Sending SMS Messages with Skype and Windows 10

Author: Joe Martin, Date: 2016-11-25

Using Skype through Windows 10 to send SMS messages is pretty easy. Read how to do just that with our tutorial.

SMS messages are a fast way to send information to someone. SMS messages are sent every second of every day and they are one of the biggest ways people communicate small amounts of data. Whether it is someone texting a friend or family member or texting a team member for work or school, it has become a widely used form of communication. Skype has recently introduced a way for people to send SMS messages through their system and Windows 10. To do this, you only need to follow these steps using your computer.

1. Make Skype your default messaging app. On your Windows phone, you can launch Skype Preview. On this screen, you will go to settings and select “Make Skype your default messaging app.” If you are doing this on your Windows PC, you will launch Skype Preview and then select “Enable Skype on this device to sync my SMS messages.” If you plan on using both your Windows phone and your Windows PC, you will need to enable this on both devices. As with any setting, you can always change this back at any time you wish to resume normal text messaging features.
2. Start your conversation. Once your settings are updated to allow Skype to send SMS messages for you, all you have to do to begin sending them is to create a conversation. You can create a one on one SMS message or even create a group chat. To do this, while in Skype, you will just need to press the + button from the Recent list. This will allow you to create a new conversation. Add one person for a one on one chat and add multiple people for a group chat. If some of your contacts are not on Skype, the app will automatically ensure the right format is sent so everyone can get the message. If there are multiple options, then you will get an option to use Skype or SMS for the format.
3. Switch between SMS and Skype when needed. Just because you set up Skype to be your default SMS app, you can switch between the two whenever you wish. The only way to do this, however, is by having both the Skype name and phone number in your contact list. If this information is stored, you will see a spot in your one on one chat that says “via.” If you click on that, you can select whether you want to send the message through Skype or as an SMS. You will also have to choose the right number by clicking on the gear symbol if there are multiple ones listed.

Setting up Skype for your SMS message on Windows is fairly easy. If you are having trouble, be sure to contact our Vancouver office via (604) 986-8170 or info@compunet.ca. At Compunet InfoTech, we always want to help you become more technologically savvy.