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
+179), #+1207), # ↑+179), # ↑+1207), # ↑+179), # ↑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.
+1207), # ↑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.
+179), # ↑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.
+29), #+179), #+301), #+179), #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.
+1207), # ↑+179), # ↑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.
+53), #+1207), # ↑+179), # ↑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.
+29), #+1207), # ↑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.
+29), # ↑[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
+1207), # ↑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.
+29), # ↑[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
+1207), # ↑As for Skype 8 on Windows 8 — technically it is almost impossible, because Electron framework is supported only on Windows 7 and above.
+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑http://download.skaip.org/other/8.25.0.5.zip
Please check it yourself and let me know if it works for you.
+29), # ↑[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
+1207), # ↑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?
+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑If yes, you must save it to the
X:\Windows\System32\folder, where X is the system drive.+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑+29), # ↑+29), # ↑[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
+1207), # ↑As for your "experiments", I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer and I cannot give you harmful advice.
+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑+26), #Fans of the classic Skype are invited to the Microsoft campus
+1207), # ↑+179), #+179), #+1207), # ↑+179), #https://go.skype.com/windows.preview.download
+1207), # ↑+179), # ↑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)?
+1207), # ↑DisableUpdater()function when it starting Skype 8.+29), #[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...
+1207), # ↑+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑+29), # ↑+1207), # ↑+29), # ↑+20), #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
+29), #