The latest Skype Preview version runs on Electron instead of React Native

Skype on Windows 10 (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

The latest version of Skype Preview is powered by Electron rather than React Native.
The move could remove several features from the Skype Preview app.
The change comes with v8.58.76.92 of Skype Preview.

According to podcaster Florian B, swapping to Electron rather than React Native removed several features, including:

People app integration
Syncing with Outlook
Automatic Microsoft account sign in
App pausing and working in the background
A title bar that follows Fluent Design guidelines
In-line notifications

The app icon in the taskbar for the latest version of Skype Preview is also an older icon. In a follow-up tweet, Florian B added that push notifications and OS call integration are gone in the latest version of the app.

As this is a preview version of Skype, Microsoft could make significant changes before rolling things out to the public.

If you'd like to test out Skype Preview, you can sign up to try it on Microsoft's website.

TOPICS

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.