Almost every program that uses the Internet for work is updated from time to time. New versions of applications are being finalized, one or another bug is fixed in them. Timely software updates eliminate a lot of problems. Sometimes the lack of the latest version of the program leads to the fact that the software simply refuses to work. Many people wonder how to update Skype on a laptop. And on other gadgets too. What can be said about this? What features of the procedure can be encountered?
Update Methods
In fact, any user can handle the operation under study. The main thing is to have an Internet connection and a few minutes of free time.
How to update Skype on a laptop and other platforms? Today, the following methods of implementing the task are distinguished:
You can also use software reinstallation. This technique also helps update Skype. Next, we will consider all options for the development of events.
Automatic update
The most common way to update Skype is to automatically download a new version of software. By default, this function is enabled in the mentioned application.
As soon as the new version of Skype is released, the system informs the user about the need for updates. This happens after authorization in the program. All that remains for a person is to click on the "Update" button. Next is a short wait. At this time, the new version of Skype will be downloaded and installed. The speed of the operation depends on the speed of the network connection.
Turn on automatic updates
Now it’s clear how to update Skype on a laptop. Sometimes automatic updating in the program is turned off. It is recommended to enable it. How to do it?
To enable automatic search for Skype updates, you need:
- Open the program.
- Go to the "Tools" section.
- Select "Settings" - "Advanced".
- Click on the line "Automatic update".
- Click on "Enable" on the right side of the window.
Now you can re-enter the application and wait a bit. This will automatically check the version of Skype. Upgrading Skype to a new version is actually easier than it sounds. If possible, the system itself will offer an operation.
Manually
But this is only one of the possible options. You can update Skype to a new version manually. This method is suitable if the user has canceled the automatic update. Reception allows you to download and install a new software assembly at any convenient time.
To update Skype to the latest version manually, you will need:
- Open the program window.
- Press the "Help" item in the upper function menu.
- In the drop-down list, click on "Check for Updates".
If updates are detected , the system will notify you. To start the operation, the user just click on "Install a new version." All other actions will happen automatically. At the end of the procedure, you just have to log into your Skype account.
Delete
Do you need to update the mentioned program? You can download the new version of Skype for free at any time from the official page of the application and install it on the desired platform. But first, the user needs to remove the old assembly.
This will require:
- Close Skype.
- Open "Start" - "Control Panel" - "Add or Remove Programs."
- In the block, select "Uninstall programs."
- Find Skype and highlight it with the cursor.
- Click on the right mouse button and select "Delete".
- Complete the procedure by following the instructions of the uninstall wizard.
When working with mobile devices, just open the file manager and opposite "Skype" click on "Delete". Only then can you reinstall the program.
About reinstallation
How to update Skype on a laptop to the desired version? As we already said, you can implement the task by removing the old assembly and installing a new one. This is pretty easy to do.
Reinstalling Skype requires the following:
- Open skype.com.
- Download the latest version of the application for the selected platform.
- If you need an update for mobile devices, the installation file must be downloaded to your phone / tablet. After that, you need to run it. Otherwise, you can immediately start the launch.
- Following the instructions of the installation wizard, install the selected version of the application.
This operation usually takes a few minutes. The exact time it takes to download the update and installation depends on the speed of the Internet. As soon as the operation is completed, the user will be prompted to log in to their profile.
Features
Now it’s clear how to update Skype on a laptop. This procedure has several features. What is it about?
When choosing a software update method, a person should consider that:
- when deleting Skype, the message history is erased (not always, but often);
- the update does not affect correspondence;
- reinstallation and any software update does not entail the loss of contacts.
Why is it so important to install the latest builds of the application in a timely manner? Older versions of Skype are not supported. That means they just won’t work! Upgrading Skype to the latest version is not so difficult.