Skype For Business Mac Version 15 Download
Hello, I'm running the latest version of Skype for Business (SkypeForBusinessInstaller-16.28.0.175.pkg ) on the latest version of macOS Catalina (10.15.4). I have read in several posts that I need to. In this article. Find and manage updates for Skype for Business Server 2019, Skype for Business Server 2015, Lync Server 2013, and Lync Server 2010 in one place. Use the links on this page to get more information about updates, and then download the updates. Download Skype for iPhone for iOS to communicate worldwide through free Skype-to-Skype video/audio calls, personalized messaging, and low-rate mobile/landline connection. Skype for iPhone has had.
There are many versions of Skype for Business. Whenever I tell a person on the phone to look for Skype for Business download on the Web, it seems for some reason they seem to struggle to find what they are looking for. To avoid confusion, I figured I will write an article that includes some useful information about Skype for Business. If you are not sure which version to download or you may not have access to Office 365, you can download the free version of Skype for Business Basic.
What is Skype for Business Basic?
Microsoft Skype for Business Basic includes online meetings, instant messaging (IM), audio and video calls, availability (presence) information, and sharing capabilities. It’s similar to GoToMeeting and WebEx but is much more flexible in many ways. This is the stand-alone version of Skype for Business. You can download the 64-bit version of Skype for Business Basic from Microsoft. So far I haven’t seen a download for a 32-bit version.
System Requirements
The following system requirements apply to the Skype for Business Basic.
- Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7
- RAM: 2 GB
- Browser: Windows Internet Explorer (IE) 10/9/8/7 or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.
NOTE: At the time of writing, Google Chrome is not on the list of supported browsers.
Different Versions of Skype
There are a lot of ways to install Skype on your computer and that’s where it gets confusing because Microsoft doesn’t offer a single page where all different flavors of Skype can be downloaded. To make matters worse, the names of the products are often changed (e.g. SkyDrive -> OneDrive, SkyDrive Pro -> OneDrive for Business, Lync -> Skype, Lync -> Skype for Business). Each name change requires millions of businesses around the world to change their documentation, update Web sites, flyers, brochures, PowerPoint slide decks, etc. In addition, there are several versions of Skype for Business. Here are the ones that I am aware of.
- Skype for Business Basic is the stand-alone version of Skype.
- Skype for Business also comes with Microsoft Office.
- Skype for Business is also included with some Office 365 subscriptions.
- A consumer version of Skype, which is simply called Skype. Sometimes Microsoft refers to it as the “non-business” version. Other names that you may read include “Skype for consumers” and “Skype for home users.”
So you can see when you tell someone to install Skype you have to be specific as to which version. At the end of this article you will find instructions on how to install the various versions of Skype for Business.
NOTE: If you install Microsoft Office, you will normally be installing the 32-bit version and the Skype for Business included with Office will be 32-bit.
Best Practice: Always install 32-bit version of Office and do not install products from two different versions of Office, such as Office 2013 and Office 2016, on one computer. Microsoft encourages you to use 32-bit Office on all 32-bit and 64-bit computers because there are extremely rare cases where you will actually need a 64-bit version of Office.
The Difference Between Skype and Skype for Business Icons
The consumer version of Microsoft Skype has a different icon than Skype for Business. The consumer version has a white S on a blue background, while the business version has a blue S on a white background, as shown below. This makes it easier to identify them if you use both of them, one for business and one for personal use.
The Difference Between Skype for Business Basic 20xx and Skype for Business 20xx in Office 365
You may find one thing confusing about Skype for Business downloads in Office 365. There are two versions of Skype for Business available for download without any explanation as to why a user should download one or the other version of Skype. I will come back to this in a minute, but let’s take a look at the software download section in Office 365 so you know what I am talking about.
If you click on the Settings wheel in the upper right hand corner in Office 365, you will see a section called Your app settings. Click the Office 365 hyperlink to go to the software download areas. You can also go to the software download section directly by using the the hyperlink https://portal.office.com/ols/mysoftware.aspx. This is where a user can download and install client software.
You will see two versions listed in Office 365. In Office 365 E1 and E3 subscriptions, you will see Skype for Business Basic and Skype for Business 2015. There is no explanation as to why there are two clients listed and which one you should select. The only hint you will find in the fine print is that the first version says “for Office 2016” in parenthesis. If you have Office 2016 installed on your desktop or laptop computer then perhaps this is the version you want to download. My understanding is that the “Basic” version includes fewer features (and hence it’s called Basic). The other version is not called Basic and is really the “Full” version, but is not called Full version. It’s just called Skype for Business 2015 or Skype for Business 2016. However, if you have Office 2016 and you want to install a full version of Skype then do you install the Skype for Business Basic (for Office 2016) or Skype for Business 2015? No matter which one you choose, it seems to me that you will be installing the wrong version. So now you know why it’s so confusing to understand all the versions of Skype, when to use which version and where to go to download the correct version. By the way, Office 2106 Professional Plus includes Skype for Business so if that’s the version you have then simply install the version of Skype that came with it and you will be in good shape.
How Many Versions of Skype are There?
Well, that’s a good question. There are way too many versions of Skype out there. There is a consumer version, a business version, a standard version, an enterprise version, a basic version, and a full version. Within a version there may be more versions. For example, Skype for Business has a Standard version and an Enterprise version. And then there is a Skype for Business for each year, e.g., Skype for Business 2015, Skype for Business 2016, etc. In addition to all the versions I’ve listed above, there are Office 365 versions which are the “online” versions of Skype and supposedly map to some versions of Office, but it’s not always clear as to which version.
Helpful Links
The good news is that Microsoft has a TechNet article that offers client comparison tables for Skype for Business. These tables compare the various features of all Skype for Business clients going back to the old Lync clients. Lync is the former name of Skype. This article was last updated on January 13, 2017, only a couple of weeks before I last updated this article on January 30, 2017. Check it out: Client comparison tables for Skype for Business Server 2015.
You may find the following links from Microsoft helpful. They include the Quick Start Guides and the instructions for installing Skype for Business.
Last Updated: January 30, 2017
Included the section The Difference Between Skype for Business Basic 20xx and Skype for Business 20xx in Office 365.
Copyright © 2016 SeattlePro Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved.
Summary: Skype for Business Server 2019 or Skype for Business Online administrators can use these tables to understand what features are supported on which clients.
Before you deploy or upgrade to Skype for Business Server, check which clients are already in use in your organization. Use the tables below to understand the feature support impact on those clients. This can help you communicate changes to users, pace the roll-out process, and fully understand the benefits of upgrading to the latest client.
Some features available with Skype for Business Server 2019 are not available in Skype for Business Online; see Online or Hybrid user account limitations for specifics. Skype for Business Online Admins may want to refer to Skype for Business Online Service Description for information on the different plans available to them.
The following tables show the features that are available with each client that works with Skype for Business Server 2019 or Skype for Business Online. You may also want to refer to Mobile client feature comparison for Skype for Business for smart phone and tablet client feature comparisons. The Client Access License or User Subscription License your organization purchases will also have an impact on which features are available to your users. Whether you deploy the Full or Basic client to users depends on the license or plan your organization chooses to buy. See the Licensing Guide for more details.
Important
Skype for Business Server 2019 and Skype for Business Online support the following previously released clients: Lync 2013, Skype for Business 2015, and Skype for Business 2016, as well as the Skype for Business 2019 client. For information about these clients when used with other servers, see the Client comparison tables for Lync Server 2013 and Desktop client feature comparison for Skype for Business 2015.
Note
The Skype for Business Web App browser client and Skype Meetings App Windows 10 app only provide Meetings support. Refer to Plan for Meetings clients (Web App and Meetings App) for more about these clients.
Enhanced Presence support
This table covers the Enhanced Presence features that extend beyond a simple indication of whether a user is online, offline, busy, etc.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015, 2016, or 2019 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publish status | ✔ | ✔ ❶ | ✔ |
| View status | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| View status notes and Out of Office messages | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Add a custom location | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Add a custom note | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Use a photo from any public site for My Picture (not available in Skype for Business Online) | ✔ | ✔ |
❶ Does not support publishing status based on calendar free/busy information.
Contacts and Contact Groups support
This table covers the features relating to managing IM and Presence contacts.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015, 2016, or 2019 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-populated Contacts list | ✔ | ||
| View and Modify Contacts list | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tag contacts for status change alerts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Control privacy relationships | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Search the corporate address book | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Search Microsoft Outlook contacts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manage contact groups | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Expand distribution groups and Microsoft 365 Groups | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Search for Response Groups (not available in Skype for Business Online) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Display recent contacts group | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Display current conversations group | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Display alternate contact views (for example, tile) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sort contacts by Group, Relationship, or New (people who've added you to their Contacts list) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Sort contacts by Status (availability) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Search and add Exchange contacts | ✔ | ✔ |
IM support
This table covers features related to IM support.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015, 2016, or 2019 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiate IM with or email to a contact | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Navigate among multiple IM conversations/Track multiple conversations in a single tabbed window | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Log IM conversations in Outlook | ✔ | ✔ If server-side conversation history is turned on | ✔ |
| Check spelling | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Skill search (with SharePoint Server integration) (On-premises Skype for Business Server and on-premises SharePoint 2013 are required for skill search.) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Persistent Chat (Group Chat) integration (not available for Skype for Business Online) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Escalate a Persistent Chat room to a Skype for Business Meeting with one click (not available for Skype for Business Online) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Inline pictures of sender and receiver in IM window | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Receive ink messages | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Set IM messages as high importance | ✔ | ✔ |
Meetings support
This table covers features related to Meetings support.
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Note
Skype for Business meeting features aren't available in Skype for Business Online Standalone Plan 1. Plan 1 is being retired.
In Skype-to-Skype sessions, a Skype for Business Online Plan 1 user can participate in desktop sharing and application sharing if they're invited by a user who has access to sharing features.For details, see the Skype for Business Online Service Description.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2016 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Skype for Business Web App | Skype for Business 2015 client | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Add computer audio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔(requires plug-in) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Add video | ✔ | ✔ | ✔(requires plug-in) | ✔ | ✔ |
| View multiparty video (gallery view) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Video-based screen sharing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ View-only | ||
| Use in-meeting presenter controls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Access detailed meeting roster | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Participate in multiparty IM | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Share the desktop (if enabled) | ✔ | ✔ ❶ | ✔ ❶ (requires plug-in) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Share a program (if enabled) | ✔ | View only | ✔(requires plug-in) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Add anonymous participants (if enabled) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Use dial-in audio meetings ❷ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Initiate a Meet Now meeting | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Add and present Microsoft PowerPoint files | ✔ | ❸ Annotations not available | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Navigate Microsoft PowerPoint files | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Add and edit OneNote meeting notes | ✔ | Edit only (not add) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Use a whiteboard | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Conduct polls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Upload files to share with others | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Schedule a meeting or conference | Outlook or Skype for Business Web Scheduler | Outlook or Skype for Business Web Scheduler | Skype for Business Web Scheduler | Outlook or Skype for Business Web Scheduler | Outlook or Lync Web Scheduler |
| Q&A Manager | ✔ | ||||
| Disable attendee video | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Disable meeting IM | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Mute Audience | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Make everyone an attendee | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Produce Skype Meeting Broadcast | ✔ | ||||
| Delegate can schedule a meeting on behalf of delegator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Synchronize delegates between Skype for Business and Outlook | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Set Video Spotlight (lock video) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Give/Take control of screen sharing | ✔ | ✔ |
❶ Participants can't control desktops that are shared by Skype for Business on Mac, Lync for Mac 2011, or Communicator for Mac 2011 users. Skype for Business on Mac, Lync for Mac 2011 and Communicator for Mac 2011 users can't control desktops shared by Windows users. This also won't work for Skype for Business Web App on Max OSX.
❷ For Skype for Business Online, this feature requires Microsoft PSTN Conferencing, Exchange Unified Messaging, or a third-party audio conferencing provider.
❸ The Lync for Mac 2011 client cannot view Microsoft Office 2013 PowerPoint presentations when they have been shared in a conference by the Skype for Business Web App.
❹ For Skype for Business 2016 apps, you must be using Click-to-Run, build 16.0.4227 or later.
➀ For Skype for Business 2015 apps, you must have the September Update, build 15.0.4747 or later.
Voice (Telephony) support
This table covers features related to voice services support.
Note
Skype for Business Voice (Telephony) features are limited to certain Skype for Business Online subscription plans. For details, see the Skype for Business Online Service Description.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015, 2016, or 2019 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiate a call | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Click to call a contact | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Transfer a call | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manage call forwarding | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ ❶ |
| Manage team call settings | ✔ | ✔ ❶ | |
| Manage delegates | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ ❶ |
| Initiate a call to a Response Group | ✔ | ✔ ❶ | |
| Support emergency services (E-911) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ ❶ |
| IM notification to SIP URI(s) for E-911 call | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| IM notification to distribution list for E-911 call | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Connect to voice mail, set up or change greeting | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ ❶ |
| Missed call notification | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ ❶ |
| Make calls on behalf of another contact (manager/delegate scenario) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ ❶ |
| Handle another's calls if configured as a delegate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ ❶ |
| Call park | ✔ | ✔ ❶ | |
| Group call pickup | ✔ | ✔ ❶ | |
| Location-based routing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manage Response Group/Team call group | ✔ | ✔ |
❶ This feature isn't available in Skype for Business Online.
External users support
This table covers features related to support for external users homed on the PSTN.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015, 2016, or 2019 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiate IM with a public contact | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Initiate IM with a federated contact | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Conduct two-party or multiparty calls with external users (not available in Skype for Business Online) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Recording support
This table covers features related to support for recording meetings.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015, 2016, or 2019 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client-side recording of audio, video, application sharing, desktop sharing, and uploaded content | ✔ ❶ | ✔ ❶ | |
| Client-side recording of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations | ✔ ❷ | ✔ ❷ | |
| Select preferred recording resolution | ✔ | ✔ |
Skype For Business Mac Version 15 Download Windows 7
❶ Recording is unavailable in certain Skype for Business Online standalone plans. Recording requires full Skype for Business client rights.
❷ Recording of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations is unavailable in Skype for Business Online.
Modern Authentication
This table covers features requiring support for modern authentication.
Modern authentication also requires a topology described in Skype for Business topologies supported with Modern Authentication.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015, 2016, or 2019 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Authentication | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-factor Authentication | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cert -Based Authentication | ✔(Domain-joined device only) | ✔ | ✔(Domain-joined device only) |
| Kerberos Authentication | ✔ | ✔ |
Archiving, compliance, and logging support
This table covers features related to support for archiving and logging functions.
| Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015, 2016, or 2019 client | Skype for Business on Mac | Lync 2013 client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archiving of IM conversations in Outlook Conversation History | ✔ ❶ | ✔ If server-side conversation history is turned on | ✔ ❶ |
| Client-side archiving of audio, video, application sharing, desktop sharing, and uploaded content | ✔ ❶ | ✔ ❶ | |
| Client-side archiving of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations (unavailable in Skype for Business Online) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Access sign-in logs from Skype for Business icon in the task bar | ✔ | ✔ |
❶ For Skype for Business Online users, this feature requires Exchange Online and is controlled by the user's Exchange mailbox In-Place Hold attribute.
Client limitations
Basic client limitations
The features below are available using the Full client and are not available with the Basic client:
Manage team call settings
Manage delegates
Make calls on behalf of another contact (manager/delegate scenario)
Handle another's calls if configured as a delegate
Manage a high volume of calls
Initiate a call to a Response Group
Call park
Change greeting
Group call pickup
Online or Hybrid user account limitations
User accounts can exist either Online or On-premises, and that will affect the features available to that user. Users with accounts on Skype for Business Online will not have access to the following features, even with the Full client:
Enhanced Presence: Use a photo from any public site for My Picture
Contacts: Search for Response Groups
IM Support: Persistent Chat (Group Chat) integration
IM Support: Escalate a Persistent Chat room to a Skype for Business Meeting with one click
External Users: Conduct two-party or multiparty calls with external users