Are you running the latest Windows 10 version? Then you’ve probably noticed the new Meet Now icon on the taskbar. This change was rolled out in the October 2020 update and Microsoft is planning to have it in all Windows versions.
But what is Meet Now and what does it do? In an effort to answer your questions about Meet Now, we have put up this article. Read on.
About Meet Now
So, what does Meet Now do?
Meet Now is simply a new Skype feature that was introduced by Microsoft this year. It’s designed to set up video conferences in just a few clicks.
Expert Tip: For smoother PC performance, consider using a PC optimization tool. It handles junk files, incorrect settings, and harmful apps. Make sure it's right for your system, and always check the EULA and Privacy Policy.
Special offer. About Outbyte, uninstall instructions, EULA, Privacy Policy.
To initiate a conference on Skype using this feature, the Skype desktop app or Skype on the Web must be used. However, participants of the conference need not install Skype or launch the web version. The creator of the conference only needs to send the invite link via copy-paste or other means.
Now, if Skype is already installed on the device of the participant, the conference will start right away. Otherwise, a web version of Skype will be launched for the conference. Either way, a Skype account won’t be needed because the web version of the communication tool already supports audio.
How to Initiate a Meeting in Skype Using Meet Now?
Starting a meeting using Meet Now is easy. If you are the organizer, sign in to your Skype account and click on the Meet Now button. You will then get a call link, as well as a Share invite button. These options will allow you to easily invite others to join the call. Once everything’s set, you may choose to start an audio or a video call. After which, click on the Start Call button.
You may also initiate a meeting directly from Skype’s web version. This time, you need to sign in to your Skype account on the web version. And then, generate a call link. Next, invite people even if they don’t have a Skype account. And finally, let them join the call using your unique link. It’s that easy!
In a Skype meeting initiated via Meet Now, users can do the following:
- View and open recent chats
- View participants who are in the call
- Record the call
- Share the Meet Now link
- Enable or disable video
- Mute or unmute the microphone
- Open conversations
- Ask questions by raising your hand
- End the call
- Send reactions
- View More options
With Meet Now, users can also use the existing Skype features to make video chats more exciting and fun! These include recording and saving calls for later review, blurring the background before even starting the call, as well as share your screen whenever needed.
Why Is There a Meet Now Icon on the Windows 10/11 Taskbar?
If you’re wondering why there is a Meet Now icon on your taskbar, then here’s what you should know. Microsoft has intentionally added the icon to make it easier for users to initiate conferences or join meetings.
According to Microsoft, Windows 10/11 users can now easily set up video calls and meetings with family and friends by clicking on the icon in the notification area of the Windows 10/11 taskbar. Again, no downloads or signs ups will be needed.
How to Remove Meet Now in Windows 10/11?
While Meet Now in Windows 10/11 seems like a handy addition to the Skype platform, there are people who find the icon useless. Hence, they want to have it removed.
If you are among those who don’t want to use it because it’s consuming system resources or it’s not useful to you, the good news is that you can have it removed from the Taskbar in just a few steps.
There are many ways to have Meet Now removed from your system. One of the easiest involves clicking on the Meet Now icon and choosing Hide from the menu. This will instantly remove the icon from the taskbar.
Another method involves using the Settings utility on Windows 10/11. For a detailed guide on what to do, follow the steps below:
- Press the Windows + I keys to launch the Settings utility.
- Go to Personalization and select Taskbar.
- Next, click on the Turn system icons on or off option.
- Toggle off the switch next to Meet Now.
- Should you wish to enable Meet Now again, just toggle the switch on.
Aside from the two methods we’ve presented, here are other ways to remove Meet Now on Windows 10/11:
Method #1: Via the Group Policy
System and network administrators may enable or disable the Meet Now icon on Windows 10/11 via the Group Policy. Take note though, that Group Policy is only available on Windows 10/11 professional edition.
Here’s how:
- Open Group Policy with administrator rights.
- Launch the Run utility using the Windows + R keys.
- Enter gpedit.msc and click OK.
- Navigate to User Configuration and select Administrative Templates.
- Go to Start Menu and Taskbar.
- Next, double-click on the Remove the Meet Now icon option.
- Enable or disable Meet Now.
- Restart your PC.
Method #2: Via the Windows Registry
Alternatively, you can remove Meet Now via the Registry Editor. Refer to the guide below:
- Use the Windows + R keys to launch the Run utility.
- Enter regedit.exe into the text field and press OK.
- Now, go to this location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
- Next, right-click on Explorer and click New.
- Select DWORD (32-bit).
- Name the value HideSCAMeetNow.
- Set the value to 1.
- Restart your PC.
Wrapping Up
Microsoft created Meet Now to compete with Zoom and make it easier for users to initiate conferences and meetings. But then again, they can’t please everybody. If you hate the idea of having Meet Now on Taskbar, then refer to the methods above to hide or disable the feature.
What do you think about the new Meet Now feature? Have you used it before to initiate conferences? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments.