Version 7.0 to be retired on September 1, company says

Jul 17, 2018 05:22 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has recently announced that the classic version of Skype would be retired in the fall, with users required to update to the latest release in order to continue being able to connect to the service.

Skype classic, also known as version 7.0, no longer supports the modern improvements that Microsoft wants to implement, the company explained in an announcement today, so the application will be pulled on September 1 for all users.

Instead, users can download and install Skype 8.0, which comes with a series of improvements like HD video and screensharing calls, chat media gallery, photo and video sharing, and mention support to respond directly to someone in a group chat.

Update by September 1

“As we roll out improvements, there comes a time when we must shut down older services and application versions,” Microsoft explains.

“This is done to ensure that all customers have the best possible Skype experience, and that there are no quality or reliability issues resulting from old technology and new technology interoperating. We know change can be hard, so we’re working to make the update as simple as possible.”

Updating to the latest version of Skype shouldn’t be a dramatic change in any way, as the application comes with the same familiar interface, only that it includes a larger set of features. The same system requirements apply, which means that any device running the classic version of Skype should be able to update.

If you want to try out the new version, you can download Skype from Softpedia right now to see what version 8.0 is all about. As an alternative, Windows 10 users can switch to the built-in Skype messaging app in the operating system. After September 1, older versions of the app would no longer connect, and the only way to continue using the service will be to install version 8.0.