Skype is regarded as the leading communication application software capable of providing video chat, and voice calling service between computers, tablets, mobile devices, smartwatches, and Xbox One console using the internet and also normal telephones. Also, users can use Skype for instant messaging. Not just for home-use, Skype is widely used for business purposes as well. From sending important files and documents to conducting conference voice and video calls, Skype is an ideal application for carrying out day-to-day business communication operations effortlessly.
If you are new to Skype and wish to know as to how to use Skype, you can follow the information provided in this guide. The following information will cover the following aspects of Skype.
- How to download Skype setup?
- How to install Skype?
- Requirements for creating a Skype account
- What is my Skype id?
- How to add a contact in Skype?
- How to send message & file on Skype?
- How to make calls using Skype?
- Password recovery steps if you ever forget your Skype password
Guide to Know About the Basics of Skype
Steps to Download Skype Setup
click image to directly go to skype download page
1.) Go to the Microsoft’s official homepage via link www.microsoft.com.
2.) Once you are on the homepage, click on the More option located in the upper menu section.
3.) From the drop-down menu that appears, select the Skype option located under the Software section. You will be directed to the next webpage.
4.) On the next webpage, you will be prompted to download Skype. Simply click on the Download Skype button (highlighted in blue). As you will click on the button, Skype will start getting downloaded.
5.) Once the Skype setup gets downloaded on your computer, you can find it under the Downloads window of your computer.
Steps to Install Skype
As you have already downloaded the Skype setup on your computer, you can continue with the installation process by following these steps:
1.) Go to the location where you have downloaded the Skype setup on your computer.
2.) Double click on the Skype setup file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
3.) Alternatively, you can also right-click on the Skype setup file and select the Open option from the menu list that appears on your screen.
4.) Once the installation process gets completed, you can start using the Skype program on your computer.
5.) Make sure that you have a Skype account in order to start using Skype. If you don’t have a Skype account, you can create one by following these instructions.
Requirements for Creating Skype Account
In order to create a Skype account, you will require an email and phone number. If you fulfill these requirements for creating a Skype account, you can follow the below-mentioned steps to sign up for a Skype account.
1.) On your web browser, go to the link https://signup.live.com. You will be directed to the Microsoft sign-up page.
2.) Then you will see a blank field, where you enter your email, phone, or Skype to sign in to your Microsoft account.
3.) Follow the on-screen instructions from thereon to create your new Skype account.
4.) Once your Skype account gets created, get back to your desktop, and launch the Skype program.
5.) When the Skype program will get launched on your screen, you will be asked to provide your Skype ID and password to access Skype features.
What is my Skype id?
Skype ID is the username that you create when you join Skype for the first time. If you ever forget your Skype ID, you can access your Skype account using your email address or phone number that you registered your Yahoo account with. Once you are signed in to your Skype account, you can know your Skype ID by clicking on your profile icon located at the upper-right corner of the Skype for Windows. This will open your Skype profile window on your screen. Scroll down to locate your Skype ID. It will be something like this – “live:abr***_1”.
How to Add Contacts On Skype?
Adding contacts to Skype is quite easy. You can follow the below-mentioned instructions to add contacts in your Skype.
1.) Open the Skype on your computer and enter the name, Skype name, or email of the person you wish to add. Click on the Search option and wait for the result.
2.) From the result that appears on your screen, select the person you wish to add and click on the Add to Contacts option.
3.) You can type a note or message you wish to send with Add to Contact request.
4.) Once the person accepts your request, you will be able to chat, call, and share files with the person.
How to send message & file on Skype?
To send a message or file to the person using Skype, you will need to have him add you to his account by accepting your friend request. Once you get added to the person’s Skype, follow these steps to send messages and files.
1.) Select the person from the contact list located on the left-hand side panel. This will open the chat window for the selected person on the right-hand side.
2.) Simply type your message in the field where it reads “Type a message here”.
3.) After entering the message in the field, hit Enter on your keyboard to send the message to the person.
4.) Similarly, to send a file to the person, you can either drag and drop a file from your computer or you can click on the Add media or files icon located next to the field where you enter a message.
5.) Browse the file on your computer which you wish to send to the person.
NOTE: You will be able to send a file on Skype with size not more than 300 MB.
How to Make Calls Using Skype?
If you wish to make a call using Skype, you will need to follow the below-mentioned steps.
1.) From the contact list on the left-hand side panel, select the person you wish to contact via call.
2.) Selecting the person from the contact list will open the chat window.
3.) Simply click on the Phone icon to begin a Voice call or Video camera icon to begin a video call with the selected person.
NOTE: You may be charged some amount for the call when calling on the phone number of the person using your Skype.
Password Recovery Steps If You Ever Forget Your Skype Password?
If you ever forget the password for your Skype account, you can recover it by following the steps provided hereinbelow.
- Go to the link https://account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx
- When the link gets opened in your web browser, select the “I forgot password” option, and click on the “Next” button.
- On the next screen, you will need to enter the Skype id for which you forgot the password. After entering it, complete the Captcha requirement and click on the “Next” button. You will be taken to the next screen.
- On this screen, you will need to verify your identity as the rightful owner of the account. So, select any one of the options (Phone number or Email address) to receive the security code.
- Click Next after selecting any one of the options and you will receive a security code on your phone/email address (depending upon the option selected). Next, enter the security code on the subsequent screen and click on the “Next” button.
- Once the security code gets verified successfully, you will be taken to the “Password Reset” screen.
- Simply enter your new password in the prompted fields and click on the “Next” button. Optionally, you can also select the checkbox next to “Make me change my password every 72 days.
Note: If you don’t have access to your registered email address or phone number (Step 4), simply click on the “I don’t have any of these” options. This will direct you to a new page. You will need to follow the instructions provided from that page to verify your identity as the rightful owner of the account.
So, these are the basics you need to know when using Skype for the first time.
