Skype now lets you join video calls without signing up or downloading the app – here’s how it works

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With the sudden upswing of video conferencing needs due to everyone working from home, Microsoft has decided to add some new features to its video calling service, Skype. Now you can join cross-platform video conferences without an account, or without even having to download any software. Microsoft also revamped the interface to let you start calls with just one click.

Now you’ve got an alternative to Zoom, which has been getting lots of negative press lately as security researchers start to pick apart its service. Thanks, Microsoft, now can you fix Teams so it works properly on Macs?

If you want to check out this feature for yourself, don’t worry, we’ve got a quick guide to make your experience as painless as possible.

How to use the new Skype feature

Microsoft has made this extremely straightforward, so you should be up-and-running in no time.

• Head on over to the new Skype landing page
• Click on the big Create a free meeting button
  

  Image: Skype

• Share the link generated to the people you want to conference call with, then hit Start call
  

  Image: Microsoft

• Enjoy unlimited free meetings

Microsoft has decided to not restrict this tool in any way, with the full feature set of Skype available to anyone. The meeting link won’t expire either, so it can be reused at any time.

If you’ve got the Skype app installed, you can generate your meeting links by looking for the Meet Now option, which shows up in the left menu next to New Chat.

What do you think? Is this a feature you could see yourself using? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.