How to Stop Skype From Starting Automatically

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This article explains how to stop Skype from starting automatically in Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8. The steps differ slightly depending on how you installed the program—from the Microsoft Store or through Skype.com.

Windows: How to Disable Skype’s Auto-Start Setting

By default, Skype opens automatically each time your computer starts and you log in to your user account. When you disable Skype on startup, you have to manually open it the first time you want to use it after starting your computer. Once it’s open, it remains open like normal—and messages and calls can come in—until you sign out or close it down.

You can also promptly shut down the program in one step: Right-click the Skype icon from the right side of the Windows taskbar area, and choose Quit Skype to instantly shut it down.

• Select the three-dotted menu (it’s located next to your name on the main page).
• Choose Settings.
• Go to General.
• For the standard program, toggle Automatically start Skype to the off position (the button will turn grey).

For the Microsoft Store app, select Settings from that same screen, locate Skype from the list, and toggle the bottom to the Off position.

Exit any remaining open settings screens.

macOS: Remove Skype From the Login Items

There are a couple ways to disable autorun for Skype on a Mac. The first and easiest method is to do so from the Dock.

1. Go to the Dock and right-click the Skype icon.
2. Go to Options.
3. Select Open at Login to remove the checkmark.

The other way is to remove it from the list of startup items in System Preferences.

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Select Users & Groups.
3. Select your username.
4. Go to the Login Items tab.
5. Select Skype.
6. Select the minus/remove button (it’s located at the bottom of the screen).