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I use (as an end-user) Lync 2013 with a Lync 2013 Server infrastructure.

A recent Windows update brought Skype for Business as a replacement/alternative for the Lync 2013 client front-end. I installed it and upon launching it informed me that the Lync administrators have enforced the use of Lync as a front-end and the installation program kindly asked me to restart the client to have Lync, instead of Skype for Business. However

  • I had the option to say "Later" (which I chose)
  • Skype for Business started, connected and worked flawlessly

I rebooted and upon the launch of Skype for Business I now get the Lync 2013 front-end (without any questions asked).

How can I recover Skype for Business -- it is obviously possible to run it since it has been running after the first install, I believe that there will be a magical registry switch which would enable one or the other (bypassing the server check).

NOTE: I am aware why the Lync client has been forced and all the consequences to bypass a setting enforced at server level (this comment is to avoid answers around the ethical and workload related warnings ("If they did it there is a reason" -- I welcome the technical issues which will also be useful for the Lync administrators)

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I found a good explanation of the process at https://chentiangemalc.wordpress.com/2015/04/21/force-skype-for-business-ui/

The steps are (some verbatim from the referenced site):

  • change the registry entry EnableSkypeUI at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Lync so that it has the value 00 00 00 01
  • ensure that subsequent restarts of Skype for Business do not override this by denying your user account Set Value permission on that registry folder. Do this by right clicking Lync folder in registry and select Permissions –> Advanced –> Add, then select Advanced permissions and Deny Set Value.

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