Set up a Skype for Business (Lync) Meeting in Outlook

Applies To: Outlook 2016 , Outlook 2013 , Lync Basic 2013 , Lync 2013

Use Outlook 2013 or Outlook 2016 for Windows to schedule a recurring or single online Lync or Skype meeting.

You can set up Lync or Skype Meetings in Outlook, similar to how you schedule regular meetings. The Skype for Business (Lync) meeting link is automatically added to the meeting request. And, if your account is configured for dial-in conferencing, the meeting request will include call-in information (phone number and conference ID).

Set up a Skype for Business (Lync) Meeting in Outlook

To schedule a Skype for Business (Lync) Meeting, you need a sign-in address and password from an organization that uses Skype for Business (Lync) Server.

To set up a Skype for Business (Lync) Meeting in Outlook   

1. Open Outlook, and go to your calendar.
2. On the Home tab, click New Skype for Business (Lync) Meeting or New Skype Meeting.
3. Set up the meeting as you typically would, that is:
   • In the To box, type the email address of each person you’re inviting, separated by semicolons.
   • In the Subject box, type a name for the meeting.
   • If you’ll have in-person attendees, either click Room Finder, in the Options ribbon of the Meeting tab, and then find a room or, in the Location box, type a meeting location, such as a conference room.
     
   • Select a start time and end time.
     NOTES:  To look for a time that works for everyone, click Scheduling Assistant, in the Show ribbon of the Meeting tab.
     
4. In the meeting area, type an agenda. Be careful not to change any of the Skype for Business (Lync) meeting information.
   IMPORTANT:  Scheduling a meeting with the default options, like we just did, is suitable for small, internal meetings, such as casual meetings with a few coworkers. If you have a meeting with people outside your company, or you’re scheduling a large event, change the meeting options before sending the invites to better fit your meeting requirements. In the meeting request, on the Skype for Business (Lync) Meeting ribbon of the Meeting tab, click Meeting Options, and then select the appropriate options.
   
5. (Optional) On the Show group of the Meeting tab, click Scheduling Assistant to make sure you have the best time for the meeting.
6. You're almost done. Just double-check the information and click Send.