The default setting in Microsoft Skype is to automatically start up with the computer and keep running in the background. However, it is also possible to stop Skype from starting automatically on a Windows 10 computer.
The actual steps to prevent Microsoft Skype from starting up automatically with the computer vary, depending on the type of Skype installed on your computer.
In general, most Windows 10 computers come pre-loaded with Skype Preview App and end up adding Skype For Business, when they install Microsoft Office program on their computer.
In addition to this, you may have downloaded Skype Desktop App on your computer from Microsoft Store or from Microsoft’s official website for Skype.
1. Stop Skype Desktop from Starting Automatically in Windows 10
If you are using Skype Desktop App, you can follow the steps below to prevent Skype Desktop from starting automatically on your computer.
1. Open Skype Desktop App and Sign-in to Skype using your Microsoft Account (in case you are not already signed-in).
2. Once you are signed-in, select the More icon in the top-menu bar and click on Settings in the drop-down menu.
3. On the Settings screen, move the toggle next to Automatically start Skype option to OFF position.
Note: Also, uncheck Other options, if you do not want Skype to remain active and keep running in background.
4. Restart your computer to Apply this change.
After this you should no longer find Skype Desktop starting automatically with the computer, it will only start when you manually start or launch the Skype App.
2. Stop Skype Business from Starting Automatically
As mentioned above, Skype for Business comes bundled with Microsoft Office and may also come pre-loaded with certain versions of Windows 10.
Similar to Skype Desktop and Skype Preview, Skype for Business also has a default tendency to startup with the computer and keep running in the background.
1. Start Skype for Business App > Sign-in to your Account (in case you are not already signed-in).
2. Once you are signed-in, click on the Down-Arrow button (next to wheel icon) > click on Tools and then click on Options.
3. On the options screen, select the Personal tab in the side-menu and uncheck Automatically Start the App When I log on to Windows and Start the App in the foreground options.
4. Click on OK to save these settings for Skype Business App and restart your computer.
After this, you will no longer find Skype for Business starting automatically and running in the background on your computer.
3. Stop Skype Preview from Starting Automatically
Once you click on Skype Preview app (out of curiosity!), the App prompts you to sign-in using a Microsoft Account (your email).
Once you sign-in to Skype Preview, it will keep you permanently signed-in and you will find it starting up automatically with your computer and continue running in the background.
1. Click on Start button > scroll down the list of Apps and click on Skype Preview.
2. On the next screen, click on your Profile icon (bottom-left corner) > scroll down in the right-pane and select the Sign Out option.
This will sign you out of Skype Preview App and you won’t find Skype Preview starting automatically on your computer.