Skype MSI Installers: A Comprehensive Guide for IT Professionals

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Skype has long been a staple communication tool for businesses and individuals alike. However, with the rise of Microsoft Teams and other modern collaboration platforms, Skype has become increasingly outdated and Microsoft have stopped releasing updates. Despite this, many IT professionals still require Skype installations for legacy systems or specific use cases.

This guide provides a detailed overview of deploying Skype via MSI installers, including installation, uninstallation, and silent deployment methods.

Downloading Skype MSI Installers

The MSI installers for various Skype versions can be downloaded from the following repository: Skype MSI Installer Archive

These installers are useful for enterprise deployments, automated installations, and environments requiring centralized management.

Installing Skype Using MSI

For IT professionals deploying Skype across multiple machines, MSI installers allow for streamlined deployment using Group Policy or scripting.

Standard Installation

To install Skype using an MSI file, run the following command in an elevated Command Prompt or script:

msiexec /i Skype.msi /qn

This installs Skype silently without user intervention.

Custom Installation Parameters

MSI installers support additional parameters for customization. Some useful options include:

• /qb – Basic UI during installation
• /qn – Silent installation (no UI)
• ALLUSERS=1 – Installs for all users

Example:

msiexec /i Skype.msi ALLUSERS=1 /qn

Uninstalling Skype via MSI

To remove Skype using an MSI package, use the following command:

msiexec /x Skype.msi /qn

If the MSI file is no longer available, use the Skype Product Code from the Windows registry:

wmic product where "name like 'Skype%'" get IdentifyingNumber

Then use:

msiexec /x {ProductCode} /qn

Silent Deployment for Enterprise Environments

For IT teams deploying Skype at scale, silent installation methods allow deployment without user interaction. Common use cases include:

• Group Policy (GPO) deployment
• Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM) rollout
• Automated deployment scripts

Group Policy Deployment

1. Place the Skype.msi file in a shared network location.
2. Open Group Policy Management and create a new GPO.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Software Settings > Software Installation.
4. Right-click and select New > Package, then browse to the MSI file.
5. Choose Assigned for automatic deployment.

PowerShell Deployment

A PowerShell script can be used for automated installation:

Start-Process msiexec.exe -ArgumentList "/i Skype.msi /qn" -Wait

Considerations When Using Skype

While this guide provides technical details on deploying Skype, it is important to note:

• Skype is considered outdated – Microsoft Teams and other platforms are recommended.
• Microsoft no longer actively develops Skype for Business – Consider migrating to a modern collaboration tool.
• Security risks – Older versions may have vulnerabilities.

FAQ

Is Skype still supported by Microsoft?

Microsoft continues to support Skype, but its focus has shifted to Microsoft Teams. Skype for Business Online was retired in 2021.

Can I still deploy Skype in an enterprise environment?

Yes, but it is recommended to transition to a more modern solution like Microsoft Teams.

What are the benefits of using MSI installers over EXE files?

MSI installers support silent deployment, centralized management, and integration with enterprise deployment tools like SCCM and GPO.

How do I remove Skype completely?

Use the msiexec /x Skype.msi /qn command or retrieve the Product Code from the registry and use msiexec /x {ProductCode} /qn.

Glossary

• MSI Installer: A Windows Installer package format that allows for easy deployment and management of software.
• Silent Installation: An installation process that does not require user input.
• Group Policy (GPO): A feature in Windows that allows IT admins to manage configurations across multiple devices.
• SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager): A Microsoft tool for managing software deployment across an organization.

This guide serves as a reference for IT professionals needing to install or manage Skype deployments efficiently. While Skype remains available, considering modern alternatives is strongly recommended for long-term support and security.