Download Skype 5.1 for Windows

Get together as often as you like, wherever you are in the world.

Skype

Free

  • Skype-to-Skype calls
  • One-to-one video calls
  • Instant messaging
  • File-sharing

Skype Premium

$8.99/month*

All the great free features PLUS:

  • Group video calls with up to 10 people
  • Live chat customer support
  • 25% off an HD webcam

Take video to the next level with Skype Premium

Save 15% off the 12 month subscription when you sign up today. Get Skype Premium

New in this version

Group video calling

There's so much you can do together over group video. It's wonderful for regular catch-ups with your loved ones, and a great alternative to business trips, helping you work together and make decisions while spending more time at home. Learn all about it

  • Join the family for regular catch-ups.
  • Have video conferences when you're travelling or working from home.
  • Three or more* of you can get together over live video.

Also included

Skype-to-Skype

Talk free, Skype-to-Skype

It's free to call each other if you all have Skype – wherever you are in the world.

Instant messaging

Send IMs, too

Instant message one or more people at the same time for free and send photos, documents and more.

Call and text phones

Call and text phones

It's great value to call phones and send texts to people who aren't on Skype yet.

View more features

Conference calling

Conference calls

Talk to more than one person at once. It's free if you're all on Skype.

Skype To Go numbers

Skype To Go numbers

Call people at great value rates from your mobile with special access numbers.

Online numbers

Online Numbers

One number anyone can call you on, wherever you are in the world - and you answer in Skype.

Call forwarding

Call forwarding

Forward your Skype calls to any phone you choose when you’re not online.

Screen sharing

Screen sharing

Show presentations, photos and more over a Skype call.

Send files

Send files

Send documents, video clips or photos - any size - for free.

SMS

Text messaging (SMS)

Send great rate text messages to friends' mobiles with SMS on Skype.

Video Calls

Free video calls

See each other over live, one-to-one video calls.

System requirements

  • PC running Windows® XP, Vista or 7, both 32- and 64-bit operating systems.
  • Internet connection – broadband is best (GPRS is not supported for voice calls).
  • Speakers and microphone – built-in or separate.
  • For voice calls recommend broadband connection with 100 kbps down / 100 kbps up.
  • For group video calling everyone on the call needs Skype 5.0 for Windows or Mac or higher plus webcams, and at least one person needs a group video calling subscription.  For best quality  we recommend you use a high-speed broadband connection of 4Mbps down / 512kbps up and a computer with a Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz processor. As a minimum you’ll need a high-speed broad connection of 512kbps down / 128kbps up and a computer with a 1 GHz processor.

H.264 Codec is Copyright © 2008, SPIRIT

Technical details
Version 5.8.0.156 File size 24 MB. Official release. Release date: February 21, 2012. File name: SkypeSetup.exe

Download Skype for Windows

Choose the version that suits – free or Skype Premium

Call phones and mobiles

Millions of people use Skype

Join millions of people worldwide who are using Skype to keep in touch with each other. You're sure to find people you know on Skype.

Send texts (SMS)

Easy to download and install

Simply register, download and install. Skype is also free of spyware or malware.

* A fair usage policy applies
** Group video calls can be between three or more people (up to a maximum of 10). For the best quality, we recommend calls with up to five people.

No emergency calls with Skype

Skype is not a replacement for your telephone and can't be used for emergency calling