How to Stop Skype from Starting Automatically: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Skype is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. It allows users to communicate with each other via video call, voice call, or text message. However, one of the common issues that many Skype users face is that the app starts automatically when their computer boots up. This can be annoying and time-consuming.

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide on how to stop Skype from starting automatically. The guide covers several steps such as changing Skype’s settings, uninstalling the program, disabling it from the startup list, utilizing Task Scheduler, and using a third-party tool.

Change Skype’s Settings

One of the simplest ways to stop Skype from starting automatically is to adjust its settings. To do this, you will need to open the app and navigate to its Options menu.

Navigating to Skype’s Options Menu

To access the Options menu, follow these steps:

• Open Skype by double-clicking its icon on your desktop.
• Click the “Tools” option at the top of the window.
• Select the “Options” option from the drop-down menu.

Selecting the Appropriate Option

Once you have opened the Options menu, you will need to select the appropriate option to prevent Skype from starting automatically. To do this, follow these steps:

• Go to the “General” tab.
• Under the “Startup Options” section, uncheck the box next to “Start Skype when I start Windows.”
• Click “Save” to save your changes.

Uninstall Skype

If you no longer wish to use Skype, you can uninstall the program from your computer. This will ensure that it does not start automatically when your computer boots up.

Locating the Program in Control Panel

To uninstall Skype, you will need to locate the program in the Control Panel. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” into the Windows search bar.
• Click “Programs” in the Control Panel window.
• Click “Uninstall a Program” under the “Programs and Features” section.
• Find Skype in the list of programs and right-click it.
• Select “Uninstall” from the context menu.

Uninstalling the Program

Once you have located the program in the Control Panel, you will need to uninstall it. To do this, follow these steps:

• In the “Uninstall or Change a Program” window, click “Uninstall.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Disable Skype from the Startup List

Another way to stop Skype from starting automatically is to disable it from the startup list. This is a list of programs that are set to run when your computer boots up.

Accessing the Startup List

To access the startup list, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
• Type “msconfig” into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
• Go to the “Startup” tab.

Removing Skype from the List

Once you have opened the startup list, you will need to remove Skype from it. To do this, follow these steps:

• Find Skype in the list and uncheck its box.
• Click “OK” to save your changes.
• Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Utilize Task Scheduler

You can also utilize the Task Scheduler to prevent Skype from starting automatically. This is a program that allows you to schedule tasks to run at specific times.

Creating a Task

To create a task in the Task Scheduler, follow these steps:

• Open the Task Scheduler by typing “Task Scheduler” into the Windows search bar.
• In the Task Scheduler window, click “Create Basic Task.”
• Give the task a name and description, then click “Next.”
• Choose when you want the task to run, then click “Next.”
• Select the “Start a Program” option, then click “Next.”
• Browse to the location of the Skype executable file (usually located in C:\Program Files\Skype). Select the file and click “Open.”
• Check the box next to “Open the Properties Dialog for this Task When I Click Finish,” then click “Finish.”

Setting the Task Parameters

Once you have created the task, you will need to set the parameters for it. To do this, follow these steps:

• In the “Properties” window, go to the “Actions” tab.
• Click “Edit.”
• In the “Edit Action” window, change the “Action” drop-down menu to “Stop.”
• Click “OK” to save your changes.
• Click “OK” again to close the “Properties” window.

Use a Third-Party Tool

If you do not wish to use the Task Scheduler, you can use a third-party tool to prevent Skype from starting automatically. There are several tools available, so you will need to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Choosing the Appropriate Tool

When choosing a third-party tool, make sure it is compatible with your operating system and meets all of your requirements. Additionally, you should read reviews from other users to ensure that the tool is reliable and effective.

Installing and Configuring the Tool

Once you have chosen an appropriate third-party tool, you will need to install and configure it. To do this, follow the instructions provided by the tool’s developer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several steps you can take to stop Skype from starting automatically. These include changing Skype’s settings, uninstalling the program, disabling it from the startup list, utilizing Task Scheduler, and using a third-party tool. With these steps, you should be able to keep Skype from running automatically.

Summary of Steps

To stop Skype from starting automatically, you can:

• Change Skype’s settings.
• Uninstall the program.
• Disable it from the startup list.
• Utilize Task Scheduler.
• Use a third-party tool.

Final Thoughts

By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to stop Skype from starting automatically. However, if you continue to experience issues, you may need to contact Skype’s customer support team for further assistance.