There are probably many Windows 10 users like you, who are equally puzzled to find the Skype App starting automatically on their Computers and running continuously in the background. Let us take a look at how to prevent or stop Skype from starting Automatically in Windows 10.
Or, if you're using a Mac, only the Skype for Business application is supported (with no broadcast controls). See Set up your network for Skype Meeting Broadcast. Configure your on-premises deployment for Skype Meeting Broadcast. This article is for customers using Skype for Business Server 2015.
Skype, Skype Preview and Skype For Business
There are 3 different versions of Skype that we have come across on Windows 10 Computers and all these Skype versions have the same default habit of starting automatically with the Computer and keep running in the background.
The first version of Skype is the traditional “Skype Desktop App” which you must have downloaded onto your Computer, in order to enjoy Skype Voice and Video Calling from your Windows 10 Computer.
The second version of Skype, known as “Skype Preview” is included as a part of Windows 10 and this lighter version of Skype is present on all Windows computers that have received the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
The third version of Skype is known as “Skype For Business” and this full version of Skype is also included as a part of Windows 10 operating system.
Stop Skype From Starting Automatically in Windows 10
First let us take the case of the full version of Skype Desktop app. Once you download and install the full version of Skype on your computer, you will find it booting up automatically with your computer, it will even sign you into your Skype account and remain running in the background on your Windows 10 Computer.
Follow the steps below to stop Skype Desktop app from starting automatically on your Computer.
1. Open the Skype Desktop app on your Computer. You can do this by clicking on the Skype Shortcut on your Desktop or by clicking on Skype from the list of apps.
2. Sign-in to your Skype Account (in case you are not already signed-in).
3. Next, click on Tools in the top Menu bar and then click on Options… tab in the drop-down menu (See image below)
4. On the options screen, uncheck the option for Start Skype when I start Windows and click on Save.
After this you will not find the Skype app starting Automatically on your Windows 10 Computer, it will only start when you click on the Skype shortcut and launch the App on your Computer.
Stop Skype Preview From Starting Automatically in Windows 10
Once you click on the Skype Preview app (out of curiosity!), the app prompts you to sign-in using a Microsoft Account (your email).
However, once you sign-in to the Skype Preview app, you will remain signed-in even after rebooting the device. This practically means that the Skype Preview app will be starting automatically on your computer (once you make the mistake of signing-in to this app!).
Follow the steps below to stop Skype Preview app from starting Automatically and running in the background on your Windows 10 Computer.
1. Click on the Windows 10 Start button and then click on Skype Preview App.
2. On the next screen (Skype Preview), click on your Profile picture/icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
3. Next, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on the Sign Out option.
This will sign you out of the Skype Preview App and you won’t find Skype Preview starting automatically on your Windows 10 Computer.
Stop Skype For Business From Starting Automatically in Windows 10
In case you have been using Skype for Business on your computer, you can make use of the following steps to stop this version of Skype from starting automatically on your Windows 10 Computer.
1. Click on the Windows 10 Start button and then click on Skype For Business App
2. Sign-in to your Skype For Business Account (in case you are not already signed-in).
3. Next, click on the little Down-arrow button, located next to the wheel icon. From the drop-down, first click Tools and then click on Options (See image below)
4. On the options screen, first click on the Personal tab in the side-menu and then uncheck the option for “Automatically Start the App When I log on to Windows” (See image below)
5. Finally, click on OK to save your settings for Skype Business App.
Skype allows you to engage in text, voice and video conversations with other Skype users. It is a great business communication platform to rely on since Skype is available for numerous desktop and mobile operating systems. Before you can communicate with other Skype users, you should download and install the latest version to enjoy the newest features and then set up your audio and video devices to work properly with the program.
Downloading and Installing Skype
Step 1
Go to the Skype Business page (link in Resources). Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the 'Download the MSI Installer' link to download the installer. Save the installer to your desktop so you can quickly run it after the download completes.
Step 2
Double-click the Skype installer you just downloaded to see the Skype Setup window. Click 'Next' to see the license agreement.
Step 3
Read the license agreement and check the 'I Accept the Terms in the License Agreement' check box. Click the 'Next' button to proceed.
Step 4
Click the 'Change' button and choose a folder if you want to change the installation path. Click 'Next' followed by 'Install' to install Skype. If you see a User Account Control dialog, click 'Yes' to continue the installation. The installation should take a few minutes.
Step 5
Click 'Finish' to close the installer. Skype will automatically launch.
Step 1
Connect the microphone you want to use with Skype to the appropriate jack.
Step 2
Right-click the 'Speaker' icon on your taskbar and click 'Recording Devices' to bring up the Sound window. Select your microphone from the list and click 'Properties.'
Step 3
![Download Download](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125850377/466916489.jpg)
Click the 'Levels' tab in the Microphone Properties window and increase the volume by dragging the slider to the right. Click the 'OK' button to apply the changes and go back to the Sound window.
Step 4
Talk in front of your microphone and see if the volume meter on the right of your microphone responds. Click the 'OK' button to close the Sound window and click the Skype icon on your taskbar to go back to Skype.
Step 1
Connect any external speakers or webcams you want to use with Skype to your computer so the software can recognize them.
Step 2
Enter your Skype account login details in the two text boxes and click the 'Sign In' button. If you do not have a Skype or Microsoft account, click the 'Create an Account' link and complete the registration form. If you want to use your Microsoft account instead, click 'Microsoft Account' and enter your Microsoft account login details there.
Step 3
Close the 'Nearly Done, Just a Couple of Things' window if you see it so you can see the main Skype window. Click 'Call' on the menu bar and select 'Audio Settings' to see the Skype Options window.
Step 4
Change the microphone, speakers and ringing settings to your preferred devices. Decrease the volume levels of both volume meters if necessary by dragging the handle on the far right to the desired position.
Step 5
Click 'Video Settings' on the sidebar to set up your webcam device if you have one connected. Click 'Webcam Settings' to open the Video Capture Filter Properties window and make the appropriate adjusts to alter the quality of your webcam. Click the 'OK' button to close the Video Capture Filter Properties window.
Step 6
Click on any of the other items on the left side of the Skype Options window if you need to change other settings. For instance, you can configure your Skype account to only allow people in your contact list to contact you by going to the Privacy Settings section.
![How To Set Up Skype For Business On Mac Youtube How To Set Up Skype For Business On Mac Youtube](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125850377/367297770.jpg)
Step 7
Click the 'Save' button to save any option changes you have made.
Tip
- If the volume meter does not respond while you test the microphone, increase the Microphone Boost slider in the 'Levels' tab of the Microphone Properties window.
References
About the Author
John Ruiz began his writing career in 2008 as a freelancer writing for eHow and various technology, software and hardware blogs. He has been designing websites since 2002. Ruiz earned a Bachelor of Science in information technology and web design from AMA Computer University.