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Skype for Business

Using Skype for Business for Online Classes

Sample online class meeting email showing "Join online meeting" link.At meeting time, open your Online Meeting email invitation, and then click Join online meeting in the email message.

If this is your first class using the Skype for Business software, click the join online meeting link at least 24 hours before the start of this class and follow the installation instructions below to install and test the Skype for Business Web App.

Basics of joining a Skype for Business meeting with the Skype for Business Web App

Open the meeting request in your email or calendar, and click on the Join online meeting link.

If you are using a USB microphone, USB headset, or USB webcam, please connect them before installing the Skype Meetings App or entering the meeting.

Your browser will ask how you want to join the meeting, you'll select the Skype Meetings App (web).

Screen shot showing the option to join the meeting using the "Skype Meetings App (web)" link.

If this is your first time using the Skype for Business online meeting software, follow your browser's instructions for installing the Skype for Business Web App plug-in, which is required for audio, video, and screen sharing.

Screen shot showing the Skype Web App downloading.

You may use an Edge, Chrome, Internet Explorer or Safari web browser to join the meeting. Each will instruct you do the installation in a slightly different way. This example shows you opening the app file to install it.

Screen shot showing how to open the Skype web app installer file.

Screen shot of the Skype Meetings App Welcome screen where you enter your name and click the "Join" button.
On the Skype Meetings Web App Welcome and sign-in page, type your name in the box, and select Join the meeting.

Depending on the meeting options set by the online class organizer, you'll either join the meeting immediately, or be directed to the virtual lobby.

If you're in the lobby, the meeting organizer and other presenters are immediately notified that you're waiting.

The Skype for Business Web App meeting room

You can manage all aspects of your meeting experience from the main Skype for Business Web App window.

Screen shot of the main Skype for Business Web App window.

Detail screen shot showing the open participants list option.A - Show participant list

Select Open Participant Pane to view the meeting participants.

If you're a presenter, you can also:

  • Mute everybody else in the meeting (helps reduce background noise), or hide everyone's name in the participant list.
  • Turn off the meeting IM (group chat) window. This is commonly done for large meetings where a presenter wants to use the separate Q&A Manager for more control over the discussion.

Detail screen shot of an open participant list showing the icons by each name.The participant list indicates the permissions level of each participant: either Presenter or Attendee. Only presenters can share their screens, give PowerPoint presentations, open whiteboards, and access other features, depending on how the meeting was organized.

The icons next to each name indicate whether the person is currently participating in instant messaging group chat, microphone audio, video, or content sharing in the meeting.

B - Choose meeting view

You can change the layout of the meeting window depending on what's happening and what you want to focus on. In the upper-right corner of the window, select Pick a layout and choose the meeting view you want:

  • Gallery view Shows the picture or video of everyone in the meeting.
  • Speaker view Shows the picture or video of the current speaker.
  • Presentation view is available if someone is presenting. It hides everyone's picture or video and expands your view of the meeting content.

C - Show IM (Group Chat) Window

To send an instant message (chat) to meeting participants, open the IM (chat) window, click in the message input area, and begin typing. Press Enter when you are finished typing. Your message will be received by all of the meeting participants.

D - Start or stop video

If your camera is connected and set up, you can choose to start a video conversation with other meeting participants. Select the camera button to preview your video. If you’d like to share your video, select Start My Video.

Screen shot showing the Start My Video option.

Detail screen shot showing the Unmute My Mic option.E - Mute or unmute your microphone

If your microphone or USB headset is connected and set up, you can choose to start a voice conversation with other meeting participants. Select Unmute my mic to speak, click it again to mute your microphone.

F - Share content

If the meeting organizer has given you presenter privileges, you can use the Present button to share meeting content with others. This menu includes:

  • Share content with others or view content already added.
  • View attachments (uploaded files) or manage content you've already uploaded.
  • Choose More to add a whiteboard, poll, or separate Q&A Manager window to the meeting.

G - Disconnect from audio

This disconnects your audio device but stays in the meeting. It is only used for those switching over to a telephone connection into the meeting.

H - Audio and device options

Put your audio on hold, adjust the volume, or choose a different audio device.

Detail screen shot of the meeting options menu.I - Set meeting options or exit meeting

Here you can:

  • Save your sign-in information, personalize the appearance of the IM (group chat) window, and turn logging on or off.
  • Change the font style, and turn emoticons on or off in instant messages (group chat).
  • Set and test your preferred audio and video devices.
  • Set your preferences for joining meeting audio.
  • Exit the meeting when you are done.
  • Access Microsoft's online help on the Skype Web App.

  

 

Audio, microphone, and video options

If you are using a USB microphone, USB headset, or USB webcam, please connect them before installing or entering the Skype Meetings Web App. If your USB device does not appear, try exiting the Skype Meetings Web App, reconnect your USB device and allow your computer to detect it, and then re-join the Skype Web App.

Screen shot of the audio options window.Select More Options (the three dots icon at lower right) and then the Meeting Options selection in that menu to access the Audio device and Video device windows.

The Skype for Business Web App automatically detects and selects the most compatible audio device for your meeting. Select the Audio device option to view your audio settings.

You can also change the default audio device you use for meetings if you have multiple speakers or microphones attached to your computer. This may be necessary if you are using a headset for your audio instead of a built-in device. You select the device you want to use from a drop-down list.

Screen shot of the Video device options window.The Skype for Business Web App automatically detects and selects the most compatible video device for your meeting. You can also change the default video device for meetings. Select the Video device option to view your audio settings.

You can change the default audio video you use for meetings if you have multiple video devices attached to your computer. Some devices have "front" and "back" cameras, you would use the drop-down selections here to switch between them. The preview shows the video you would be sharing during the meeting.

Skype Apps for Mobile Devices

Microsoft Skype for Business for iPhone or iPad

Microsoft Skype for Business for Android

Accessibility Information

Accessibility support for Skype for Business

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Skype for Business

Detailed info on operating system platforms, web browsers, and connected hardware

To use Skype for Business Web App or Skype Meetings App, you’ll need a supported operating system and browser.

Supported platforms: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Macintosh version 10.8 or later (Skype for Business Web App only).

Supported browsers: Edge, Internet Explorer 11, Safari (Skype for Business Web App only), Chrome 18.X or later.

Voice features require a microphone and speakers, headset with microphone, or equivalent device compatible with the computer. Video features require a video device compatible with the computer. For some features of Skype for Business Web App to work correctly, you must allow your browser to save cookies on your computer or device.

Microsoft Online Help information

Quick Start: Skype for Business Web App

Skype for Business Web App help

Microsoft Troubleshooting Links

Trouble installing the Skype for Business Web App plug-in?

Allow cookies for Skype for Business Web App

Turn on JavaScript for Skype for Business Web App

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