How to Use Skype's Split View Mode in Windows 10

Open individual windows for every chat

What to Know

  • Launch Skype and log in. Select More (three dots) > Enable split view mode.
  • Each time you select a contact under Calls section, a new window opens with the conversation.
  • Drag windows to move them. Select Minimize to hide a window temporarily.

This article explains how to use Split View in Skype for Windows 10 so you have a unique window for each conversation and a separate one for your contact list. Instructions cover Skype version 14 and later for Windows 10.

How to Enable Split View Mode in Skype on Windows 10

The command to enable Split View is under the More menu in Skype. Here's where to find it.

  1. Enter Skype into Windows Search, then select Open when the results populate.

    A screenshot of Windows 10 searching for Skype
  2. Select Sign in or create, then enter your username and password in the following windows.

    Sign in or create button on Skype's sign-in screen
  3. Select the horizontal ellipsis menu in the upper-right corner of the contact window, and then select Enable split view mode.

    Enable split view mode in Skype's main menu
  4. To disable Split View mode, select the horizontal ellipsis menu in the upper-right corner of the contact window, then select Disable split view mode.

    Disable split view mode in Skype main menu

How to Use Split View in Skype for Windows 10

After you activate Split View, you have more options for how to view your Skype conversations. Here's what to do with the feature after it's on.

  1. Open existing conversations, or select a contact to start a new one. With Split View on, each time you select a contact under the Calls section, a new window opens that contains the conversation. Your contacts list stays separate, unlike the default view, which has a contacts list in the left pane while a single, selected conversation appears in the right pane.

    Existing conversation selected in Skype
  2. With each conversation in a separate window, drag windows on the desktop to move windows to a different location.

    Separate windows for each Skype chat
  3. Select Minimize to hide a window temporarily without closing it.

    Minimize button in Skype
  4. When windows are minimized, you can access a window from the taskbar by hovering over the Skype icon and selecting the one you want to expand.

    All Skype chats in the Windows taskbar

What Is Skype's Split View Mode?

The Skype Split View mode is an alternate way to use the communication service. It keeps your conversations organized, so you're not relying on push notifications and fumbling around with multiple contacts and chats.

Unlike the default view, which puts everything into a single window, Split View mode creates a unique window for each conversation and a separate one for your contact list. When it's active, you can see each panel simultaneously. Tiling conversations this way lets you stay on top of your chats without selecting around to find new messages.

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