University of Illinois Knowledgebase

If you are a Windows user, Skype for Business may be installed automatically by your department's IT pros, or you can install it yourself.

For Windows users who want to install Skype for Business themselves

The Skype for Business client is part of the Office 365 package.  You can find the Office 365 offer on the Webstore at:

https://webstore.illinois.edu/shop/product.aspx?zpid=2816

If you need to download and install the Skype for Business stand-alone client software yourself, the current download is available from:

https://webstore.illinois.edu/Shop/product.aspx?zpid=1569&shopby=2

• Of the Skype for Business downloads offered, choose the .EXE file that matches your Office installation or your computer's operating system type (32 bit or 64 bit).

• Download the .EXE file and double-click it to install Skype for Business.

Automatic software installation instructions (for IT Pros)

(Regular users can ignore this section and continue with "Starting Lync for the first time" below.)

Using GPO to push Lync to centrally managed machines (external link)
IT-Managed Installation of Lync 2010 (external link)
Group policy (external link)

Starting Skype for Business for the first time

Click Start -> All Programs -> Skype for Business.

During the first time, you will be prompted to sign in.

1. In the Sign-in address box, enter yournetid@illinois.edu
   • (Or, if you are an AITS employee, use yournetid@uillinois.edu)
2. Click the Sign In button.
3. User Name: UOFI\yournetid
4. Password: your AD password
5. Select remember password if you want this information remembered.
6. Let Lync run in the background of your computer throughout the day.

To sign out of Skype for Business

• Click File, Sign out on the menu bar if shown at the top of the Skype for Business program window.

• Click the presence state menu directly under your name at the top of the Skype for Business window and choose Sign out.

To completely quit the Skype for Business application (normally not necessary), right click the Skype for Business icon in the icon tray and choose Exit.

Setting automatic updates

For Windows Skype for Business users, automatic Microsoft updates are important. Setting automatic updates will make sure your system keeps itself current automatically.

(Optional) Adding your picture to your profile

You can reuse a Facebook or LinkedIn picture of yourself in your Lync profile if you wish.