Skype For Windows 10 To Lose Major Features In The Upcoming Update

In the next update, Microsoft is moving further away from its own Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and replacing the Skype app under Windows 10 with a desktop version based on Electron. However, some important functions of the messenger are lost.

With the update to Skype version 8.58.76.92 and the application build 15.58.xx, a lot will change for users of the Windows 10 app from the Microsoft Store. The well-known messenger says goodbye to the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), which is moving more and more into the past. Skype for Windows 10 will in future be offered as an electron-based desktop client, which the current insider preview of the chat software reveals. As the French Windows podcaster Florian Beaubois found out, the change comes with various restrictions.

Skype Will Have a Limited Functionality

Known functions of the UWP app from Skype, such as the integration of the contacts app, synchronization with Outlook and the automatic registration of your own Microsoft account, are to be eliminated with the Electron changeover, as is the direct response from the notifications. The design of the title bar also changes, which is viewed as a mistake according to few users. In addition, there does not appear to be any significant changes visually.

The fact that the future of the Universal Windows Platform appears to be uncertain was indicated at the latest with the change from OneDrive to a Progressive Web App (PWA) and the discontinuation of the advertising platform from June 1, 2020. It is not yet clear when exactly the new Electron-based Skype app will be available to the masses via the Microsoft Store. If you want to try out the Skype preview, you can join the preview program in the Windows 10 app settings under “Help & Feedback”.

On the other hand, Microsoft is working on integration of Microsoft Teams and Skype which would enable cross-platform communication. It is not clear yet how Microsoft will make it more userfriendly and innovative by doing this.