Use a screen reader to view and navigate a profile in Skype for Windows

Screen reader users using Skype can use this article, part of the Skype Accessibility content set, to communicate with Skype. Visit Skype Support for more general information.

View and navigate the profile of a contact or someone you have chatted with using Microsoft Skype with your keyboard and a screen reader, such as NVDA or Narrator. The profile allows you to initiate calls or chats, block or remove contacts, and change chat settings. Skype version 16 or later is recommended for use with the information provided in this article. You can find more information about how to update Skype at How do I update Skype?

View a profile

• Depending on whether you wish to view a Skype contact’s profile or a chat session, press either Alt+1 or Alt+2 to access the Skype chat list.

• You can open a context menu by pressing the Menu key while in the Chats or Contacts list.

• You can hear “View profile” by pressing the Down arrow key. It opens a dialog box called User profile.

Navigate to a profile.

Profiles of contacts and chat partners allow you to take many actions.

Add a contact to favorites

You can toggle it on by pressing Enter when you hear “Add to favorites” in a profile. In the Skype Chats or Contacts list, favorites appear at the top.

Rename a contact

• By pressing Tab, you will hear “Edit Profile” and you will need to press Enter.

• You will hear the contact’s name after pressing the Tab key. Name the contact with the new name.

• Then press Enter after hearing the word “Save”.

Start a chat or call

Chatting or calling a contact can be done in the following ways:

• The Tab key is used to open a chat window with the contact by pressing Enter after hearing “Send message.”

• Enter the key once you hear “Start call” before pressing the Tab key.

• Then press Enter after hearing “Start video call,” which begins the video call.

• Pressing the Tab key a few times until you hear the words “Start private conversation” will allow you to invite a friend to a private conversation by sending an invitation. Turn the computer off and press Enter to start a private conversation. An encrypted conversation encrypts all communication, including messages, media files, and phone calls.

Use the Chat gallery

You can find a number of files, images, and links to web pages in the Chat gallery when you are chatting. In addition to browsing previously shared content, you will be able to add more content to the list as well.

• You can open a chat gallery by pressing the Tab key until you hear the message “A chat gallery is open,” followed by Enter. It is now possible to open the chat gallery after closing the profile.

• Using the Tab key on your keyboard, you will hear “Media filter menu,” which will allow you to filter the content in the Chat gallery. Press Enter once you hear that message. To select an option, use the Up and Down arrow keys, then press the Enter key when you have chosen what you want, and then you can select it.

• You can share a file by pressing Tab until you hear “Drop here to share,” and then pressing Enter to display the dialog box for selecting a file to share. You can share a file by selecting it, pressing the Tab key until you hear “Open,” then pressing the Enter key until you have shared the file.

Configure chat settings

The chat profile settings can be accessed from the chat profile page. The option of turning on or off notifications is available as well as deleting entire conversations. It is also possible to toggle notifications separately for private chats, delete private chats, or end private chats if you have opened one, which enables you to continue chatting with no end-to-end encryption at this time.

• The Tab key needs to be used until the “Chat settings” appear in a chat profile, then press the Enter key.

• Then press the Enter key once you have heard the setting you want, and then press the Tab key again until you hear it once again.

Remove or block a contact

To remove a contact:

• To remove a contact from your contact list, in a profile, press the Tab key until you hear “Remove from your contact list” followed by Enter. You will now be able to remove the contact from your contact list from the window.

• In order to confirm the removal, press Enter on your keyboard.

To block a contact:

• It is possible to block a contact in a user profile by pressing the Tab key until you hear “Block contact,” followed by the Enter key.

• As you press the Tab key, you will hear the message: Report abuse from this person. You can select the option by pressing the Spacebar or hitting the tab key until the text appears. By pressing the Tab key until the reason for your report starts to be heard and then pressing the Spacebar again, you will be able to select a reason to report.

• It will take you a few moments to hear the word “block,” but once you do, press Enter.

Assisting customers with disabilities with technical support

The goal of Microsoft is to ensure that all our customers have the most enjoyable experience possible. Please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance if you have a disability or have any questions related to accessibility. In addition to being trained in the use of many popular assistive technologies, the Disability Answer Desk support team members are capable of providing assistance in a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. If you are looking for the contact information for your region on the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site, please click here.

We strongly recommend that you contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk if you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use split window view in Skype?

On the desktop version of Skype, how do I get the split window view to work?

• Choose the option that you want. Menus can be found here.

• Ensure that the Split View mode is enabled.

• There are now separate windows for your contacts and conversations, and you can place them wherever you like on your screen.

What is split view mode in Skype?

Whether you are opening an existing conversation or creating a new one, you can choose a contact from the list. A new window will open each time that you select a contact under the Calls section while you have Split View on, containing the conversation which you had with the contact.

What is Skype Speaker View?

On the lower right of the screen when you are using the Speaker view, the portrait of the presenter will be displayed. When someone is speaking, the portrait will change to that person’s portrait.

Can you share two screens on Skype?

If your PC has more than one screen, click on the screen you wish to share, then click the Start Sharing button beside the screen you want to share. The PC’s sound will also be streamed via the toggle switch, if you wish to do so. The final step is to share your screen with the other person!

Where is the Switch View button on Skype?

On smartphones and tablets, you can select the view you would like to see in Skype by pressing on the screen. You can switch between grid view and speaker view by tapping the Grid View button located at the top right of the screen. By tapping on the Speaker View button, you will be able to switch back to the grid view.

How do I minimize my screen on Skype?

You can close Skype by clicking on the red “X” icon in the upper-right corner of the application’s window in order to do so. In the System Tray, the app will remain open under the Skype icon, and it will remain minimized in the background.

What is beta screen on Skype?

We usually release beta versions of our software in terms of their newest features, and they’re a fantastic way to test out the latest version of our software before it’s officially released. As well as getting feedback on our software, it helps us learn more about what people think.

How do I enable screen sharing on Skype?

Due to Skype’s understanding of privacy, you can only share applications on your devices. Share your window by clicking on screen sharing, and you won’t have to worry about sharing your private information.

Does Skype screen sharing allow remote control?

When using Skype, you can share the screen with the user by calling them and connecting to the remote desktop.

How do I get rid of split screen on Skype?

The steps. Using View > Split Window > Remove Split, you can remove the split when the screen has been split vertically or horizontally.

What is Skype screen sharing?

Using Skype to share. Sharing with your contacts on Skype can be done in many different ways. As an example, you can share the screen of what is on your computer screen, such as a specific website you are using or another type of software that you are using, using screen sharing.

Can Skype Share Screen and Audio?

In the top right corner of your screen, you will see a video call icon. Your device’s speaker is automatically turned off by Skype by default. Tap on the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner and then tap on “Share Screen.” Once that is done, you will be able to hear what’s going on in your speakers by turning them on or off.

Why is there no sound when I share my screen on Skype?

Check the audio settings on your Skype account

Under the Audio Settings option, make sure that your current audio device is set as the default device. Select Settings by clicking on More options (the three dots) at the top of the screen. You will need to select the device you wish to use after clicking the Audio & Video tab. Make sure the volume is loud and audible as well.

All images and contents credit goes to support.skype.com