WhatsApp & Skype on PC: Run Both at Once

Running WhatsApp and Skype side by side on one PC lets you keep personal and work chats open without switching phones or logging out. This guide shows you how to install, set up, and use both apps simultaneously on Windows and macOS, including how to manage notifications and avoid common conflicts.

What You’ll Need

A PC running Windows 10/11 or macOS 11 or later
Stable internet connection
Active accounts for WhatsApp and Skype
Admin rights to install software (if not already installed)

Step-by-Step

Install WhatsApp for Windows/Mac. Go to the official WhatsApp download page (whatsapp.com/download) and choose the version for your OS. Download the .exe (Windows) or .dmg (Mac) file and run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Install Skype. Skype is often pre-installed on Windows. If not, download it from skype.com or the Microsoft Store. On Mac, download from the App Store or skype.com. Install it like any other app.
Open WhatsApp and link your phone. Launch WhatsApp Desktop. You’ll see a QR code. On your phone, open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device, and scan the QR code. Your chats will sync.
Sign in to Skype. Open Skype. Enter your Microsoft account or Skype name and password. If you don’t have an account, click “Create one” and follow the steps.
Arrange windows side by side. On Windows, drag each window to the left or right edge of the screen until you see a translucent outline, then release. On Mac, hold the green full-screen button and choose “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or similar. You can also resize manually.
Set notifications so they don’t clash. In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Notifications and choose a distinct sound or turn off previews. In Skype, go to Settings > Notifications and pick a different sound. This helps you know which app is buzzing.
Test both apps together. Send a message from your phone to WhatsApp and have a friend call you on Skype. Adjust volume and notification settings as needed.
Use keyboard shortcuts for quick switching. Press Alt+Tab (Windows) or Cmd+Tab (Mac) to toggle between the two apps without touching the mouse.
Keep both running in the background. Close the window but don’t quit the app. WhatsApp and Skype will stay in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), so you still get notifications.

Common Mistakes

Using WhatsApp Web instead of the desktop app. WhatsApp Web runs in a browser tab and can be slower, plus it may log out if you clear browser data. The desktop app is more reliable for simultaneous use.
Not linking your phone properly. If you log out of WhatsApp on your phone, the desktop app stops working. Keep your phone connected to the internet.
Ignoring notification settings. If both apps use the same sound, you might miss an important call. Customize each app’s notifications.
Forgetting to allow background activity. On Windows, if you enable “Battery saver” or on Mac “Low Power Mode,” apps may not receive messages in the background. Check your power settings.

Tips

Use virtual desktops. On Windows, press Win+Tab and create a new desktop. Put WhatsApp on one and Skype on another. This keeps them separate but accessible.
Set Do Not Disturb for one app. If you’re focusing on work, mute WhatsApp notifications temporarily while keeping Skype active.
Use the same Microsoft account for Skype on all devices. This keeps your chat history in sync.
Check for updates regularly. Both apps update frequently. Enable automatic updates to avoid bugs.

Troubleshooting

WhatsApp won’t connect. Ensure your phone has an internet connection. In WhatsApp Desktop, click the three-dot menu and select “Log out,” then log in again by scanning the QR code.
Skype won’t sign in. Check your internet connection. If you see a “can’t connect” error, close Skype, restart your router, and try again. Also, verify your password by signing in on the Skype website.
Notifications don’t appear. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Notifications and ensure both apps are allowed. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Notifications and check each app.
Audio conflicts. If you can’t hear calls from both apps, check the sound mixer. Right-click the speaker icon on Windows and open “Volume Mixer” to adjust per-app volume. On Mac, use “Audio MIDI Setup” or simply close one app’s audio.
Apps run slowly. Close other heavy programs, or restart your PC. If the issue persists, reinstall the apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my phone to be on for WhatsApp Desktop to work?

Yes, WhatsApp Desktop mirrors your phone. Your phone must be on and connected to the internet, but it doesn’t have to be on the same Wi-Fi—it can be on mobile data.

Can I use WhatsApp and Skype on the same PC without installing anything?

You can use WhatsApp Web in a browser and Skype for Web, but the desktop apps offer better performance and notification integration. For the best experience, install both.

Will running both apps slow down my computer?

Both apps are relatively lightweight. On a typical PC with 4GB RAM or more, they should run fine. If you have many other programs open, you may notice a slowdown.

Can I make voice or video calls on both apps at the same time?

Technically, yes, but your microphone and camera can only be used by one app at a time. You’ll need to choose which app gets the mic/camera, or use a headset with a separate mic for each.

How do I stop one app from logging me out?

For WhatsApp, don’t log out of your phone’s WhatsApp. For Skype, just don’t sign out manually. If you’re being logged out, check for suspicious activity and change your password.

Can I use the same phone number for both WhatsApp and Skype?

Yes, you can use the same number for both. Skype allows you to add your phone number as a contact method, but your Skype ID is separate.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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