Stop Skype From Opening on Startup in Windows 10
To stop Skype from opening on startup in Windows 10, you need to disable its startup entry in Task Manager or change the setting inside Skype itself. This article explains both methods, plus how to fix the problem when Skype keeps coming back.
Why Skype Starts Automatically
Skype is one of many programs that registers itself to launch when you sign in to Windows. This is convenient if you use Skype daily, but it slows down boot time and uses memory even when you don’t want it. On Windows 10, there are two separate mechanisms that can cause this:
- Startup apps in Task Manager – Windows keeps a list of programs that run at sign-in. Skype appears here if it was installed with the “start with Windows� option enabled.
- Skype’s own settings – The app has a built-in toggle that tells it to launch in the background. Even if you disable the Windows startup entry, Skype may re-add itself if this setting is still on.
Because both layers exist, disabling only one often results in Skype still appearing. The reliable fix is to turn off both.
Method 1: Turn Off Skype’s In-App Setting
This is the most direct way, and it usually prevents Skype from re-adding itself to the startup list.
- Open Skype. If it’s not running, launch it from the Start menu or taskbar.
- Click your profile picture in the top-left corner.
- Select Settings (the gear icon).
- Go to General.
- Scroll to the Startup and close section.
- Turn off the toggle for Automatically start Skype.
- Also turn off Start Skype in the background if it exists (some versions have this separate option).
If you don’t see these options, your Skype version may differ slightly, but the path is similar in most recent releases.
Method 2: Disable in Task Manager
This is the Windows-level control that overrides what apps run at sign-in. Even if Skype’s own setting is off, a stale entry here can still cause it to launch.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click the Startup tab. If you don’t see it, click “More detailsâ€� at the bottom.
- Scroll through the list until you find Skype.
- Select it and click the Disable button in the bottom-right corner.
- Close Task Manager and restart your computer to test.
If Skype is not listed, it may be running as a background process rather than a startup app. In that case, use the in-app setting from Method 1.
What If Skype Still Starts After Disabling?
Sometimes Skype reappears even after you disable both settings. This usually happens because of one of the following:
- Skype updates itself – When Skype updates, it may reset its startup preference. Check the in-app setting again after an update.
- Another app re-enables it – Some third-party “system optimizers� or “PC cleaners� can re-enable startup entries. Uninstall such tools if you suspect them.
- Registry entry remains – A leftover registry key can force Skype to start. Editing the registry is risky, so only do this if you’re comfortable with it, and always back up first.
If you’ve tried both methods and Skype still launches, you can also uninstall and reinstall Skype, then during the first run decline the “start with Windowsâ€� prompt. This often clears any corrupted settings.
How to Check Which Method Worked
After disabling, restart your computer and watch whether Skype appears. If it doesn’t, you’re done. If it does, open Task Manager and check the Startup tab again – if Skype shows as “Enabled,â€� something re-enabled it. If it shows “Disabledâ€� but still runs, the in-app setting is likely still on.
You can also check the system tray (the area near the clock) for the Skype icon. If the icon is there, Skype is running in the background even if the main window isn’t open.
Skype vs. Skype for Business
If you have Skype for Business (often installed with Microsoft 365), it has its own startup settings. The steps above apply to the consumer Skype app, not the business version. For Skype for Business, look for a gear icon in the main window, then go to Tools → Options → Personal and uncheck “Automatically start the app when I sign in to Windows.�
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling Skype startup affect my ability to receive calls?
Yes, if Skype is completely closed, you won’t receive incoming calls or messages until you open it. If you want to stay reachable but not have the full app launch, you can turn on “Start Skype in the backgroundâ€� in the in-app settings – this keeps a lightweight process running without opening the main window.
Is it safe to disable Skype from startup?
Yes. It’s a standard Windows feature, and disabling it only prevents the app from auto-launching. You can still open Skype manually anytime. No system files are affected.
Why does Skype keep re-adding itself to startup?
The most common reason is that the in-app “Automatically start Skype� toggle is still on. Disable that first, then disable the Task Manager entry. If it still reappears, check after every Skype update, as updates sometimes reset preferences.
Can I stop Skype from starting on a specific user account only?
Yes. The Task Manager startup list is per-user. If you disable Skype there, it only affects the account you’re signed into. Other users on the same PC will still see Skype start unless they disable it themselves.
What if I don’t see Skype in Task Manager’s Startup tab?
That usually means Skype has no startup entry, so it’s not set to launch at sign-in. If it still appears, check the in-app setting, or look for a scheduled task in Task Scheduler – some installations create one. You can disable it there, but be careful not to disable unrelated tasks.
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