This tutorial is about How to Turn off Skype at Startup in Windows 10. Recently I updated this tutorial and will try my best so that you understand this guide. I hope you guys like this blog, How to Turn off Skype at Startup in Windows 10. If your answer is yes after reading the article, please share this article with your friends and family to support us.
Check How to Turn off Skype at Startup in Windows 10
I used to love Skype. The nature of video conferencing is unrivaled. Skype used to be the buzzword we used when we needed to connect with colleagues or associates. No more!
Since Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, the communication platform has changed rapidly from the smooth and friendly software that users once loved.
Skype was once a word of action, joining companies like Google and Facebook whose administrations are so essential to us. We ask questions on Google; we are partners of WhatsApp … but we are no longer Skype.
Deactivate Skype on Windows 10
Since Skype comes pre-installed on most Windows 10 devices, it can seem like a tough job to completely remove the app. The 5 methods below will help you completely get rid of Skype as well as the residual files it leaves behind even after uninstalling it. Let us begin.
Disable Skype from opening at startup
Every time the system starts, various applications are launched at startup. This is a feature used by many applications that you may want to have ready from the moment you access your computer, such as antivirus software. However, by default, your device will always load Skype on startup as well.
If you still use Skype from time to time or have some reason why you don’t want to remove it completely, you can simply disable it. This can be done more easily through the Task Manager, by following the steps below.
- Open Task Manager in one of the following ways:
- Right click on any empty space on your taskbar. This will open a context menu. Here, click on Task Manager.
- Alternatively, press the Ctrl, Alt, and Esc keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
- If your Task Manager started in compact view, click on the More details option seen at the bottom left of the window. This will expand the window and show you the taps required to access the startup applications.
- Switch to the Startup tab using the menu at the top of the Task Manager window. Here you can see all the applications that start together with your computer at launch.
- Select the Skype application, then click the Disable button at the bottom right of the window. Its status should change to Disabled.
- Restart your computer.
- Now your computer should start without Skype starting automatically along with it. This gives you the ability to keep accessing Skype whenever needed, but it won’t get in your way during your daily life.
Uninstall Skype via Control Panel
The standard procedure for removing applications from your Windows 10 computer is through the Control Panel. This hub used to be the primary way to get around your device and alter settings; however, it was overshadowed by Settings in recent updates.
This does not mean that the Control Panel is no longer available. You can access it and go through the quick uninstall process of the Skype software. Be aware that this could leave some junk files; To combat this, be sure to perform Method 5 after completing the uninstall process.
- Use the Windows 10 search bar on your taskbar and search for “control.” When the results load, launch the Control Panel. This will open the classic Control Panel instead of going to the new Settings app.
- Use the drop-down menu in the upper right to change the display mode to large icons.
- Click the Programs and Features button.
- Look for Skype in the list of programs. You can click Name to organize the list alphabetically or use the built-in search to locate the application.
- Click the Uninstall button or right-click on Skype and choose the Uninstall option. This can launch Skype’s built-in uninstaller, which displays instructions on the screen.
- Follow the uninstaller instructions and remove Skype from your device. A reboot may be required to finish the process.
Delete Skype directly
If you installed Skype through the Microsoft Store or directly from the Skype.com installer, you will have the option to remove it directly. To do this, the following steps will be necessary.
- Use the Windows 10 search bar on your taskbar and search for “Skype.”
- When the results load, right-click on the Skype app.
- If available, select the Uninstall option from the context menu. This can launch Skype’s built-in uninstaller, which displays instructions on the screen.
- Follow the uninstaller instructions and remove Skype from your device. A reboot may be required to finish the process.
Uninstall Skype through the Settings app
- As mentioned above, the Settings app has taken over many of the tasks that the Control Panel was primarily used for. This means that you can also remove and uninstall apps through Settings. What you need to do is follow the guide below.
- Open the Settings app using the Windows keyboard shortcut + I, or the gear icon on your Start menu.
- Click on the Applications tab.
- Look for Skype in the list of programs. You can click Name to organize the list alphabetically or use the built-in search to locate the application.
- Click on Skype and choose the Uninstall option.
- Click Uninstall again to allow Windows 10 to remove Skype from your device. A reboot may be required to finish the process.
Delete residual Skype files after uninstallation
Skype, and most other applications, tend to leave residue after uninstalling. These are usually files like logs, chat history, user preferences, and other junk files that usually only take up space on your device if left unattended. To get rid of Skype completely, you will need to manually delete these files.
- Press Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This will open the Run utility.
- Type “% appdata%” and click the OK button. This will immediately redirect you to the AppData folder in File Explorer.
- Find the Skype folder, right click on it and choose Delete. This will remove most of the residual files, however, not all. Please note that doing so will delete your message history. If you want to save your history, open the Skype folder and find the folder that contains your Skype username. Copy and paste that file on your desktop. To restore the history in the future, simply copy and paste the file to its original location.
- The last thing you should do is use the Registry Editor to delete more leftover files. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard again, then type “regedit” without the quotes. Click OK to start.
- Click the Edit menu in the header, then select Find.
- Type Skype and click Search. You should see a series of entries in the results.
- Delete each result related to Skype by right-clicking on the key and selecting Delete, then restart your computer.
Final remarks: How to Turn off Skype at Startup in Windows 10
I hope you understand this article, How to Turn off Skype at Startup in Windows 10. If your answer is no, you can ask anything via the contact forum section related to this article. And if your answer is yes, please share this article with your friends and family to give us your support.
