Test-drive the brand new version

Get the latest Skype beta for Windows.

Download now Skype 5.0 Beta 2 for Windows

This beta version comes with a free trial of group video calling. Video call up to nine of your friends – all at the same time. Everyone on the call will be able to see and hear each other.

Note: you must upgrade to Skype 5.0 Beta 2 for Windows and activate the free trial to make group video calls. Everyone on the call needs Beta 2, otherwise the group video call won't work. During the beta period, you can reactivate your free trial when it expires.

Developers at work

Just a reminder that beta versions are still work in progress, so you might find the odd bug.

Release summary

Group video calls – with up to nine people.
New, easier to use design.
Bug fixes.

See the full set of release notes.

We want your feedback

Visit our feedback page to tell us what you think of the new beta version.

We really appreciate you taking the time to tell us what you like and what you don’t so we can keep making Skype better.

Skype for Windows beta versions give you the chance to try new features and enjoy improvements in call quality before they’re officially released to the public. They’re also an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of Skype and have your say on how it works.

Main features

Free Skype-to-Skype calls.
Call phones and mobiles, send SMS.
Free instant messaging.
Voicemail.
Free video calls.
Forward calls to a phone when you’re offline.

Skype-to-Skype calls, video calls and instant messaging are free, any time of the day or night, anywhere in the world. Call phones and mobiles and send SMS messages at great value Pay As You Go rates, or call unlimited* to certain countries with a subscription.

Download now Windows Skype 5.0 Beta 2 for Windows

System requirements
PC running Windows XP, Vista or 7.
Internet connection (broadband is best, GPRS is not supported for voice calls, and results may vary on a satellite connection).
Speakers and microphone – built-in or separate.
For voice and video calls we recommend a computer with at least a 1GHz processor, 256 MB RAM and of course a webcam.
For High Definition (HD) video calls both you and the person you're talking to need Skype 4.2 for Windows or higher, plus HD webcams. You'll also need a high-speed broadband connection (we recommend sustained 1.2 Mbps symmetrical bandwidth or higher) and a PC with at least a 2.0 GHz Core2Duo or equivalent processor.

Technical details
Version 5.0.0.123 File size 20 MB. Beta release. Release date: September 2, 2010. File name: SkypeSetup-Beta.exe

* A fair usage policy applies. Excludes service, special, premium and non-geographic numbers.