Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How do I get Skype to stop asking me to update my browser (or install IE)?

more options

Every time I start Skype, it asks me to update my browser and it helpfully offers me a link to download IE. Why does this happen and what can I do to stop it?

Every time I start Skype, it asks me to update my browser and it helpfully offers me a link to download IE. Why does this happen and what can I do to stop it?

Chosen solution

Yes, there has been a Skype plugin for Firefox, but the Firefox installation that you posted here with doesn't seen to have that plugin. Per your Additional System Details > Installed Plug-ins.

In the old days before Microsoft bought Skype (May 2011), the plugin for Firefox would have been automatically installed with the Skype program. Apparently the installation has been changed by Microsoft.


Sorry, the best I could come with is these Skype support articles:

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA10328/what-do-i-need-to-start-using-skype "If you're using Windows XP SP3, make sure you're using Internet Explorer 8 or above."

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12316/what-is-the-skype-web-plugin-and-how-do-i-install-it?q=Skype+for+Firefox Do all browsers support the Skype web plugin? "On Windows desktop: Internet Explorer 9 and higher, Firefox and Chrome."

How do I install the Skype web plugin? "There are two easy ways to install the Skype web plugin. When you first open Skype for Web you will receive a prompt:"

"Or when you first open the Skype application on Outlook.com, Slack or Office 365 or receive a Skype call, you'll be asked to install the plugin:"

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (3)

more options

Have you tried asking Skype support?

more options

Skype (microsoft) want me to install internet explorer (microsoft) because "some microsoft functionality may be missing" with my browser. But I prefer Firefox. Is there some add on to Firefox that will have whatever "missing functionality" they are talking about?

more options

Chosen Solution

Yes, there has been a Skype plugin for Firefox, but the Firefox installation that you posted here with doesn't seen to have that plugin. Per your Additional System Details > Installed Plug-ins.

In the old days before Microsoft bought Skype (May 2011), the plugin for Firefox would have been automatically installed with the Skype program. Apparently the installation has been changed by Microsoft.


Sorry, the best I could come with is these Skype support articles:

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA10328/what-do-i-need-to-start-using-skype "If you're using Windows XP SP3, make sure you're using Internet Explorer 8 or above."

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12316/what-is-the-skype-web-plugin-and-how-do-i-install-it?q=Skype+for+Firefox Do all browsers support the Skype web plugin? "On Windows desktop: Internet Explorer 9 and higher, Firefox and Chrome."

How do I install the Skype web plugin? "There are two easy ways to install the Skype web plugin. When you first open Skype for Web you will receive a prompt:"

"Or when you first open the Skype application on Outlook.com, Slack or Office 365 or receive a Skype call, you'll be asked to install the plugin:"