To get Skype working on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS quickly, users can add Microsoft's official repository and use apt for installation. The Snap version of Skype often lags behind the latest updates, but adding the Microsoft repo guarantees the newest stable build. This process involves downloading Microsoft's GPG key to let apt trust packages from Microsoft, then creating a repository file that tells apt where to find Skype.

Get Skype Working on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS in Minutes

Ubuntu 22.04 users who want to stay connected via the classic desktop app can install it quickly by adding Microsoft’s official repository and using apt. The process is straightforward, but a few tweaks make the whole thing painless.

Why the Official Snap Might Not Be Enough

The Snap version of Skype that ships with Ubuntu often lags behind the latest updates. Users who upgraded from 20.04 to 22.04 found their installed Snap silently uninstalled during the upgrade, leaving them with a blank “Skype not found” message. Adding the Microsoft repo guarantees you’re running the newest stable build.

Setting Up the Microsoft Repository

1. Download Microsoft’s GPG key – this lets apt trust packages from Microsoft.

   curl https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > microsoft.gpg
   

2. Move the key to the trusted keyring.

   sudo install -o root -g root -m 644 microsoft.gpg /usr/share/keyrings/
   

3. Create the repository file – this tells apt where to find Skype.

   echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/ms-teams stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/skype-stable.list
   

Why it matters – Without the key and repo, apt will refuse to install or upgrade Skype because it can’t verify authenticity.

Installing Skype via Apt

Now update your package list and install:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install skypeforlinux

The command pulls the latest .deb file from Microsoft’s servers. It installs all dependencies automatically, so you won’t have to chase missing libraries.

Quick Fix for Broken Dependencies

Sometimes Ubuntu’s default policy may flag a dependency mismatch, especially if you’ve previously installed an older Snap version:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

If that still fails, force reinstall with:

sudo apt install --reinstall skypeforlinux

These commands resolve most “dependency problems” without touching your personal files.

Launching and Signing In

Once installed, launch Skype from the Activities overview or run:

skypeforlinux

The first time you open it, sign in with your Microsoft account. If a “Windows error” pops up—common when using 32‑bit libraries—make sure your system is fully updated:

sudo apt full-upgrade

Now you’re ready to chat.