How to Stop Skype from Starting Automatically on Windows 11
- 12 steps
- Needs administrator rights
- Includes a restart or sign-out
Skype launching the moment your Windows 11 PC turns on means a background app is using system memory right from the start. Startup apps are programs that open automatically after your computer boots up or you sign in. Skype turns this setting on by default during installation.
Stopping Skype from opening at startup takes under a minute. It helps your PC boot faster and frees up RAM for games and web browsers. You do not need any extra software. Which method you use depends on which Skype you have. The Microsoft Store version and the classic desktop version are handled differently, and the Skype app itself has its own switches too. All of them are covered below.
Disable Skype in Windows 11 Startup Apps settings. For the Microsoft Store version, go to App settings and toggle “Runs at log-in” off. For the desktop version, open Task Manager, find Skype on the Startup tab, and choose Disable.
Disable the Microsoft Store version of Skype
You can disable Skype auto start for the Microsoft Store version by changing the app settings in Windows 11. Open the Start menu, search for Skype, open the app settings, and turn off the switch under Runs at log-in. Skype will then stop opening every time you turn on your computer or sign in. This change affects only your user account, and you can reverse it at any time by turning the switch back on.
- Click the Start button and type “Skype.” Skype should appear at the top of the search results.
- Right-click the Skype icon and select App settings. The Settings app opens on the page for Skype, which lists its options and permissions.
- Look for the section labeled Runs at log-in. You may need to scroll down the page to find it. If you cannot find it at all, you probably have the classic desktop version of Skype, so use the Task Manager method below instead.
- Toggle the switch to the Off position. The label next to the switch should change to Off. You do not need to restart the PC. The change applies the next time you sign in, and a Skype window that is already open stays open until you close it. To undo this, return to the same page and turn the switch back on.
Disable the traditional desktop version of Skype
You can disable Skype auto start for the classic desktop version by using Task Manager in Windows 11. Open Task Manager, click the Startup tab, find Skype in the list of apps, and turn off its startup status to keep it from launching when your computer boots up. Task Manager works the same way on Windows 11 Home and Pro. It also works for other apps in the list, which makes it a good place to check what else starts with your PC.
- Click the Start button and search for Task Manager. Open it. You can also press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open it directly.
- Click the Startup tab. (Note: If you do not see tabs, click More details first.) You should now see a list of apps that start with Windows, along with their status and startup impact.
- Find Skype in the list. If the list is long, click the Name column header to sort it alphabetically.
- Right-click on it and choose Disable. The Status column for Skype should now read Disabled. Skype will not start at the next boot or sign-in. To undo this, right-click Skype again and choose Enable.
Disable auto-login from within the Skype app
You can disable Skype auto start and sign-in by changing the preferences inside the Skype app itself. Open Skype, go to your account settings, select the General menu, and turn off the settings that allow the app to launch and sign you in automatically when Windows starts. This method works well alongside the other two. It also stops Skype from staying in the background after you close its window.
- Open the Skype app. Wait for it to load and show your chats.
- Click the three dots (…) near your profile name and select Settings. The Settings window opens with a list of categories on the left.
- Select General from the menu on the left. The startup options appear on the right.
- Turn off the buttons for Automatically start Skype and On close, keep Skype running. Both should now show as off. The change is saved right away, and no restart is needed. To undo it, return to this page and turn the buttons back on.
Summary
Stopping Skype from launching automatically is a simple way to help your computer run better. You will notice it most on older PCs or machines with limited RAM. If you still use Skype regularly, you can open it yourself from the Start menu whenever you need it. To confirm the change worked, restart your PC and check that Skype does not open on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about this guide?
Answered by AI from this guide. Good questions may be added to this page — please don't include personal details.
Did this guide fix your problem?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
Great Article.
I like the way you write this article or tutorial or how to ..
BTW, what software are you using for the headline picture or (headline image)?
May I know it?
Thank you so very much
I’m running Windows 11 build 22000.675. None of the above options exist in this build. The only way to stop Skype from running automatically is by editing the registry or changing the power option for Skype to Never. Windows has become a virus harboring viruses the average user can’t get rid of in the name of control and progress. (can you tell I dislike Windows)
same problem