Enhance team communication with Lync 2013

Lync provides a unified communications solution at work and on the go—with instant messaging (IM), online meetings, availability information, and audio and video calling. Learn about features and support options available for Lync 2013, and get tips for working together with ease.

Are you ready to take collaboration to a new level? Try Skype for Business with an Office 365 plan. Find and connect with co-workers and simplify your communication infrastructure with a secure, enterprise-grade I T-managed platform.

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The corner of a computer screen displaying an online meeting and list of participants in Skype for Business imageThe corner of a computer screen displaying an online meeting and list of participants in Skype for Business
*Product image represents Skype for Business 2016
 

Microsoft Lync—a complete communications solution

 

Release and support

Lync 2013 was released in January 2013, and extended support ends April 2023. Release and support information is available in the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy.

Learn more

Find help and training

Visit the Office support site to find training and help topics on Lync 2013. Join the Office community to ask a question or start a discussion.

Find help and training

Stay in the know

Keep on top of what’s new in the Office Blog. Learn about feature updates and get tips for collaborating and staying productive.

Read the Office Blog

Lync 2013 features and highlights

User interface improvements

  • The Quick Lync bar provides more functionality with less clutter than previous Lync versions. Just hover over a person’s picture to call or start an IM conversation, or click to view a contact card.
  • The Favorites group gives you quick access to the people you contact most frequently. Just right-click a contact, and add them to your list.
  • The tabbed conversations feature enables you to keep all your instant messages and calls in one conversation window.
  • Gallery View lets you automatically see everyone in a meeting—displaying participants’ pictures and names and identifying active speakers.

Enhanced meeting features

  • Join meetings with a single click—no more dial-in numbers and passcodes.
  • Expanded meeting controls let you quickly and easily mute and unmute yourself, change your audio devices, and present content.
  • Use OneNote to collaborate during a meeting. Co-edit shared notes with meeting participants in real time, or take notes for your personal use.

What’s new in Skype for Business 2016 + Office 365

Skype for Business simplifies your communications in the cloud, combining the functionality you enjoy in Lync with new capabilities available in Office 365.

Better connections from anywhere

Work like you’re all in the same room, even when you’re not. Connect with your team anywhere you are with easy-to-use Skype for Business mobile apps across Windows, iOS, and Android™ devices.

Modern voice capabilities

Make, receive, and transfer business calls at home, in the office, or on the go using phone, PC, and mobile devices. Consolidate your communications and be more productive with voice services in Office 365.

New look and feel

A simplified user interface in the Skype meeting window provides easier access to the commands you need. The file transfer preview feature gives you new options for handling files sent during IM conversations.

Always up to date

With an active Office 365 subscription, you’ll always have the latest Office apps and services. Get the Office applications you know and trust, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

Compare Lync 2013 with Skype for Business and Office 365

Comparison of features of Lync 2013 and Skype for Business and Office 365

Skype for Business features

Learn more about Skype for Business

Skype for Business with Office 365 feature details, and more

Lync 2013 feature details, and more

Feature
Desktop and app sharing

Easily share content, work together online, and explain things with visuals.

This feature is includedThis feature is included
Feature
Multi-party HD video

Improved video capabilities with 1080p resolution and up to 6 people shown at once.

This feature is includedThis feature is not included
Feature
Offline messaging

Send a message to someone offline—no more “this message can't be delivered” notifications.

This feature is includedThis feature is not included
Feature
File transfer preview

When someone sends you a file in IM, just right-click to forward, preview, or delete it.

This feature is includedThis feature is not included
Feature
Always up to date

Always have the latest version of Office applications, features, and services.

This feature is includedThis feature is not included
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Lync 2013 resources

Download Office 2013

Download and install Office 2013 using an existing product key.

Download now

Lync 2013 help topics

Find user guides, training, and other support for Lync 2013.

Learn more

Other versions of Office

Learn about other versions of Office and how you can upgrade to the new Office 365.

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