Do I need to instal software to watch Sky?
You can watch loads of programmes live and on demand without installing the Sky Player software or waiting for them to download.
All you need is a good broadband internet connection and a PC or Intel-based Mac with the Microsoft Silverlight 2.0 browser plug-in. If you haven't got it already you can download it now for free. When you watch anything that does need you to install Sky Player software, we'll let you know.
Sky Go Desktop
Download TV programmes to watch offline by installing the free Sky Go Desktop. This software is optional, but it will help you enjoy the Sky Go experience to the full on your PC or Mac.
With Sky Go Desktop you can:
- watch programmes offline on one computer
- ensure top-quality viewing, even with a slow internet connection
- buy programmes to keep
- remote download from another computer
Uninstall the old Sky Player Software
If you currently have the Sky Player Desktop installed, then to install the new Sky Go Desktop you must first uninstall the Sky Player Desktop. Right click on the panel to the left and choose 'Remove this application...'. You will then be able to install the Sky Go Desktop.
Sky Go Desktop FAQs
I have the old Sky Player software
If you have the old Sky Player Desktop software installed on your computer, you will be automatically prompted to update to the latest Sky Go Desktop software when you next open the application.
Will Sky Go Desktop work on my computer?
To run Sky Go Desktop on your computer, it will need to meet the specifications outlined in our Sky Go technical requirements article.
How many computers can I use Sky Go Desktop?
You can use Sky Go Desktop on one of your two registered devices. The computer you first use to sign in to Sky Go Desktop on will be automatically registered as your main registered computer in your devices list.
Does Sky Go use peer-to-peer (P2P) software?
Sky Go Desktop does not use peer-to-peer (P2P) software when downloading programmes to your computer.
How do I install Sky Go Desktop?
You can install Sky Go Desktop on your computer by following the steps in this article.
How do I download programmes with Sky Go Desktop?
To download a programme with Sky Go Desktop, sign in to Sky Go Desktop and find the programme you would like to download from the Anytime+ section.
How do I start Sky Go Desktop?
To open Sky Go Desktop, simply double click on the Sky Go Desktop icon on your desktop.
Do I need to sign in to Sky Go Desktop?
You'll need to sign in to Sky Go Desktop if you want to check the progress of any programme downloads, resume pending downloads, download new content or check your account details.
How often is my download queue checked?
Your Sky Go Desktop download queue is checked for new downloads approximately once every ten minutes when you are signed in to Sky Go Desktop.
How do I watch programmes I've downloaded with Sky Go Desktop?
To watch programmes you have downloaded with Sky Go Desktop, make sure the programme has downloaded completely then press the Play button that appears over the programme image.
Can I stop watching a programme and resume where I left off?
When watching a programme on Sky Go Desktop, you can pause your viewing and resume viewing as long as you don't close the viewing window.
Can I start watching a programme before it has finished downloading?
When downloading content to watch on Sky Go Desktop, you will be able to start watching a programme as soon as it has finished downloading.
What size are the files downloaded with Sky Go?
File sizes vary from programme to programme, and will be displayed in MB on the programme details page when browsing Sky Go.
How long do programmes take to download with Sky Go Desktop?
The download speed of your chosen programme will depend on your line speed. If your line speed is below 2Mbps, you may find it a good idea to plan your viewing a little further ahead.
Where are the programmes stored after they have been downloaded?
When you download a programme with Sky Go Desktop onto your computer, they will be stored in a folder labelled Sky Go.
Do I need to delete programmes that I have watched?
You don't have to manually delete any programmes you've downloaded through Sky Go, as programmes will be automatically removed from your computer when your license to watch them has expired.
Can I download a programme from any computer?
You can add programmes to your Sky Go Desktop download queue from any computer, whether it's your registered Sky Go computer or not.
How do I check my download queue?
Sky Go Desktop uses the same playback technology as the Sky Go website to download TV programmes to watch offline on your main computer, so you can enjoy the best viewing experience, even with a slow internet connection.
How many programmes can I download at once?
You can have a maximum of 32 programmes downloading at the same time with Sky Go Desktop.
How do Parental control work?
The same Parental Control settings used on the main Sky Go website are enforced by Sky Go Desktop.
How long do I have to watch programmes I have rented?
When you first select a programme for rental on Sky Go, you will be told how much time you have to begin watching your programme.
Do I have the latest version of Sky Go Desktop?
Sky Go Desktop will check for updates every time you open it and will automatically download and install the latest version.