Skype (which is now owned by Microsoft) is available in Windows 10 as a built-in app. All you need to do to set it up is log in with your Microsoft account, click the icon from the Start menu, and provide any information you are asked for.

If you are not logged in with your Microsoft account, you can still follow the on-screen instructions that appear when you click the Skype icon, and use either an existing Skype or Microsoft account to sign-in, or create a new Skype account altogether.

A Windows 10 computer with a broadband internet connection (a dial-up connection is too slow for Skype)
Speakers and a microphone to use Skype and make Skype-to-Skype and Skype- to-phone call
A webcam if you wish to video call

You can earn free Skype gift card codes in 2019 for International video call from PayPrizes.com.

To start Skype for Windows 10 - select the ‘Start menu’. This is located on the bottom left of your screen. You can also scroll down the A-Z list and find Skype through there or search for Skype using the Cortana search bar.

If you have a microphone enabled on your computer, you can use Cortana by giving it a vocal command. Click on the Cortana search box, select the microphone icon and tell Cortana to “launch Skype”.

The shortcut for this is Windows + Q on your keyboard and this allows you to speak directly to Cortana. For easier access, you can Pin Skype to Start or Pin the app to your taskbar.

To pin to start: Right-click on the app and select Pin to start.

To pin Skype to your taskbar: Press and hold (or right-click) and app, then select More > Pin to taskbar.

When you start Skype for the first time you will receive a prompt for you to consent the app to allow access to your microphone and camera click on Allow or Block. Blocking this access will prevent you from video-calling and making voice calls. We recommend that you click ‘Allow’ to gain the full benefits of using Skype.

If you are already using Skype, you can merge your Microsoft account to your existing Skype account. Alternatively, if you are new to Skype you will have the option to join. To join you will need a valid email address.

When you launch the Skype app you will also have the option to Connect to your address book and verify your mobile phone number. To verify your number, you will need a mobile number. You can complete this when you launch the Skype app or choose to complete it later.

To log out click on your profile picture. A window will pop-up and from here scroll down and select Sign out.

Skype is a computer program that offers a VoIP ('Voice over Internet Protocol') service. This lets you make calls to people all over the world via your computers or telephone and have text chats. Calls between computers are usually free, and other Skype calls are generally inexpensive.

With more than 650 million registered users, Skype is by far the most popular VoIP service, and 'skyping' is now almost as familiar a term as 'googling'.

Skype can connect to a webcam (a small camera that may be built into your computer screen or can be bought separately). This means that you can make free video calls to anyone in the world as long as they have the same equipment and a Skype account.

You can also connect to traditional phone networks through Skype, then call any phone number on Earth from your computer. The price is usually far below average, especially for international calls. Text chats are free.

You can install an app (small computer program) on to a smartphone that lets you connect to your Skype account. That way, you can make calls for free from your phone while on the move (though you may need to use wifi for this feature).

Skype is free to sign up for and download and any costs can be dealt with on a 'pay as you go' basis, with no line rental. Subscriptions for frequent callers are available, however, as is a premium version that allows you to make group video calls.