Disable Skype On Windows: 5 Methods To Do It

A while ago, Skype was considered the most widely-reaching application for conferences and private messaging. However, today people have become concerned about looking for new platforms. If this is your case and you want to learn how to Disable Skype or remove it completely from your system Windows 10, don't stop reading this post.

Keep in mind that leaving Skype installed on your device can cause some side effects. It also takes up a small amount of your disk space. In case you didn't know, this application tends to hinder your internet connection or produce errors where disk usage can reach 90%.

To prevent this from happening, it is best to disable it. And as I mentioned above, here we will tell you how to do it.

How to disable Skype on Windows 10

As you know, Skype is a tool that comes pre-installed on most devices running Windows 10. For this reason, it may seem a bit difficult to disable or remove it completely, but that is not the case.

Below we are going to show you the 5 most effective methods you can apply to disable Skype from your computer. In addition, you can also get rid of the residual files that this app leaves behind, even when it is uninstalled.

1.- Disable Skype so that it does not open when you start your computer

When we start our system, it is normal for several applications to appear at startup. One of them is Skype, and as you know, this is a function used by several applications. This is not really bad, it serves to have direct access to them on our computer, however, by default your device will always load Skype when it starts up.

If you are one of those people who still uses Skype from time to time or have reasons for not removing it completely from your device, you can disable it. This is a process that you can easily perform through the Task Manager, following these simple steps:

You will open the task manager on your computer as follows:

• You can right-click anywhere on the taskbar to open the context menu. Then, click where it says Task Manager and ready.
• You can also do it using the keys Ctrl, Alt and Esc simultaneously.
• If the task manager has started in compact mode, you will need to click where it says more details that are seen, right at the bottom left of the window. This will expand the window and you will be able to see the taps you need to access the startup applications.

• Afterwards, you have to switch to the tab of Home through the menu that is seen at the top of the task manager window. At this point you will be able to see each of the applications that are installed on your computer.
• You will select the Skype application, then you will click where it says deactivate. The status should immediately change to disabled.
• Restart your computer to save the changes.

Once you complete each of the steps above, your computer should start up without opening Skype. This option gives you the opportunity to continue accessing the application whenever you want, but it won't get in the way of your daily activities.

2.- Uninstall Skype through the control panel

One of the standard procedures for removing applications from your computer is through the use of the Control Panel. This used to be the main hub for moving around your computer and toggling settings. However, it has been sidelined by the settings in recent updates.

This doesn't mean that the control panel is no longer available on your device. You can still access it to perform the quick uninstallation process of Skype. Keep in mind that this may leave some junk files on your system, to deal with it, make sure to perform method 5 once you perform the uninstallation process.

• Using the search bar on your taskbar you will locate the control. When the results appear on the screen, you must start the control Panel. The classic control panel will open immediately.

• Now, you need to use the drop-down menu at the top of the window to change the view to big icons.

• Click on the button programs and characteristics.

• You have to search for the application Skype or Whatsapp in the list of programs. If you want, you can organize the list alphabetically to facilitate your search and to locate the software more quickly.
• Then, you must press the button that says uninstall or right click on the application and choose the option uninstall. The app's built-in uninstaller will most likely start, follow the instructions and you're done.
• You may need to restart your computer to see the changes.

3.- Delete Skype directly

If you installed the Skype application through Microsoft Store or from the direct software installer, you have the option to delete it directly. You just have to make sure to follow these steps.

• Through the Windows search bar you will search for Skype.
• When the results appear on the screen, you must right click on the application Skype or Whatsapp.

• If available, you will select the Uninstall option that appears in the context menu. This may launch the app's uninstaller, just follow the instructions provided.
• To complete the process, you may need to restart your computer.

4.- Uninstall Skype through the settings application

As I mentioned in the previous section, the Settings app takes over several tasks that were previously handled by the Control Panel. This means that you can also disable Skype or remove it from the apps via Settings.

You just have to make sure you follow these simple steps to achieve it.

• You are going to open the application Configuration using your keyboard shortcut (Windows + I) or press the settings icon that appears within the menu Home.

• Now, you must click on the option that says Applications.

• Afterwards, you have to locate the application within the list of programs Skype or WhatsappYou can also click on names to organize the tools alphabetically and make it easier to locate them.

• Click on the application and press the option uninstall.

• Again you have to press the option uninstall to permanently remove Skype from your computer. To complete the process, you will most likely need to restart your computer.

5.- Delete all residual Skype files once you uninstall it

Skype, like other applications, tend to leave a lot of residue on your computer when you uninstall them. These are usually log files, chat histories, user preferences and other junk that, for the most part, just take up significant space on your computer if you don't take care of them in time.

To disable Skype or get rid of this app completely, you have to manually delete these files.

• You are going to start the utility Run pressing on your keyboard Windows + R.
• Afterwards, you have to write %appdata% and click where it says Accept to continue with the process. The AppData folder located in the file explorer will immediately open.

• Here, you have to find the folder that belongs to Skype or Whatsapp and right click on it, choose the option delete.

By performing this action, you will be able to remove a good amount of residual files, however, not all of them will be deleted. Keep in mind that by doing this you will also lose your message history.

In case you want to store your history, you need to open the Skype folder and find the folder that archives your username. Copy and paste the file to your desktop.

To restore your history in the future, simply copy and paste the file to its original location and you're done.

• The next step is to use the registry editor to delete all the extra files. Press on your keyboard Windows + R and writes regedit. Click OK to start.

• After this, you must click on the menu Edit that appears in the header. Now, select where it says Search.

Type the word Skype and click on the Search option. A series of entries will appear in the results.

• To complete the process, you must delete the results that are related to Skype by right-clicking on the key and choosing the option Delete. Restart your computer to disable Skype completely.