Skype is one of the most popular communication platforms used for making voice and video calls, as well as sending messages and sharing files. However, many users have reported that Skype tends to run in the background even when they are not using it, consuming system resources and potentially slowing down their computer. If you are one of those users who want to stop Skype from running in the background on Windows 10, this article is for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to prevent Skype from running in the background, freeing up system resources and improving your overall computing experience.
Understanding Why Skype Runs in the Background
Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand why Skype runs in the background in the first place. Skype is designed to run as a background process to provide features like automatic sign-in, notification alerts, and quick access to the application. When you install Skype on your Windows 10 computer, it is set to start automatically when you log in to your account. This means that even if you close the Skype window, the application will continue to run in the background, waiting for incoming calls or messages.
Impact of Skype Running in the Background
While Skype running in the background may not seem like a significant issue, it can have several consequences on your computer’s performance. Some of the potential impacts include:
- Consuming system resources: Skype running in the background can consume CPU, memory, and network resources, potentially slowing down your computer.
- Draining battery life: If you are using a laptop, Skype running in the background can drain your battery life, reducing the overall mobility of your device.
- Generating unnecessary notifications: Skype may generate notifications for incoming calls or messages, even if you are not actively using the application.
Methods to Stop Skype from Running in the Background
Now that we understand why Skype runs in the background and its potential impacts, let’s explore the methods to stop it from running in the background on Windows 10.
Method 1: Disable Skype from Starting Automatically
One of the simplest ways to prevent Skype from running in the background is to disable it from starting automatically when you log in to your account. To do this:
- Open the Skype application on your Windows 10 computer.
- Click on the Tools menu and select Options.
- In the Options window, click on the General tab.
- Uncheck the box next to Start Skype when I start Windows.
- Click Save to apply the changes.
By disabling Skype from starting automatically, you can prevent it from running in the background when you log in to your account.
Method 2: Close Skype from the System Tray
Another way to stop Skype from running in the background is to close it from the system tray. To do this:
- Click on the System Tray icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Right-click on the Skype icon and select Quit.
- Confirm that you want to quit Skype by clicking Yes in the prompt.
Closing Skype from the system tray will stop it from running in the background, but it will not prevent it from starting automatically when you log in to your account.
Method 3: Use the Task Manager to End Skype Process
If you want to stop Skype from running in the background immediately, you can use the Task Manager to end the Skype process. To do this:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, click on the Processes tab.
- Look for the Skype process and right-click on it.
- Select End Task to stop the Skype process.
Using the Task Manager to end the Skype process will stop it from running in the background, but it will not prevent it from starting automatically when you log in to your account.
Preventing Skype from Running in the Background Permanently
If you want to prevent Skype from running in the background permanently, you can try the following methods:
Method 1: Uninstall Skype
One of the most straightforward ways to prevent Skype from running in the background is to uninstall it from your Windows 10 computer. To do this:
- Go to the Control Panel and click on Programs and Features.
- Look for Skype in the list of installed programs and click on it.
- Click Uninstall to remove Skype from your computer.
Uninstalling Skype will prevent it from running in the background, but you will no longer be able to use the application.
Method 2: Use the Windows 10 Settings App
Windows 10 provides a built-in feature to manage startup applications, including Skype. To use this feature:
- Go to the Settings app and click on Apps.
- Click on Startup and look for Skype in the list of startup applications.
- Toggle the switch next to Skype to the Off position.
Disabling Skype from starting up using the Windows 10 Settings app will prevent it from running in the background when you log in to your account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stopping Skype from running in the background on Windows 10 is a relatively simple process that can be achieved through various methods. By disabling Skype from starting automatically, closing it from the system tray, or using the Task Manager to end the Skype process, you can prevent it from running in the background and free up system resources. Additionally, you can prevent Skype from running in the background permanently by uninstalling it or using the Windows 10 Settings app to manage startup applications. By following these methods, you can improve your overall computing experience and reduce the impact of Skype on your computer’s performance.
Additional Tips
- Regularly update your Skype application to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
- Use the Skype settings to customize your experience and reduce the application’s impact on your computer’s performance.
- Consider alternative communication platforms if you find that Skype is no longer meeting your needs.
By following these tips and methods, you can take control of your Skype application and prevent it from running in the background on your Windows 10 computer.
What is the problem with Skype running in the background on Windows 10?
Skype running in the background on Windows 10 can be a problem for several reasons. Firstly, it can consume system resources such as CPU, memory, and bandwidth, even when you are not actively using the application. This can lead to a decrease in system performance, causing your computer to slow down or become unresponsive. Additionally, Skype’s background processes can also drain your laptop’s battery life, reducing its overall mobility and usability.
To avoid these issues, it is essential to stop Skype from running in the background on Windows 10. You can do this by disabling the application’s startup option or closing it from the system tray. Alternatively, you can also use the Task Manager to end Skype’s background processes and free up system resources. By taking these steps, you can prevent Skype from consuming unnecessary resources and improve your overall Windows 10 experience. Furthermore, you can also consider using the Skype desktop application’s settings to disable its background features, such as call and message notifications, to minimize its impact on system performance.
How do I stop Skype from starting automatically on Windows 10?
To stop Skype from starting automatically on Windows 10, you need to disable its startup option. You can do this by opening the Skype desktop application, clicking on the three dots next to your profile picture, and selecting “Settings” from the drop-down menu. In the Settings window, scroll down to the “General” section and toggle off the “Start Skype when I start Windows” option. This will prevent Skype from launching automatically when you start your computer.
Alternatively, you can also use the Windows 10 Settings app to disable Skype’s startup option. To do this, click on the Start button, select the “Settings” icon, and click on “Apps” in the Settings window. In the Apps window, click on “Startup” and toggle off the switch next to Skype. This will prevent Skype from starting automatically and running in the background on your Windows 10 system. By disabling Skype’s startup option, you can improve system performance, reduce resource consumption, and enhance your overall Windows 10 experience.
How can I close Skype from the system tray on Windows 10?
To close Skype from the system tray on Windows 10, you need to click on the Skype icon in the system tray and select “Quit Skype” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can also right-click on the Skype icon and select “Exit” to close the application. If you are using the Skype desktop application, you can also click on the three dots next to your profile picture and select “File” > “Exit” to close the application.
Closing Skype from the system tray will stop its background processes and free up system resources. However, if you want to prevent Skype from running in the background altogether, you need to disable its startup option or use the Task Manager to end its background processes. Additionally, you can also consider uninstalling Skype if you no longer need it, to free up disk space and reduce clutter on your Windows 10 system. By closing Skype from the system tray, you can improve system performance, reduce resource consumption, and enhance your overall Windows 10 experience.
How do I use the Task Manager to stop Skype’s background processes on Windows 10?
To use the Task Manager to stop Skype’s background processes on Windows 10, you need to press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open the Task Manager. In the Task Manager window, click on the “Processes” tab and look for Skype in the list of running processes. Right-click on Skype and select “End task” to stop its background processes. Alternatively, you can also click on the “Details” tab and look for Skype’s background processes, such as “Skype.exe” or “SkypeHost.exe”, and end them individually.
Using the Task Manager to stop Skype’s background processes can help improve system performance and reduce resource consumption. However, keep in mind that ending Skype’s background processes will also stop its functionality, such as call and message notifications. If you want to prevent Skype from running in the background altogether, you need to disable its startup option or uninstall the application. Additionally, you can also use the Task Manager to monitor system resource usage and identify other resource-intensive applications that may be running in the background on your Windows 10 system.
Can I disable Skype’s background features to prevent it from running in the background on Windows 10?
Yes, you can disable Skype’s background features to prevent it from running in the background on Windows 10. To do this, open the Skype desktop application, click on the three dots next to your profile picture, and select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. In the Settings window, scroll down to the “General” section and toggle off the “Call and message notifications” option. This will prevent Skype from displaying notifications and running in the background to check for new calls and messages.
Disabling Skype’s background features can help reduce system resource consumption and improve performance. However, keep in mind that disabling these features will also stop Skype’s functionality, such as call and message notifications. If you want to use Skype’s features while minimizing its impact on system performance, you can consider using the Skype desktop application’s settings to customize its behavior. For example, you can set Skype to only display notifications for specific contacts or conversations, or disable its background features during certain times of the day.
Will uninstalling Skype completely remove it from my Windows 10 system?
Yes, uninstalling Skype will completely remove it from your Windows 10 system. To uninstall Skype, click on the Start button, select the “Settings” icon, and click on “Apps” in the Settings window. In the Apps window, click on “Apps & features” and look for Skype in the list of installed applications. Click on Skype and select “Uninstall” to remove it from your system. Alternatively, you can also use the Control Panel to uninstall Skype.
Uninstalling Skype will remove all its files, settings, and registry entries from your Windows 10 system. This will prevent Skype from running in the background and consuming system resources. However, keep in mind that uninstalling Skype will also remove its functionality, such as video calling and messaging. If you need to use Skype’s features, you can consider reinstalling the application or using an alternative video calling and messaging service. Additionally, you can also use the Windows 10 Settings app to reset Skype’s settings to their default values before uninstalling it, to ensure that all its data is removed from your system.