Skype has been a popular communication tool for years, but many Windows 10 users eventually switch to other apps like Teams, Zoom, or WhatsApp. If you no longer use Skype or want to free up storage space, removing it from your PC is quick and easy. This guide walks you through multiple methods to uninstall Skype in Windows 10, ensuring the app and its leftover files are fully removed.

Table of Contents

Why Uninstall Skype?

There are a few common reasons users choose to remove Skype:

You prefer another messaging or video-calling app
Skype starts automatically and slows down startup
You want to clean up unused programs
The app is not working properly and you want a fresh reinstall

No matter the reason, the steps below will help you get rid of Skype completely.

Method 1: Uninstall Skype Using Windows Settings

This is the simplest way for most users.

Step-by-step:

Click the Start menu and choose Settings (the gear icon).
Go to Apps.
Select Apps & features from the left pane.
Scroll down the app list and locate Skype.
Click Skype and choose Uninstall.
Confirm again by clicking Uninstall when prompted.

Windows will automatically remove the program and its main components.

Method 2: Uninstall Skype from the Control Panel

Some desktop versions of Skype appear in the classic Control Panel.

Follow these steps:

Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
In the Programs and Features window, find Skype.
Right-click it and select Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete removal.

This method is useful if you installed the traditional desktop version instead of the Microsoft Store version.

Method 3: Remove Skype Using the Microsoft Store

If you installed Skype from the Microsoft Store, try this method:

Open the Start menu.
Right-click Skype.
Select Uninstall from the menu.
Confirm to remove it.

Windows will remove the app instantly.

Method 4: Delete Skype Leftover Files (Optional, but Recommended)

To fully clean up Skype, you may want to remove leftover profile and cache files.

Step-by-step cleanup:

Press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
Find the folder named Skype.
Right-click and choose Delete.

Then clear the local data:

Press Windows + R again.
Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
Locate Skype or Skype for Desktop, and delete the folder.

This removes cached data, chat logs, and other residual items.

Method 5: Stop Skype from Starting Automatically

If you don’t want to uninstall Skype but simply want to prevent it from launching at startup:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab.
Find Skype in the list.
Right-click it and select Disable.

This keeps Skype installed but stops it from running in the background.

Final Thoughts

Uninstalling Skype in Windows 10 is straightforward, and you can choose any of the methods above depending on how the app was installed. Whether you’re switching to another communication tool or simply cleaning up your computer, removing Skype takes only a few minutes. For a complete cleanup, remember to delete leftover files from the AppData folder.

How to Uninstall Skype in Windows 10 – Simple Step-by-Step Guide