Prevent Skype from Launching on Startup in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of seeing Skype launch automatically when you start your Windows 10 computer? You're not alone. Many users have reported this issue after upgrading to the latest operating system, and it can be frustrating if you don't plan to use the video chat application regularly.

In this article, we'll explore why Skype might be launching on startup in Windows 10 and provide a step-by-step guide on how to prevent it from doing so.

Why Does Skype Launch on Startup?

Skype is designed to be a convenient tool for staying connected with friends and family. However, its default behavior is to launch automatically when you start your computer. This can be annoying if you don't use the app regularly or prefer not to have it running in the background.

There are several reasons why Skype might be launching on startup:

1. Skype settings: Skype's default settings may be set to launch the application automatically when you start your computer.

2. Startup programs: Windows 10 allows programs to register as startup applications, which means they will launch automatically when you boot up your computer. Skype may have been added to your startup programs without your knowledge.

3. Background processes: Skype may be running in the background and launching itself as a separate process.

How to Prevent Skype from Launching on Startup in Windows 10

Preventing Skype from launching on startup is relatively easy. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Check Skype Settings

Open Skype and go to Tools > Options > General. Look for the 'Start Skype when I start Windows' option and uncheck it.

Step 2: Disable Skype as a Startup Program

Right-click on the Start button and select System. Click on Advanced system settings, then click on the Settings button under Startup and Recovery. In the Startup Programs tab, scroll down to the list of programs that launch at startup. Look for Skype and uncheck its box.

Step 3: Disable Background Processes

Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager. Click on the 'Details' tab and look for Skype.exe or other Skype-related processes. Right-click on each process and select 'End task' to close it.

Step 4: Check for Startup Programs (Optional)

Some programs may be hidden as startup programs, which can prevent you from disabling them through the normal means. To check for these programs, open the Task Scheduler (you can search for it in the Start menu). Look for tasks that are set to run at startup and disable any that you don't need.

Preventing Skype from launching on startup in Windows 10 is a simple process that requires some tweaking of your system settings. By following these steps, you should be able to prevent Skype from launching automatically when you start your computer. If you're still having trouble, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

Prevent skype on startup windows 10