Why Does Skype Randomly Start?

Have you ever been frustrated because your entire device slows down while it loads up Skype for no sane reason? Each time you turn on your device, or multiple random times? Well, it is a common issue, and luckily it is not too difficult to solve…Let us know Why Does Skype Randomly Start?

Why Does Skype Randomly Start? Possible reasons why Skype automatically loads on Startup can be because the computer or Skype’s own internal settings make it do so. It may also be because of your staying logged in on Skype, a new update, a lack of a new update, or a malware attack. The solution is different for various Operating Systems (OS), and it also differs between Skype and Skype for Business. You will need to try each solution one by one and restart the device to see if it helps.

We will look at

• Possible reasons for the automatic loading
• General Solutions
• Solutions for Linux
• Solutions for Windows
• Solutions for Mac OS
• Skype for Business

Possible reasons for the automatic loading

• Skype’s automatic start option is enabled
• Auto-start is turned on for Skype in the OS settings.
• You remain signed in 
• Virus or malware attack on Skype
• Skype is not updated
• New update with a bug
• A VPN is interfering with Skype
• The call button on your headphones initiates Skype.

Solutions are mentioned below, beginning with general solutions and then elaborating on some specifics for Windows and Mac OS. For Linux or other OS, you need to do the same thing, but the method might differ, even between Linux distros.

General Solutions

Turn off the Automatic Start option within the application

• On the Skype application, you will see three dots for More beside your name. Click on this and select Settings.
• Choose General from the sidebar on the left.
• Toggle off the Automatically Start Skype option.
• Go to the Startup and Close part.
• Turn off the Launch Skype in the Background option.
• Turn off the On close, Keep Skype Running option.

Sign out

• Click on the aforementioned three dots.
• Select Sign Out.
• When the Remember Account and Application Settings on this Device pop-up shows, select Yes.

• If your OS has the option to decide which applications open up automatically at start-up, you must remove Skype from the autostart list.

• Depending on your OS, the method to manage On-Startup apps differs but a basic search should suffice.

Do a full scan of the device

• Use inbuilt or third-party antivirus software that can perform a Full Scan and eliminate any defects from your device. Sometimes, malware or a virus can make Skype misbehave.

Uninstall Skype and use the online version

• Depending on your OS, find out how to uninstall Skype and uninstall it.
• On your Web browser, go to Skype’s official website.
• Click on Open Skype in your Browser.
• Use your Microsoft account to sign in and use Skype in your browser.

Note: This stops Skype from popping up, but it is not a solution; you essentially get rid of the application. This solution is more suited for people who do not regularly use Skype.

Update Skype because older versions might act abnormally

• Open Skype and click on the three dots as mentioned earlier.
• Select Help and Feedback.
• If the page says “You’re on the latest version of Skype”, you are up-to-date and do not need to do anything.
• Otherwise, Skype should automatically update itself to the latest version.
• Ensure that automatic updates are enabled for Skype to update automatically.

Revert to an older version because an update might have a glitch

• Uninstall the current version of Skype.
• Look for an older version online or another available version on Skype’s official website for your OS.
• Install that and see if it works better.
• You will have to turn off Auto-Update to keep Skype at that older version.

1. Be careful with headphones

• If your headset has a Call button on it and it is connected to your device, be careful not to press that button.
• Skype will launch automatically if you press that button, even if you want to use it for another program.
• Based on your OS, follow the steps to disallow Skype and other applications from taking exclusive control of your headset.

1. Deactivate your VPN

• A VPN can interfere with Skype’s settings, so deactivate it and see what happens.

1. Ask for help

• Log in to your Skype account.
• Click on the three dots for More.
• Choose Settings.
• Go to Help and Feedback.
• Discuss your issue and mention options you have already tried in order to solve the problem.
• Skype’s personnel will help you identify the root cause.
• Wait for the customer support team to respond to your issue.

Solutions for Linux

Solutions may differ between distros, but there is ample support available on online forums that you can consult or enquire through. Many of the solutions will refer to code to be copied into the command line.

Solutions for Windows

1. To make sure Skype does not pop up at start-up, especially in Windows 10, which includes Skype as a Start-up program:

• Click on the Windows logo at the bottom of your screen.
• Search for Startup Apps through the search box and click on it.
• Switch off the button for Skype if it was toggled on.
• This method may not work if your version of Windows has Startup Abbs under a different name. If so, use Method 2 below.

1. To prevent Skype from running in the background

• Click on the Windows icon.
• Select Settings.
• Go to Privacy.
• From the left sidebar, choose Background Apps.
• Toggle Skype to off.

1. To uninstall Skype

• Launch the Control Panel through the taskbar’s search box.
• Go to Programs, and then to Programs and Features.
• Select Skype and then Uninstall to remove it.

Alternatively, if you cannot find Skype on the list

• Go to System Settings through the Start menu.
• Select Apps and Features, and uninstall Skype.
• If you cannot uninstall it directly, click on the blue link titled Advanced.
• Select Immediately Terminate this App…
• Repeat the abovementioned process to uninstall normally.

1. To turn off Auto-update

• On the Skype app, find and click on the Tools menu. 
• Navigate to the Advanced section.
• Turn off Automatic updates.

1. To remove the headphone call-button issue

• Select Hardware and Sound on your Control Panel.
• Look for the option to Manage Audio/Input Devices.
• Choose your headphones from the list and go to the Advanced section of its properties.
• Toggle off the Allow Applications…Exclusive Control of This Device option.

Solutions for Mac OS

1. Deal with the automatic start-up settings

• Click on the Apple logo at the screen’s top left.
• Select System Preferences.
• Go to Users and Groups.
• Switch the tab to Login Items.
• Select Skype and click on the ‘-’ option.

Alternative

• Right-click on the icon for Skype on the lower bar/Dock of your screen.
• Click Options to get to another column.
• Look at the Open at Login option: if there is a tick beside it, click on it to remove it. 
• Skype will no longer bother you on start-up, but you will not receive its notifications either until you launch the application manually.

1. To uninstall Skype

• Click on the Finder on your Dock.
• On the left pane, click Applications
• Open the Skype folder and run the Uninstall program.
• If you cannot find the folder, drag and drop the Skype application to the Trash on the right-hand side of the Dock. 
• From the menu bar, use Go to navigate to the Library.
• Delete the Skype folder here to eradicate caches.

1. To turn off Auto-update

• With the Skype app launched, select Preferences from the Menu Bar.
• Select the General tab.
• Uncheck Always Keep Skype Up to Date.

Skype for Business

To stop Skype for Business from popping up automatically,

• Launch Skype for Business.
• Go to the gear icon, click on options, and then select Personal on the left-hand side.
• Uncheck the Start the App in the Foreground option.
• Uncheck the Automatically Start… option.

Why Does Skype Randomly Start? The main problem is when Skype for Business is installed as part of the Microsoft Office package because it becomes more difficult to change the settings or uninstall it. Try the above, or look for options that will deal with the issue using the command line and the Microsoft Deployment Tool. Generally, the first option should work. 

Conclusion

Why Does Skype Randomly Start? In short, anything your device does without being asked can get annoying, and random pop-ups of an application that you do not need to use opening and taking up valuable device resources can get frustrating and break your tempo. Why Does Skype Randomly Start? Unfortunately, there is a list of reasons why this problem persists and troubleshooting can take time, but the problem can be solved. If all else fails, you can still connect with Skype’s support team for help, or uninstall the application and use it online instead – you can either solve the problem or avoid it.

FAQ

Q: How do I uninstall Skype for Business completely if I do not use it?

A: Unfortunately, if the application is a part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite, you cannot get rid of it because the 365 suite is an integrated unit. If the popups bother you, you can try the hacks mentioned above. If you downloaded Skype for Business separately, you can uninstall it as you would uninstall Skype.