Skype for Desktop is a telecommunications application that specializes in providing video chat, voice calls and instant messaging services. This article will serve as an informative guide and give you a clear understanding of how to perform a silent installation of Skype for Desktop from the command line using both the EXE & MSI installers.
How to Install Skype for Desktop Silently
Skype for Desktop Silent Install (EXE)
- Navigate to: https://go.skype.com/windows.desktop.download
- Download the Skype-w.x.y.z.exe to a folder created at (C:\Downloads)
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- Navigate to the C:\Downloads folder
- Enter the following command:
Skype-w.x.y.z.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /DL=1
- Press Enter
After a few moments you should see the Skype Desktop Shortcut appear. You will also find entries in the Start Menu, Installation Directory, and Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
| Software Title: | Skype for Desktop |
| Vendor: | Skype Technologies S.A. |
| Architecture: | x86 |
| Installer Type: | EXE |
| Silent Install: | |
| Silent Uninstall Switch (32-bit System) | "%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft\Skype for Desktop\unins000.exe" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
| Silent Uninstall Switch (64-bit System) | "%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft\Skype for Desktop\unins000.exe" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
| Download Link: | https://go.skype.com/windows.desktop.download |
| PowerShell Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/skype-for-desktop-install-and-uninstall-powershell/ |
| Detection Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/create-a-custom-detection-script-for-skype-for-desktop-powershell/ |
Skype for Desktop Silent Install (MSI)
- Navigate to: https://go.skype.com/msi-download
- Download the Skype-w.x.y.z.msi to a folder created at (C:\Downloads)
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- Navigate to the C:\Downloads folder
- Enter the following command:
MsiExec.exe /i Skype-w.x.y.z.msi /qn - Press Enter
After a few moments you should see the Skype Desktop Shortcut appear. You will also find entries in the Start Menu, Installation Directory, and Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
| Software Title: | Skype for Desktop |
| Vendor: | Skype Technologies S.A. |
| Architecture: | x86 |
| Installer Type: | MSI |
| Silent Install: | |
| Silent Uninstall Switch: | |
| Repair Command: | |
| Download Link: | https://go.skype.com/msi-download |
| PowerShell Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/skype-for-desktop-install-and-uninstall-powershell/ |
| Detection Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/create-a-custom-detection-script-for-skype-for-desktop-powershell/ |
The information above provides a quick overview of the software title, vendor, silent install, and silent uninstall switches. The download links provided take you directly to the vendors website. Continue reading if you are interested in additional details and configurations.
Additional Configurations
Create a Skype for Desktop Installation Log File
The Skype for Desktop installers offer the option to generate a log file during installation to assist with troubleshooting should any problems arise. You can use the following command to create a verbose log file with details about the installation.
Skype for Desktop Silent Install (EXE) with Logging
Skype-w.x.y.z.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /DL=1 /LOG="%WINDIR%\Temp\Skype-Install.log" |
Skype for Desktop Silent Install (MSI) with Logging
MsiExec.exe /i Skype-w.x.y.z.msi /qn /L*v "%WINDIR%\Temp\Skype-Install.log" |
Change the Skype for Desktop Default Installation Directory
You can also change the default installation directory by using the following command line parameters. In this example, I’m installing Skype to “C:\Skype”
Skype for Desktop (EXE)
Skype-w.x.y.z.exe /DIR="C:\Skype" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /DL=1 |
How to Uninstall Skype for Desktop Silently
Check out the following posts for a scripted solution:
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- Enter one of the following commands:
Skype for Desktop Silent Uninstall (EXE) on 32-bit System
"%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft\Skype for Desktop\unins000.exe" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
Skype for Desktop Silent Uninstall (EXE) on 64-bit System
"%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft\Skype for Desktop\unins000.exe" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
Skype for Desktop Silent Uninstall (MSI)
MsiExec.exe /x Skype-w.x.y.z.msi /qn |
Always make sure to test everything in a development environment prior to implementing anything into production. The information in this article is provided “As Is” without warranty of any kind.