My friend had just got a laptop.Its windows 8.We have been trying to download Skype.We can only get so far when a screen comes up asking us to join a microsoft account.Iv'e heard that you do have to have the microsoft account and pass word before you can get the download page. Is This is new on windows 8?
If I recall correctly, I ignored the Skype App on the Win 8 screen (it wouldn't let me minimise the screen & was most obstructive - Ctrl+Esc, Ctrl+Esc ad infinitum) & downloaded it via Google.
I use it every day in a small window & am reasonably happy with it.