How to Install Skype on Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux

Table of Contents#

Prerequisites
Method 1: Installing Skype via the Microsoft RPM Repository (Recommended)
Method 2: Installing Skype as a Flatpak (Alternative Method)
1. Step 1: Enable the Flathub Repository
2. Step 2: Install the Skype Flatpak
Launching Skype
Keeping Skype Updated
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Conclusion
References

Prerequisites#

Before you begin, ensure you have:

A running system with Rocky Linux 8/9 or AlmaLinux 8/9 installed.
A user account with sudo privileges.
An active internet connection.

Method 1: Installing Skype via the Microsoft RPM Repository (Recommended) {#method-1}#

This is the official method recommended by Microsoft. It involves adding Microsoft's own repository to your system. This allows you to install and update Skype seamlessly using the dnf package manager, just like any other system package.

Step 1: Import the Microsoft GPG Key#

To verify the authenticity of the packages we will be installing, we first need to import Microsoft's GPG security key. This ensures that the software you're installing hasn't been tampered with.

Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo rpm --import https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc

This command downloads the key and adds it to your system's RPM keychain. There will be no output if the command is successful.

Step 2: Add the Skype RPM Repository#

Next, we need to add the URL of the Microsoft repository to DNF's list of sources. We'll create a new repository file.

Use your preferred text editor (like vi, nano, or gedit) to create a file. We'll use nano for its simplicity:

sudo nano /etc/yum.repos.d/skype-stable.repo

This command creates and opens a new file called skype-stable.repo in the /etc/yum.repos.d/ directory. Now, copy and paste the following configuration into the file:

[skype-stable]
name=Skype Stable
baseurl=https://repo.skype.com/rpm/stable/
gpgcheck=1
gpgkey=https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc
enabled=1

Explanation of the configuration:

[skype-stable]: A unique identifier for the repository.
name=Skype Stable: A human-readable name for the repository.
baseurl: The URL where the RPM packages are located.
gpgcheck=1: Enables GPG signature checking for packages from this repository (a security best practice).
gpgkey: Points to the GPG key we imported earlier.
enabled=1: Ensures the repository is active.

To save and exit in nano, press Ctrl+O (Write Out), then Enter to confirm the filename, and finally Ctrl+X to exit.

Step 3: Install Skype#

Now that the repository is set up, we can install Skype. First, update DNF's cache to include the packages from the newly added repository:

sudo dnf check-update

Finally, install the Skype package:

sudo dnf install skypeforlinux

Type y and press Enter when prompted to confirm the installation. DNF will resolve dependencies and install Skype and all required libraries.

Method 2: Installing Skype as a Flatpak (Alternative Method) {#method-2}#

Flatpak is a universal packaging system that works across different Linux distributions. It runs applications in a semi-isolated environment (a sandbox), which can help with dependency conflicts and provide better security. This method is excellent if you encounter issues with the native RPM package.

Step 1: Enable the Flathub Repository#

First, you need to install the flatpak package and add the Flathub repository, which hosts Skype.

On Rocky Linux 9 / AlmaLinux 9: Flatpak is available in the default AppStream repository.

sudo dnf install flatpak

On Rocky Linux 8 / AlmaLinux 8: You may need to enable the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository first for a newer version of Flatpak.

sudo dnf install epel-release
sudo dnf install flatpak

After installing Flatpak, add the Flathub repository:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

For the changes to take effect, especially if this is your first time installing Flatpak, it's a good idea to reboot your system:

reboot

Step 2: Install the Skype Flatpak#

Now, install the Skype Flatpak application from Flathub:

flatpak install flathub com.skype.Client

Type y to confirm the installation. Flatpak will download the application and its runtime environment.

Launching Skype#

After installation, you can launch Skype from your application menu. Look for "Skype" in the Activities overview or application launcher.

To launch from the terminal:

If installed via RPM:
```
skypeforlinux
```
If installed via Flatpak:
```
flatpak run com.skype.Client
```

The first time you run Skype, you will be guided through the standard setup process to sign in with your Microsoft account.

Keeping Skype Updated#

RPM Method: Since you added the official repository, Skype will be updated automatically when you run system updates.
```
sudo dnf update
```
Flatpak Method: Update all your Flatpak applications with:
```
flatpak update
```

Troubleshooting Common Issues {#troubleshooting-common-issues}#

Repository or GPG Key Errors#

If you get errors about the repository or GPG key during the RPM method installation, try removing the repository file and re-adding it.

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/skype-stable.repo

Then, go back to Method 1, Step 2 and carefully repeat the steps.

Audio/Video Issues#

If Skype does not detect your microphone, webcam, or speakers:

Check Permissions: Ensure Skype has permission to access your audio/video devices. You can manage this through your desktop environment's settings (e.g., "Settings" > "Privacy" > "Camera" / "Microphone" in GNOME).

PulseAudio Restart: Sometimes, restarting the audio service can help.

systemctl --user restart pulseaudio
# Or on newer systems using PipeWire:
systemctl --user restart pipewire pipewire-pulse

Flatpak-Specific Permissions#

Flatpak applications are sandboxed. If Skype (Flatpak) cannot access your microphone or webcam, you might need to grant it permission manually.

Graphical Method: Install flatseal (flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal), a great GUI tool for managing Flatpak permissions.
Command Line Method: Use the flatpak override command. For example, to grant access to all audio/video devices:
```
sudo flatpak override com.skype.Client --device=all
```

Conclusion#

You have now successfully installed Skype on your Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux system. Whether you chose the direct RPM method for its simplicity or the Flatpak method for its isolation, you are ready to make calls, send messages, and host meetings directly from your enterprise-grade Linux workstation.

The RPM method is generally the most straightforward and integrates best with the system, while the Flatpak method offers a great alternative if you prefer a containerized approach. Both methods ensure you receive future updates seamlessly.