Microsoft pulls installer for “classic” Skype for Windows desktop app due to security issue

2 min. read

Published on February 16, 2018

published on February 16, 2018

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If you still prefer using the “classic” Skype desktop app for Windows over its more modern alternatives, then it looks like Microsoft may sunset this app earlier than expected. Indeed, the company has just pulled the installer for this old version of Skype, citing a security issue with the installer. Ellen Kilbourne, Program Manger at Skype shared the following message on Skype’s community website:

At Skype, we take security very seriously.

There was an issue with an older version of the Skype for Windows desktop installer – version 7.40 and lower. The issue was in the program that installs the Skype software – the issue was not in the Skype software itself. Customers who have already installed this version of Skype for Windows desktop are not affected. We have removed this older version of Skype for Windows desktop from our website skype.com.

The installer for the current version of Skype for Windows desktop (v8) does NOT have this issue, and it has been available since October, 2017.

Consumers who have already installed this “classic” Skype app on their Windows PC can continue to use it just like before, for now at least. When checking for updates, the app will invite you to try “the new version of Skype,” which depending on the version of Windows you’re running will either be the new cross-platform Electron-based app (version 8.x) or the UWP app for Windows 10. Unfortunately, both of them still lack power user features such as the ability to open multiple chat windows, be notified when your contacts go online and more.

Yes, Microsoft has two separate “modern” Skype apps for Windows: Skype UWP (left) and the new Electron-based app (right).

Even if the installer for “classic” Skype is no longer available to download from Skype’s website, Microsoft watcher Rafael Rivera noted that you can still find it on the Internet, though you may want to act fast before it disappears. Proceed with caution, however, as Microsoft pulled the installer due to a security flaw.

https://twitter.com/WithinRafael/status/964386715606515712

Do you still use the old Skype desktop app for Windows, and are you worried that Microsoft may force you to switch to its new desktop apps at some point? Sound off in the comments below.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.