 0 0 0
    Mimmo (karma: +29),
    yeah , they should specify what they mean by support...
  3. 0 0 0
    Rick (karma: +179),
    I took a look at both the latest Desktop version and the Store version. It's really a shock to see, if you mainly use Skype for IM. The Desktop version does have a few more options overall, but it's not a superset, which is frustrating. For example, only the Store version allows you to disable those wonderful graphical representations of every URL that you send. But neither lets you configure how line breaks work and almost every single other thing that the classic version offered when it came to chat.
  4. 0 0 0
    miko86 (karma: +301),
    So no skype for me because skype 8 not working for me. Even if this work, it's terrible to use. Contacts list in separate tab, no see diffrence between contacts who accept me and contacts who not accept me. Hide recent chat take years to hide everything one by one. When i have contact request i have only 2 options, accept or block person - for me it's stupid because even if you can click right on profile and hide this contacts request, peoples who use mobile devides will always use block. In last months i was blocked by mistake too many times. Skype should be very easy to use but they make it too coplicated and slow.
  5. 0 0 0
    Rick (karma: +179),
    The more I re-read the early part of their terribly written article, the more I think that Classic may continue to work on OS's newer than Vista for the foreseeable future.

    Why else would this line, which suitably has a typo, be written to mention older OS's?

    "After September 2018 Skype (version 7) for Windows desktop will no longer be supported on versions of Windows that are older tha[t] Windows 7."

    And this line is not a call to action for everyone, but just specific users:

    "Users on these platforms are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version of Windows."

    So, I have some hope. That said, I've taken a good look at Telegram, and while it's not perfect (no spellcheck, no full-blown presence indicators), it does have some nice advantages: a very light desktop client, a dramatically better mobile client, an excellent Web client, full cloud history, a much better search, a filtered view of just posts with links ("shared links"), a contextual bookmark ("forwarding") system that works incredibly well, etc.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Most likely it should be read as:
      Skype 8 is currently only available on Windows 7 and 8. After September 2018 Skype for Windows will no longer be supported on Windows XP and Windows Vista. To continue using Skype, users must upgrade to the latest version of Windows.
      1. 0 0 0
        Rick (karma: +179),
        Uh oh, they revised the article, and the key part ("will no longer be supported on versions of Windows that are older that Windows 7") is now completely gone. It's no longer ambiguous. Now we can only hope that the person editing that article doesn't know what he's talking about, and I think that's a slim hope.

        Slim, not non-existent, because it's so close to that date and MS hasn't really come out and announced this anywhere else that I've seen. It's kind of a big deal, and if true, deserves more than being buried in a support article that no one will see.
  6. 0 0 0
    zelles (karma: +53),
    Microsoft pushed an update to Skype Classic forcing it to update to v8. Since Skype 8 is garbage. I uninstalled Skype. Most people I know have already migrated over to Discord and Telegram.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      By the way, do you remember that a few months ago I said that Skype 7 is abandoned, but you did not believe me?
    2. 0 0 0
      Rick (karma: +179),
      That's weird, since in 7.41 MS removed the Skype update service. At least on Win10. Since Skype 8 was pushed though, you must not be on Win10. I suppose it's possible that on older OS's, MS didn't remove Skype's update service, but wouldn't you have long had it disabled (MS has a history of pushing unwanted new versions)? Without that service, I don't see any way that it would have been forced on you. It couldn't be via Windows Update, since only Skype for Business lives there now.

      Anyway, it doesn't look like Skype 7.41 is being retired anytime soon.

      I like Telegram too (see elsewhere on this page), but wow, is Discord ever a pig, especially its startup time. This isn't surprising given that it's an Electron app, like Skype 8. I also don't like how it's not really suited for being resized and put over to the side of the screen (unlike Skype 7 and earlier, and Telegram).

      BTW, unrelated, but Skype 14.x (the next version of the Win10 app, now in testing) also seems to be based on Electron, though that's just a guess. It has 3 or 4 processes in memory, which is one of the signs, and they take a lot of memory (not surprising, since Electron relies on Chromium). I also notice that 14.x's settings (unlike 12.x, the previous version of the app) look VERY much like 8.x's now. This suggests to me that they're trying to consolidate the codebases to the extent possible for the dumb versions of Skype. They'll still need two apps, but sharing more code between them should make them easier to manage for MS.
  7. 3 +3 0
    Mimmo (karma: +29),
    since today on the official blog talk about retirement https://blogs.skype.com/news/2018/07/16/upgrade-to-the-latest-version-of-skype-for-desktop , have anyone a known workaround for keep using skype ( i'm using still 7.32 ) also anyone know if the skype web work on all windows and browsers ( for example i'm using vista and firefox 43 ) ? how is comparated to the classic skype 7 ? i really hope someone know a workaround for keep skype program functional ... i've read about some workaround in past for use already retired skype versions but they worked only with legacy skype logins , and doesn't work with a microsoft login...thank you everyone if someone could help me , i really need skype for talk with my family and friends....also I was thinking if possible if many of us did a petition for keep active skype classic , i've read many users hate skype 8 , if many ask to keep skype 7 active , mayble , we a chance , try does not harm....thanks again to everyone
    1. 1 +1 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Thank you for the URL to the official blog post. I added it to my post.

      As for your question, until September you can not know how they will disable the classic Skype. Therefore, we will have to wait to find out the answer. Nevertheless, I think it will be impossible to use old versions.
      1. 0 0 0
        Mimmo (karma: +29),
        i've started also a petition on theyr forum but if i'm alone doing this i doubt they will change idea sadly , thank you for the reply

        [Updated ]
        also for skype for web will work on all windows and browsers ( for example i'm using vista and firefox 43 ) ? how is comparated to the classic skype 7 ? sorry for double message , and thanks again
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          I think it's in vain. They already warn users about it and recently added Windows 10 support for the Skype 8. It means that everything is "ready" to be shutdown.

          As for Skype for Web, on Windows XP and Vista only chats are supported. I think they have no reason to stop supporting these systems.
          1. 0 0 0
            Mimmo (karma: +29),
            but will work on all browser ? and the web version is similar to the classic skype ? thank you very much , sorry for all these questions , i still hope a petition will make microsoft change idea , many users don't like skype 8 , hopefully in many will ask to keep skype 7 active , and maybe skype 7 will stay , for example some months ago they deleted the installers of classic skype and after some complains they put it back online on theyr servers , hope this can happen again , i really need skype working on my vista...

            [Updated ]
            just a curiosity also , since skype 8 can't be installed on vista , what about launching the program from a portable version ? will in this way work ? if yes this could be a solution also if like others i don't like skype 8 i could still use the program...thank you for all replys
            1. 0 0 0
              Administrator (karma: +1207),
              I think it will work on all modern browsers, but I can not know for sure. And, no, Skype for Web is not similar to classic Skype (it is more like Skype 8). But why do not you check it yourself?

              As for Skype 8 on Windows 8 — technically it is almost impossible, because Electron framework is supported only on Windows 7 and above.
              1. 0 0 0
                Mimmo (karma: +29),
                i wanted to ask before try myself , will there be on this site a portable skype 8 downlafable for test it if launching the exe on a windows vista it work ? maybe is just the installation that is blocked , at least is what i hope...thank you very much
                1. 0 0 0
                  Administrator (karma: +1207),
                  Technically it is impossible to run Skype 8 on Windows XP and Vista (neither the installer, nor the extracted executables). Sorry for this, but at this moment nothing can be done. If I'll found out something useful, I'll write a new post on this blog.
                  1. 0 0 0
                    Mimmo (karma: +29),
                    because of no other ideas i wanted to try a portable version , if i found one , i really hope something as a solution for users on xp/vista other than the web version , thank you very much as always
                    1. 0 0 0
                      Administrator (karma: +1207),
                      I extracted files from installer and uploaded them at:
                      http://download.skaip.org/other/8.25.0.5.zip

                      Please check it yourself and let me know if it works for you.
                      1. 0 0 0
                        Mimmo (karma: +29),
                        thank you very much , i will try it , let's hope it work , also if skype 7 ( 7.32 ) for me was better

                        [Updated ]
                        hi , i tested it today and sadly an error says something is missing tryacquiresrwlockexclusive.jpg here a screenshot , any way to get those files
                        1. 0 0 0
                          Administrator (karma: +1207),
                          It cannot find the TryAcquireSRWLockExclusive function located in the Kernel32.dll library. According to Windows specifications, this function was added in Windows 7.

                          Of course, you can try to replace this library using a Windows 7 one, but I think it's just a waste of time. On the other hand, if your computer supports Windows Vista, it probably supports Windows 7 too. Have you thought about upgrading?
                          1. 0 0 0
                            Mimmo (karma: +29),
                            i don't have the possibility to upgrade ( no enough money sadly ) also because of this i'm trying to get skype working here on my vista , can you upload here this library and tell me how and where replace it , so i can try it ? sorry about the screenshot in italian and thank you very much for all your help
                            1. 0 0 0
                              Administrator (karma: +1207),
                              Well, this is not so easy, because the OS will protect system files. For better instructions, search for "Replace Kernel32 DLL File".
                              1. 0 0 0
                                Mimmo (karma: +29),
                                but i don't know where to find that library , if you could upload one like the portable skype would be very appreciated , i doubt also to find something usefull only googling . thank you again
                                1. 0 -1 1
                                  Administrator (karma: +1207),
                                  I uploaded it here: kernel32.dll.
                                  1. 0 0 0
                                    Mimmo (karma: +29),
                                    can this work also putting it on the skype folder like other dll ? ( i see the folder contain many dll maybe skype coul use them from the folder..) thank you very much
                                    1. 0 0 0
                                      Administrator (karma: +1207),
                                      Do you understand that this may break your OS and it will not be able to boot anymore?

                                      If yes, you must save it to the X:\Windows\System32\ folder, where X is the system drive.
                                      1. 0 0 0
                                        Mimmo (karma: +29),
                                        yes , i know that's why i asked if skype can use the dll inside the skype folder istead of put the dll on the system 32 folder , i'm asking also because i noticed the portable version have many dll inside the folder i believe skype.exe is using them for work and not the dll in the system 32 folder ,thank you again
                                        1. 0 0 0
                                          Administrator (karma: +1207),
                                          You can try it yourself, but since this is a system library, I do not think it will work.
                                          1. 0 0 0
                                            Mimmo (karma: +29),
                                            i will try , and send you here a screenshot if work or not , hopefully a way for continue to use skype will come out , thanks
                                      2. 0 0 0
                                        Mimmo (karma: +29),
                                        another thing I thought is if i setup skype to the option login when skype start , will skype still be able to login also after september in your opinion ? thank you as always

                                        [Updated ]
                                        sadly the dll inside the skype folder not let skype work , any way to avoid breaking the os putting the kernel dll in the system folder ? i want be sure before try it , also i asked yesterday if skype will login using the login when skype start option also after september , would be nice a opinion from you , thank you very much
                                        1. 0 0 0
                                          Administrator (karma: +1207),
                                          Authorization sessions have a limited lifespan, so in September Skype will try to renew it and for surely will sign you out (well, it's just my thoughts, and I can be wrong).

                                          As for your "experiments", I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer and I cannot give you harmful advice.
                                          1. 0 0 0
                                            Mimmo (karma: +29),
                                            thanks for reply , will you put new threads here in case something like workarounds will be founded for continue to use skype 7 ? also if you get info on how replace the kernell whitout break the o.s would be nice . i've see also the petition i've started on microsoft forum got many replys and recommendations and seems someone made one on change org too , hopefully microsoft will listen us ... i will try also setting skype with the option login when skype start maybe this will do the trick and i will report here if working or not...thank you very much again for all yor help , this is a very usefull blog despite not offiicial , you are doing an awesome job
                                            1. 0 0 0
                                              Administrator (karma: +1207),
                                              As always, I will share any useful tips. So stay tuned.
  8. 0 0 0
    George (karma: +26),
    Didn't they host a Classic Skype meeting/party back in April? What the heck was that for?

    Fans of the classic Skype are invited to the Microsoft campus
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      I think they would like to know why many people don't like the new Skype and what are the main features that developers should implement.
  9. 0 0 0
    Rick (karma: +179),
    The Director of Design for Skype has issued a statement about the forced Skype 8 upgrade:

    "Upgrade! Not just for insiders...this is a big improvement and we hope you like it. We seek familiarity and not too much change plus aligning to mobile...and there is more coming as we focus on core tasks and simplicity improvements."

    https://twitter.com/peterskillman/status/1019398685220691968
  10. 2 +2 0
    Rick (karma: +179),
    Stay of execution (dated Aug 6, 2018):

    ******UPDATE******

    Based on customer feedback, we are extending support for Skype 7 (Skype classic) for some time. Our customers can continue to use Skype classic until then.

    Thanks for all your comments - we are listening. We are working to bring all the features you've asked for into Skype 8.

    Watch this space.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/skype/forum/skype_newsms/skype-7-skype-classic-to-be-discontinued-soon/28c3578a-128c-40eb-a99b-f3985c925176?messageId=ecf362c4-917d-4133-a33a-3572b2e39277
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Wow! You're fast!! Right now I'm updating the article.
  11. 0 0 0
    Rick (karma: +179),
    I'd like to test Skype 8 (Insider) on the side though (on Win10--don't want to test the UWP one), and am a little hesitant to install it on my main system for fear that it will nuke my Skype 7. I don't want to run them at the same time (highly unlikely that's allowed), but would like to be able to close 7 and test 8. Have you tried this scenario?
    https://go.skype.com/windows.preview.download
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Just don't install it. Make your own portable versions and run as many versions and accounts as you want (including simultaneously). As an example, I use three different accounts and a separate version for each of them: 3-in-1.png. Moreover, you can run three different versions for same account.
      1. 0 0 0
        Rick (karma: +179),
        OK, I'll go that way then.

        Surprised to hear you can be logged in simultaneously on the same PC, but I'm probably biased by having tried the UWP version, which as I recall forcibly closes Skype 7 (though otherwise doesn't mess it up). I'm going to be ignoring UWP though for the most part.

        [Updated ]
        I take it then that when Skype 8 self-updates, as it will from time to time, that it merely updates its files and doesn't do anything beyond that (like the installer does)?
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          I intentionally blocked updates so I could test the versions I needed. I think you can get updates for Skype 8, but you need to make some changes to the script and remove the DisableUpdater() function when it starting Skype 8.
  12. 1 +1 0
    Mimmo (karma: +29),
    so skype 7 will stay guys ? please let me know , thank you everyone

    [Updated ]
    if yes i hope is forever not only for some time , since i've not founded a workaround to use skype 8 on my vista sadly....

    [Updated ]
    sorry for the triple message , hope also with skype 7 mean all version of 7 not only 7,41 , im still using 7.32 for example and also 7.41 on vista can't be installed...
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      I'm afraid that they only temporarily extended support of Skype 7.
      1. 0 0 0
        Mimmo (karma: +29),
        do you know if all 7 versions be extended ? like i said i'm on 7.32 and also 7.41 doesn't work on vista , thank you very much
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          I'm not sure, but I think so.
          1. 0 0 0
            Mimmo (karma: +29),
            can you upload the "patched" versions of old skypes that allow the login described here How to run older versions of Skype for Windows , thank you , i asked on that thread too but no answers on that
            1. 0 0 0
              Administrator (karma: +1207),
              Sorry, but I already wrote why I cannot do it.
              1. 0 0 0
                Mimmo (karma: +29),
                i did not understood why not if is a safe version you have found , that's could be a good alternative for keep skype 7 active and functional...
                1. 0 0 0
                  Administrator (karma: +1207),
                  First of all, I don't know if they are safe, because they were changed by unknown persons. And most importantly, when Skype 7 will be disabled, these versions, as well as the classic ones, will not work anymore. By they way, they are already do not work properly (for example, you can not join group chats, share files, call or chat with people using newer versions).
                  1. 1 +1 0
                    Mimmo (karma: +29),
                    was enough test that modified version with a new account and if safe and working upload it...thanks anyway , i have to search something elsewhere sadly....
  13. 0 0 0
    dLux (karma: +20),
    Hi Admin
    Appreciate your willingness to help everyone!

    I find myself in the same situation as Mimmo.
    I am on Vista and will not rob the bank to get a new Micro$haft system.
    Unfortunately even most browsers are dropping support on Vista systems.

    My alternative is to dual boot with a flavor of Linux.... or convert an old laptop (must be 64-bit processor) to Linux and use it for Skype alone.

    A side comment ....
    I like Windows 7, but have no interest in their user data harvesting policies. Even with Windows Updates turned off and all their spyware removed, it will force their spying updates back on your system. Same for Windows 8 & 10.

    I have not seen a Windows 10 machine that is any faster than a turtle after a few rounds of updates. One friend is not even able to play simple videos because it stutters, even with a powerful i5 processor! There is so much bloatware running in the background, that it chokes.

    I'll stop complaining now...

    [Updated ]
    Hi Admin
    I assume you used to keep a list of older versions of Skype for Linux (DEB).
    I could not find any Linux packages on this website.

    Currently Skype is offering only 64-bit versions for Linux.
    Can you point me where I can find V5.3 for Linux (last version for 32-bit)?

    I found canonical links but not for v5.3.
    https://repo.skype.com/deb/pool/main/s/skypeforlinux/
    http://archive.canonical.com/pool/partner/s/skype/

    With your Skype knowledge, I am hoping you may be able to help.
    I have a netbook that I will put Lubuntu on and then Skype v5.3 and cross my fingers that it will work.
    (Or am I wasting my time?)

    Blessings
  14. 0 0 0
    Mimmo (karma: +29),
    seems the new "deadline" is november 1st sadly , hope a workaround has been found for keep using skype 7 on vista or for use skype 8 on vista , i just need to be able to continue to use skype program on vista , thanks

Add new comment

Comments are moderated by the administrator and cannot immediately appear on the site.
Name:
Email:
Want to be notified of new comments?
If you activate notifications, you can at any time cancel them.
Before you start receiving notifications, you’ll have to confirm that the email you provided is yours.
Message:
• When asking a question, please specify the operating system and the version of Skype.
• If you encounter any errors, copy the full text of the message here.
• Do not forget that this is an unofficial blog, and here you get help only from regular users of Skype.
Rate entry: