For all those searching for a way to use multiple Skype accounts on a single computer, let me tell you that it’s actually very simple to achieve for Skype 4.0 and above.

When I searched for such a solution, I found lots of links that talked about running multiple Skype accounts through multiple administrator accounts or through Task Scheduler. Pfft … scrap that if you are running version 4 or above!

The solution is posted after the jump.

Multiple Skype windows

Here’s how to run two or more (multiple) Skype accounts on the same computer, verbatim from Skype support:

For Skype 4.0 and later

In order to use more than one Skype account on the same computer at the same time you need to start a new instance of Skype:

1. From the Windows taskbar, click Start > Run (or press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard at the same time)
2. In the Run window, enter the following command (include the quotes) and press OK:

“C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe” /secondary

Please keep in mind that if you have changed the installation path for Skype then you need to enter the correct path for the Skype.exe file.

If this solution fails, you can try another option:

1. Find the Skype executable file (Skype.exe) in: C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\
2. Right click on it and choose: Send to > Desktop (create shortcut)
3. Locate the shortcut on the desktop, then right-click on it and choose Properties
4. In the Target field, add: /secondary. The Target field should now be: “C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe” /secondary
5. Click OK. You can now start a new instance of Skype every time you double-click on the new shortcut.

For Skype 3.8 and earlier, follow this link.