You are probably familiar with Skype and have used it at one point.

It’s great for friends, families, and even small businesses. You can do a lot of communication, chats, and calls with it.

But if you have a business and you need to meet with 30-50 members of your team, you can’t use the free Skype that you use at home.

You’ll need to download Skype for Business so you can add up to 250 people to your online meetings.

If you already have Office 365 for Business, then you can use Skype for Business as it’s included in the plan.

If you don’t, then read along to learn how to download and set up Skype for Business for Windows or Mac.

But first, let’s see what’s different in this Skype version.

What Is Skype For Business?

Skype for Business lets you securely connect and communicate with your team anywhere around the world.

It can actually replace phone systems, web meeting solutions, instant messaging software, and conferencing services.

So if you still have different tools for each of the purposes above, switching to Skype for Business can save you money while increasing your team’s efficiency.

Let’s see what it can do.

• It Can Hold Up To 250 People Online. 

While both Skype versions are part of Office 365 and feature messaging, calls, and video calls, Skype for Business can hold up to 250 people in a single meeting. Regular Skype can only host up to 20 people.

• It Can Replace Your Phone System.

Still, using the traditional telephone in the office? You can clear up that physical space for a succulent or a potted plant to help you relax.

Skype for Business is capable of direct call routing and calling toll-free numbers. You can still do the usual phone basics like holding, forwarding, and transferring calls. And yep, you can still do voicemails.

• It Gives You Flexible Communication

With Skype for Business, you have 3 ways on how to communicate with your team:

• Messaging
• Voice calls
• Video calls

It depends fully on your need and preference. You have pure control over it!

You can easily see when your contacts are available online, in a meeting, or presenting. Or broadcast online to reach a larger batch of audience. Or share your screen during meetings and give others a way to share their feedback and questions.

And it doesn’t end there. You can use Skype for Business in other Microsoft Office Programs, too. Use it to chat, call, or join a meeting with just one click!

• It Goes Way Beyond Your Team

Since Skype has additional features including PSTN calling and conferencing, you can connect not only with your employees but with business partners around the world.

No need to meet when calls and video calls can make up for it.

• It’s Way More Secure

There’s no need to worry about having sensitive information leak during important phone calls.

Skype for Business set industrial-strength security. It has server-to-server authentication, role-based access control, and centralized storage of configuration data.

We won’t go into the technical details, but this means that when you use Skype for Business, you reduce the avenues of attack on your business.

Ready to give it a try?

How To Download And Set Up Skype For Business On Your Windows Or Mac

Skype for Business is available both for Windows and Mac users.

Just download it from Office 365 or directly from Microsoft and then you can freely install it.

Just follow the steps here. For this article, we’re installing Skype for Business on a Mac.

Step 1. Download Skype For Business

There are 2 ways on how to download the business version of Skype.

The first one is through Office 365. The second is by going directly to Microsoft.

Then, you’ll find this page, along with the details, system requirements, and installation instructions.

If you choose to go through Office 365, sign in to your account. Then, go to ‘Settings’ and proceed to the Office 365 page.

On the Office 365 page, select Skype for Business.

Hit download.

Step 2. Install Skype For Business

After a few minutes, the software will be available for installation. Open the folder where it has been downloaded…

And just follow the instructions.

Don’t worry if you are not sure which edition you will need. You can always choose the default option then click on Install.

When this prompt appears, just click ‘OK’.

You’ll see a notification when the installation is complete.

Step 3. After Installation 

Go to your Launchpad to access the Skype for Business icon. As you can see, it looks different from the regular Skype icon. Skype for Business has an outline style instead of the filled icon.

You can now sign in to your account for the first time and set it up!

Step 4. Set Up Your Skype For Business Account

You’re now ready to sign in to Skype for Business for the first time!

Follow the instructions to set up your account.

Remember, you need to sign in using the Skype for Business account provided by your organization.

Congratulations, you’re now ready to start joining your organization for online meetings on your Mac.

You can opt to let it remember your details for hassle-free signing in.

Which Version Of Office Includes Skype For Business?

Skype for Business is part of the Microsoft 365 suite of products, particularly Office 2007, Office 2010, Office 2013, Office 2016, Office 2019 (Professional Plus 2019 only), and Office 365 (some plans only).

Note that some Office 365 plans don’t include the full Skype for Business client. For these plans, you can get Skype for Business Basic without additional cost.

Just get the Skype for Business download from the Microsoft 365 portal, and then install it on your computer.

Also, if you have Office 2007, note that Skype for Business 2016 won’t be fully integrated with your Office programs. Like you won’t see your co-workers when you type an email in Outlook. You won’t see whether they’re available, busy, or away, but you can chat and have conferences with co-workers.

Installing Skype For Business With Office 2007, 2010 or 2013

In case you’re wondering what will happen when you install Skype for Business 2016 on a Windows or Mac computer with an existing Office 2007, 2010, or 2013, here’s your answer.

You Can Safely Install And Use Skype For Business 2016.

Doing so will NOT overwrite your existing programs.

But if you are a Microsoft 365 ProPlus user, read these instructions here.

Why Do You Need To Download Skype For Business?

If you want the added security and the capability to hold online conferences for hundreds of people online, it’s best to upgrade to Skype for Business.

Its added productivity features help you and your co-workers stay in touch and be efficient across the Microsoft 365 apps. You can have pure control over the software and have secure and worry-free meetings and discussions.

It lets you do the actual work by removing the stress, hassle, and unnecessary costs of other redundant office tools (like your landline phones).

Check out the available Microsoft Office with a lifetime license here and start enjoying Skype for Business.

If you have any questions, click on the orange pop-up button on the lower left to talk to our support specialists.