This program does not support the version of Windows your computer is running
Also, an error occurs if you try to open Skype for Web:
Browser not supported
Use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome to access Skype for Web experience.
Alternatively, download Skype on your desktop computer.
Thus, considering that Skype 7 no longer works, officially users can no longer use Skype on Windows XP and Windows Vista. Nevertheless, unofficially, we can use Skype for Web on these operating systems, and I will teach you how to do it, but first of all I want to warn you:
ATTENTION!
-
Using old software significantly reduces the security of your computer. Therefore, I strongly recommend upgrading the OS as soon as possible.
-
To use Skype, you need to outsmart the official site, so that it “thinks” that you are using a modern browser and OS.
- This is not an official way, which means that no one can guarantee neither proper work nor long-term support. That is, tomorrow it may stop working.
And so, to use Skype for the Web on Windows XP or Windows Vista, you need:
-
Download and install Chrome 49.0.2623.112 (it is an outdated version, but it is the latest version supported for Windows XP and Vista).
-
Download web.skype.com.lnk or create a new shortcut on desktop by pointing to the following path:
"%ProgramFiles%\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" -user-agent="Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/73.0.3683.103 Safari/537.36" https://web.skype.com/
-
Be sure to close Chrome, double-click the new shortcut, and enjoy Skype.
I tested Skype for Web on Windows XP and I did not encounter any problems while chatting and transferring files. I also managed to make audio calls and video calls, but noticed several times that the call button did not respond and I had to restart the browser.
Additional tips:
-
If you still get the “Browser Not Supported” error message, be sure to close Chrome before launching the new shortcut. If this does not help, run the CreateWebSkypeLNK.vbs script that will automatically create the necessary shortcut on your desktop.
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Change the icon of the shortcut: download icon, right click on the shortcut, choose “Properties”, press “Change icon”, and specify path to the downloaded icon.
-
Hide the warning about the outdated version of Chrome by adding an
--disable-infobarsto the shortcut path.
-
Instead of a shortcut, you can install an extension for Chrome, that allows you to fake User Agent string. This can be more convenient because it allows you to replace the string only for certain domains.
-
Instead of Chrome, you can use Firefox 52.9.0 by adding
Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/73.0.3683.103 Safari/537.36forgeneral.useragent.overrideinabout:config. But, according to my tests, it loads the processor at 100% and the OS becomes unusable.
91 comments
Useful comments
+17), #[Updated ]
the web.skype.com.down file asks me what it should be opened with .... ?? And try searching the web to figure out how to open it .....
[Updated ]
Yes, well OK !!!! It works OK, but the web.skype.com file works if it is downloaded with Firefox, if it is downloaded with Chrome the file doesn't look right to me! Thanks win xp SP3 many thanks !!
[Updated ]
Does the web.skype.com file contain no virus or haker? All clean? Many thanks!
+1207), # ↑+17), # ↑+17), # ↑+3), # ↑0), # ↑Tried this today July 2024(Vista) and this method no longer seems to work. The link points correctly to Chrome which opens and I can log into my Skype account but then it gets stuck on a page with the Skype logo and a whirly wheel, Skype web does not load at all. Has anyone had any luck with this recently. (also tried a different pc with XP and got the same result
Thanks
0), # ↑I highly suggest you forget about downloading the link, and just 'create a new shortcut' on the desktop, and insert EVERYTHING from the %ProgramFiles onward.
CLOSE Chrome as the instructions say, even go so far as to open task manager and ensure there are NO stray processes.
At that time double click on the new Skype link, it'll open a microsoft account page, if you're logged in you'll be able to click through, otherwise log in and boom, it'll be working.
+10), #Another option is running the Linux version of Skype using a virtual machine or something like Cooperative Linux.
+1207), # ↑+10), # ↑+1207), # ↑+10), # ↑+17), # ↑+10), # ↑https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php
If you can find one that works I suggest using a Linux distribution that is small in size if you don't have a lot pf ram to spare.
+10), # ↑VMware 10 is known to work on Windows XP, at least on the Professional x64 version of Windows XP.
VirtualBox, up until very recent version 6, works in Windows XP. Unlike VMware, VirtualBox is free. (-:
Good luck !
0), #+1207), # ↑+17), #[Updated ]
Sorry I forgot to mention that I use it "web.skype.com.lnk" By Karma TKS
+1207), # ↑+17), # ↑[Updated ]
OK with XPsp3 Chrome video calls work, but the CPU always comes to 100% and everything crashes ...... Chrome problem or is it normal that using Skaip web you block everything
+1207), # ↑+20), #I installed Google Chrome 49.0.2623.112 and created a shortcut precisely with the modified user agent string. Starting the shortcut link opens the newly installed browser. The Skype login screen appears fine and I can give in my username and password. Then a title appears: Logging into Skype, please be patient, finally I get to a white browser screen. (I can send the source if you need it.)
I checked my useragent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/73.0.3683.103 Safari/537.36
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate, SP2
Any idea how to get it working?
Thank you!
+1207), # ↑By the way, some users say that Skype for Web works properly on Maxthon 5.2.7.2000 without changing the user agent. Chan you check it please?
+20), # ↑I will check Maxthon as well (tomorrow) and will write back soon. :-)
Thanks for the advice!
+1207), # ↑As for Maxthon, I'll be waiting for good news only ;)
+20), # ↑Now I got back and had some time to continue the previous test. Before installing Maxthon I removed all cookies for Skype(.com) in my browser and deleted the download history and downloaded files as well. https://web.skype.com started at once, no more white screen anymore.
Now I can use Skype with Vista again.
Thank you for the guide! :-))
+1207), # ↑+20), # ↑Years ago I had made some changes to the Windows hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts) to completely block Skype adverts and social media annotations.
127.0.0.1 apps.skype.com127.0.0.1 secure.skypeassets.com
127.0.0.1 ad-emea.doubleclick.net
Now I've disabled the first two lines because of the mentioned white screen. I've restarted the browser (after the cache and cookie deletions) and since then everything is fine.
Maybe this will be useful for someone else too.
:-)
+1207), # ↑+15), # ↑May I know that what version of Maxthon that you have got? I have tried to install it but it says that is not compactible with my 32 bit vista..
I have the last version of Chrome and Firefox for vista too but none of them work...
Thanks,
Lina
+20), # ↑Sorry, but I don't have Maxthon, because I managed to fix the problem with Chrome (49.0.2623.112).
Web.skype.com works even with Slimjet (10.0.13.0 (Based on Chromium 50.0.2661.75)) with Vista 32 bit. Slimjet is my favourite browser because it has got a dozen built-in properties that Chrome has not.
So you don't need Maxthon. Use Chrome or Slimjet this extension: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/user-agent-switcher/dbclpoekepcmadpkeaelmhiheolhjflj
Don't try to download the most recent Chrome version, because it is not compatible with Vista as you mentioned as well. As for Firefox: just forget it and uninstall any versions... its a memory leaking, extremely slow and obsolete browser by now. It was fast and useable 10 years ago.
Good luck!
[Updated ]
Fix: "Use Chrome or Slimjet WITH this extension"
+17), #[Updated ]
Yet I am convinced that a solution will soon come out of this website .....
+3), #+15), #+1207), # ↑+15), # ↑Thank you fo your reply.
Indeed I have read these comments and tried the same proceedure without success...
I am using 32bit vista, and have also tried Maxthon which does not even want to be installed although the download page says that is for vista...
Any idea?
Thank you again,
Lina
+1207), # ↑+17), # ↑+17), # ↑0), #0), #+3), #+17), #0), #+3), #Any suggestions?
Many thanks
+1207), # ↑0), #web.skype.com.lnk
+1207), # ↑0), #+7), #0), #+10), #It is a free and fast browser, which supports Windows XP and Windows Vista.
It is included in Windows XP Professional SP3 x86 - Integral Edition (***).
It has been uploaded here: *** (the link should work for 30 days, i.e. until 2019-06-08). It can be run from extracted folder without other installation procedure.
Thank you for this guide !
+1207), # ↑Please excuse me for deleting your links, but I cannot allow any materials that potentially can harm inexperienced users. I always try to share only trusted or official info. For example, there is an official FTP server where anyone can download old versions of Basilisk browser: ftp://archive.palemoon.org/basilisk/
+10), # ↑I had been unable to locate the official download site for the browser !
I had also tried PaleMoon-based NewMoon. Unlike Basilisk, it did not seem to work well with Skype website on my computer.
For either NewMoon or Basilisk, we have to change the UserAgent string.
We open the about:config webpage. We right-click and Add New String value. The key should be general.useragent.override.skype.com and the value should be the user agent string for Chrome or Edge.
(I do not have them handy right now.)
Thanks again !!!
+1207), # ↑+15), #Skype worked fine for a month but for the last 5 days I log into skype and then it just hangs it does not want to open
- 3 blue dots that's all I get
+1207), # ↑+15), # ↑[Updated ]
Internet is very slow at the moment, could that be the problem?
+1207), # ↑+15), # ↑thanks,
Gina
[Updated ]
I have downloaded Maxthon Browser but what do I do with it, how will this help me with skype?
+1207), # ↑+15), # ↑Re-installed chrome and web skype , no luck.
Installed and deleted several times and suddenly it was working again.
So all is good for the moment
Thanks, Gina
+1207), # ↑+3), #I have serious trouble with skype 8. They are removed the ability to create contacts list to organize them in different categories. I have lost all my list with skype 8. I desperately need skype classic.
Is there any solution to it? If I install linux or Mac, does the skype classic work with it?
Please let me know
thanks
+1207), # ↑+17), #+17), # ↑0), #+4), #By the way, portable Google Chrome 49.0.2623.112 can be downloaded from Sourceforge: https://sourceforge.net/projects/portableapps/files/Google%20Chrome%20Portable/GoogleChromePortable_49.0.2623.112_online.paf.exe/download
0), #Web skype works now on the XP machine that I still need for a while.
Thank you.
+1), #general.useragent.override.skype.com; Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/73.0.3683.103 Safari/537.36I guess it will work with most available palemoon and xul based mozilla forks.
+3), #i used your link with chrome 34.
i have signed in skype for web but nothing happens...
i see three blue dots(the sign that skype is loading) but it keeps going forever
[Updated ]
im using win xp sp3
heres the proof
capture-12282019-223818.jpg
[Updated ]
hey i managed to log in with sea monkey 2.38...i ignored the message for unsupported browser and signed in.
but i dont see my friends! it just gives info about my profile.
how can i conversate? do i need to fool them that i have another browser?
thanks.
[Updated ]
hello.
tell me a trick to talk with seamonkey 2.38.
i login to web skype but i can only edit my profile, no friends and communication available
chrome sucks, it doesnt work at all. only sea monkey gets me really in, but i cant conversate probably due to outdated browser.
[Updated ]
hello.
the solution with the user agent link DOES NOT work in chrome 34. I connect and it doesnt bring any message for unsupported browser but then the blue dots keep going round and round forever! I am never really in!
Im really angry and exhausted. I was trying for days to install win7 and not that I managed neither old versions of skype work on win7.
Neither the old versions nor skype for web work! Absolutely nothing. Its ridiculous that microsoft has put so much restrictions.
Im not going to buy a new processor just for skype.
Please help with alternate code and solution.
thanks.
+5), # ↑0), #0), #+5), # ↑+3), #0), #I followed instructions and installed Skype.
I can do video calls but only voice works fine: it does not show any video on both ends of the communication.
Cameras works fine with Skype, I checked.
Windows XP - Media Center Edition - 2002 - Service Pack 2
Google Chrome 49.0.2623.112
Skype 8.58.0.93 (as opened by the link)
Any suggestion ?
Thanks.
Filippo.
+3), #Does this still work? I have tried it on my old computer with windows XP SP3 and I get the message "Browser not supported".
Thanks!
[Updated ]
I have managed to enter skype web by closing all chrome processes, but although I see my camera and
listen fthe conversation without problems, I cannot see the image of rest of participants (and they can't see me).
+5), #+3), #+1), #I am using two notebooks, an old one with XP and a newer one with W10.
On W10 I use Skype sometimes and it's updated with the latest version.
On XP I stopped using Skype, when support for the installed skype app (7.36, 7.41) ends.
Version 7.41 doesn't start with the message "The procedure entry point "CancelMibChangeNotify2"
cannot be located in the dynamic link library IPHLPAPI", so I gave up.
In the meantime I have more time for administrating my "old" equipment and so
I tryied to solve the problem with using Skype on XP.
I have read this comments to this theme and so I came to the solution. This is:
1. The link for Chrome (V 49.0.2623.112 m) works, so I can use Skype (web.skype.com) now again on XP.
2. For Firefox (V 52.9.0) I installed the extension "Skype Web FF 1.1" and I can
use Skype too, but only for "chatting". VoIP is not possible, because Microphone
and Camera doesn't work (the Folder "Audio and Video" in "Preferences" is missing).
And also chatting is very cumbersome, because it forces the processorload to high values (50% and more).
So I take Chrome for Skype and Firefox for all other things.
This is my information for this thread.
Thanks, Willi
PS:
By the way to "Firefox" and Skype for Web (web.skype.com) and it's not supported by Microsoft:
On W10 when I enter Skype for Web with Firefox (V 60.9.0), "Browser will not be supported" comes,
on XP with the old version of Firefox (see above) it's no problem, I can login.
But then working with the restrictions like mentioned above.
+9), #1st try (failure): The online installer linked in this article won't install on Windows 2000 ("This version of Windows is not supported" or something like that).
2nd try (also failure) The portable installer linked in the comment above by leon187 will install, but the executable ChromePortable.exe won't execute (like nothing happens).
3rd try (success ): Install the online installer on Windows XP, and copy the installed folder to Windows 2000, to its original path:
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\ApplicationThen copy the file
chrome_elf.dllfromApplication\49.0.2623.112subfolder to Application folder, right next tochrome.exeexecutable. And that's it. Actually, it isn't. You also need to add the flag--no-sandboxto the shortcut target (and--disable-infobarsalso comes handy). So the shortcut target for Skype for Web on Windows 2000 should be:"%ProgramFiles%\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --disable-infobars --no-sandbox --user-agent="Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/73.0.3683.103 Safari/537.36" https://web.skype.com/Opera Portable 36.0 can also be used to access Skype for Web on Windows 2000. It can be downloaded here:
https://portableapps.com/downloading/?a=OperaPortable36&n=Opera%20Portable%20Legacy%2036&s=s&p=&d=pa&f=OperaPortable36_36.0.2130.80.paf.exe
Use the same shortcut target flags as with Google Chrome 49.0 (don't forget to add
--no-sandbox).Advanced Chrome 54.20 also works on Windows 2000, but I failed to access Skype for Web. Login screen was displayed correctly, but when I logged in, it ended stuck in infinite loop (with Skype logo and blue dots circling).
Firefox ESR 52.9.0 also works on Windows 2000, and could be used for accessing Skype for Web. But it is VERY slow, practically unusable. The same like on Windows XP, described in the arctivle above. Plus, changing the user string in
about:configfile as suggested renders Firefox unable to access YouTube.Serpent 52.9.0 (fork of Basilisk) and New Moon 28.10 (fork of Pale Moon) also work on Windows 2000, though I haven't tried Skype for Web using them.
+1207), # ↑+3), #My company's computer still using Windows XP....
[Updated ]
Oh....
It works fine but I can't access gmail unless uninstall the shortcut.
Is there any solution?
+15), # ↑+3), #My skype dosnt work no more.
Plsssssss......tell me what i have to do, to use again skype.
Thank you.
Octav
+3), #+7), #+3), #I used to be able to use Chrome 49 without any issues. Now I get no sound any more.
Has anyone found a browser that still works with Skype for web on XP?
+9), #Fortunately, there are some new retro browsers that can help. All of them are coming from China, and I do not have any security guarantees. So, use them at your own risk. A lot of people and companies in China are still having Windows XP as their main OS. And since this pandemic forced so much of our lives online, the demand for a modern browser working on Windows XP skyrocketted in China. So numerous Chinese IT companies tried (and succeeded) making such a browser:
360 Extreme Explorer:
-version 11.0.2251.0 (with Chromium 69 engine)
https://browser.360.cn/ee/en.html
-version 12.0.1053.0 (with Chromium 78 engine)
-version 13.0.2250.0 (with Chromium 86 engine)
https://www.reddit.com/r/windowsxp/comments/pj0i82/improved_chromium_86_is_now_available_for_xp/
http://retrosystemsrevival.blogspot.com/2019/05/360-extreme-chrome-browser.html
DC Browser 5.0.4.26 (with Chromium 86)
https://dcbrowser.cqttech.com/home
Mini Chrome 87.0.4280.66 (with Chromium 87)
https://www.reddit.com/r/windowsxp/comments/mifzzc/chromium_87_is_now_available_on_windows_xp/
Mini Browser 1.0.0.126 (with Chromium 87)
https://browser.kfsafe.cn/
Use "Translate to English" context menu option in Google Chrome to navigate those websites that are in Chinese.
WARNING: The official installers are in Chinese language! But if you "survive" through the installation process, the browser menus are in English, so it can be used normally. But the uninstallers are also in Chinese. So it might happen you succeed installing some browser, and then cannot uninstall it. That is why I recommend portable versions. All those unnoficial links above offer portable versions, that only need to be unzipped.
Among the above mentioned browsers, only 360 EE 11.0.2251.0 works on Windows 2000 (with KernelEx). So I tested only that one more thoroughly. Instead of the official installer I linked above, I used a modified Russian version:
https://lrepacks.net/repaki-programm-dlya-interneta/182-360-extreme-explorer-amp-portable.html
It removes telemetry, so that your browser won't chit-chat with Chinese servers all the time. And it has the portable installer option which is in English. The only thing that needs to be done manually is to edit the file 360Chrome\Chrome\User Data\Default\Preferences using Notepad. Change the key/value pair "accept_languages": "ru-RU,ru,en-US,en" with this one:
"accept_languages": "en-US,en,ru-RU,ru",
in order to have websites like Google or YouTube in English rather than in Russian. I like to use a switch --disable-infobars whenever working with older browsers. But this time, the switch --no-sandbox is not needed (in contrast to Google Chrome 49.0 in Windows 2000). So the shortcut target for Skype for Web could look something like this:
C:\Program Files\360Chrome\Chrome\Application\360chrome.exe --disable-infobars https://web.skype.com/
The browser is not 100% stable, sometimes it freezes/crashes (luckily, that usually happens during the first 10 seconds upon starting). But in Windows 2000 that is today the only option as far as I know to use Skype (as well as other modern web apps). The reason is probably that the browser targeted and was tested on Windows XP. And Windows 2000 with KernelEx is not XP. It should be more stable on Windows XP. Anyways, good luck!