Missing “Classic” Skype? You’re in Luck…

Microsoft gives Classic Skype a "Stay of Execution"

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Published: August 17, 2018

Rebekah Carter - Writer

Rebekah Carter

Skype users rejoice!

You no longer have to use the clunky, aggravating, and down-right frustrating new version of Skype.

Microsoft‘s recent announcement on August 7th is clear evidence that if you complain enough, you really can make a difference. Good work gang.

The company announced that they will be leaving support up for the desktop version of Skype 7, or “Skype Classic” as many call it, for “some time.” Initially, the plan was to discontinue all support for Skype 7 on the 1st of September this year and replace it with Skype 8, a.k.a. the anti-productivity nightmare.

However, after the bold revamp of the Skype UI prompted outcries across social media, Microsoft forums, and even here at UC Today, Microsoft decided it was best to leave the traditional Skype version in place for a little longer.

Why Didn’t People Like the “New” Skype?

Skype LogoSkype’s 8th edition demonstrates that “new” doesn’t necessarily mean “better.” The significant revamp of the Skype UI boasted a variety of updated features that sounded great on the surface, like screen sharing calls, HD video, and the ability to share up to 300MB of files within their application. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses.

The new single-screen interface made it harder for users to multi-task and connect with people in multiple windows. At the same time, features like reaction emojis and @mentions robbed users of the experience that they had come to know and love with Skype. In fact, some of our lovely readers on UC Today went as far as to say that Skype just wasn’t Skype anymore after the update.

Notably, only desktop users were affected by the overhaul, as it was the Skype consumer app that received the overhaul. However, that didn’t make the aggravating experience any less of an annoyance to long-term users. Perhaps the issue was Microsoft attempting to make their consumer app “too consumery”, meaning that they ended up sabotaging the simple, elegant and accessible system that their customers really enjoyed.

How to Revert to Skype Classic

If the itty-bitty blog post from Microsoft announcing the continued support for Skype 7 has left you itching to downgrade (or upgrade, depending on your opinion), you’ll need to un-install Skype to start with. If you go to the Skype website, then the download will still be the latest version, so you’ll have to find an old install online. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there.

Microsoft may be reluctantly agreeing to continue support for Skype 7 after the public outcry regarding the latest version, but they’re not going to actively encourage downloads of the classic option. Still, the good news is that Microsoft has actually listened to their customers, which is more than can be said for some vendors.

Will you be going back to Classic Skype? Let us know your thoughts in the comments…

More on the Skype issue:

People are Really Hating the New Microsoft Skype Redesign

Is Microsoft Finally Responding to Disastrous Skype Feedback?

 

 

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