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Information Technology Services

General Questions

Skype for Business integrates instant messaging (IM), PC-to-PC audio and video, document and screen sharing capabilities, and Web Conferencing functionality into one easy to use unified platform that will contribute to greater collaboration and more effective communication. Below, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about Skype for Business.

What are the computer system requirements for Skype for Business?

Supported operating systems include Windows 7, Windows 10, and Mac OS X (v10.5.8 or later) with Intel-based processor.

Operating System Processor RAM Video Card Memory
Windows 7 Intel Pentium 4, AMD Athlon 64, or equivalent 2 GB 128 MB
Windows 10 Intel Pentium 4, AMD Athlon 64, or equivalent 2 GB 128 MB
Mac OS X (v10.5.8 or later)* Intel-based 1 GB 64 MB

Can i disable Skype for Business from automatically starting up?

  1. With Skype for Business open, click the Gear icon on the right-hand side to automatically open the Options dialog box

    -or-

    Click the down arrow near the Gear icon and select Tools then Options
  2. Click Personal from the left-hand panel

    Note: The Skype for Business Options dialog box for Personal displays on the right-hand side.
  3. Deselect Automatically start the app when I log on to Windows under the My account section
  4. Deselect Start the app in foreground
  5. Click OK

    Note: Under the section titled Personal information manager, you have the option to make changes to your presence status (which by default is based on your Outlook calendar) and how you want to save your message conversations. Make any desired changes and click OK.

Why can't I join a meeting from Mozilla Firefox?

Firefox version 52 and above has discontinued support for the Skype for Business NPAPI plugin for Windows and Mac machines. We recommend that you copy the meeting hyperlink from “Join Skype Meeting” and paste into other supported browsers Internet Explorer or Safari.

  1. Open meeting invitation from Outlook Calendar
  2. Right-click on the Join Skype Meeting and then click Copy
  3. Open IE (Windows) or Safari (Mac)
  4. Click in address bar
  5. Right-click and then click Paste

How do I obtain Skype for Business for Mac client?

Skype for Business for Mac are now included as part of Microsoft Office 365. You can download Microsoft Office 365 for Mac from . You will need to log in with your Pace Portal username and password.

What username and password do I use to log into Skype for Business?

You log in using your Pace Portal username and password.

How do I add a picture portrait photo to my Skype for Business profile?

Please refer to the article for instructions to add a picture portrait photo to your profile.

How do i start an unscheduled online meeting?

  1. Sign on to Skype for Business
  2. Click the down arrow near the Gear icon and select Meet Now
  3. Select your desired meeting audio
  4. Click OK
  5. Click Invite More People icon
  6. Search by name, phone number or email and click OK

    Note: to select multiple contacts, hold down the Ctrl key, and then click the contacts.

How do I start a conference call with multiple contacts?

  1. In the Skype for Business main window, in your Contacts list, select the contacts that you want to call
  2. Right-click any one of the selected contacts, select Start a Conference Call, and then click Skype Call

How do I share my desktop or monitors?

  1. In the Skype for Business main window, in your Contacts list, double-click a contact’s name
  2. When the conversation window opens, click the Share Content icon and select Share your Desktop...
  3. Choose which monitors to share and click Share

    Note: whenever you are sharing or presenting, a bar at the top of the window will display: ”Currently sharing”.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about Skype for Business?

If there are any issues or concerns, please report them to the ITS Help Desk at (914) 773-3333 (pacehelpdesk@pace.edu) or online at .