Skype Randomly Opens in Windows 10 [Causes & Fixes 2024]

When working on something important, you certainly don’t want any distractions. Especially when you are on your computer, trying to make a living and something annoying pops up, like Skype.

This can divert you from work, and unfortunately, it’s a common problem with Skype on Windows 10, whether you use the main Skype app or Skype for Business. But no need to worry about it anymore.

In this article, I’ve explained why your Skype is opening randomly and provided all the solutions that will fix the problem for good.

As you go through the article, you’ll know why your Skype keeps popping up and what you need to do to fix it.

Let’s begin!

Why Does Skype Randomly Start on Windows 10

The main culprit for Skype keeps opening at random is because Skypes’ automatic start option is enabled. That’s the case more often than not. But Skype also can pop up due to auto-start being turned on in Windows settings or on the Task Manager.

Let’s find out why your Skype is opening by itself.

Here are the reasons for Skype launching at random:

Automatic Start Feature Enabled in Skype Settings

If the automatic start is turned on from settings, Skype might pop up out of nowhere. In the case of Skype for Business, Automatically start Skype when you log in to Windows might be enabled.

Skype is Selected as Startup Program in Windows Settings

Your computer might have enabled Skype to open when you turn on the device. In that case, just disabling the launch at the startup option will fix the issue.

You are Always Logged In

Your Skype might be starting randomly because you are continuously signed in to Skype as the remain sign-in option is enabled.

Skype Affected by Malware

You are facing this issue can be due to a virus or malware attack. But nothing too big that a simple scan from Windows Security can’t handle.

Skype is Selected as Startup Program in Task Manager

Your Skype keeps showing up can be because Skype is among the apps that start with Windows. Open your Task Manager and check the Startup programs.

Now that you know what can be the culprit let’s fix them one by one.

How to Stop Skype From Opening Automatically on Windows 10

To prevent Skype from opening randomly, the most common fix is to disable the auto-start option from the Skype settings and make sure that Skype is not one of the programs that are supposed to start when Windows starts. That’s all you need to do.

But in case that’s not enough, and you are still getting this problem, I’ve given every possible solution to eliminate this annoying problem.

Here’s how to fix Skype keeps randomly opening on Windows 10:

1. Fix Skype Self-Start Using Skype Settings

Configure Skype settings to prevent it from starting automatically. You will find the auto-start option in the General tab.

Here are the steps to disable Skype auto-start:

• Launch Skype on your PC.
• Click the three horizontal dots beside your name and select Settings.
• Choose General from the left sidebar.
• Disable Automatically start Skype.

2. Fix Skype Self-Start Using Windows Settings

Your Skype might be one of the applications that start when you boot up your computer and might run in the background without your knowledge and pops up randomly.

You need to stop it from running in the background and deselect Skype from Startup programs.

Stop Skype from Running in the Background

Here are the steps to prevent Skype from running in the background:

• Click the Windows icon and choose Settings.
• Go to Privacy.
• Select Background Apps from the left sidebar.
• Toggle Skype to off, and it will no longer run in the background.

Stop Skype from Running when Windows Starts

Here’s the process to cease Skype from opening when the PC boots up:

• Click on the Windows button and select Settings.
• Choose Apps.
• Go to Startup from the left sidebar.
• Disable Skype from the Startup Apps.

From now on, Skype will no longer run in the background and will start with Windows; thus, no more random Skype pop-ups.

3. Sign Out from Skype

If you are continuously signed in to Skype, it might appear without any warning. So signing out might solve it.

Here’s how to sign out from Skype:

• Launch Skype on your PC.
• Click the three horizontal dots beside your name
• Select Sign out.
• Click Yes when Remember account and application settings confirmation shows up.

4. Eliminate Malware

In case your system is under some kind of virus or malware attack, it can cause the PC to behave abnormally and open Skype randomly. Do a full scan and make sure there’s no virus.

Here’s how to do a full scan of Windows 10:

• Go to Windows Security from the taskbar hidden icons.
• Select Virus & threat protection.
• Click Scan options, then Full scan.
• Select Scan now.

This process will take a while. After the scan is completed, get rid of any defects if found.

5. Uninstall Skype & Use Skype in the Web Browser

This is not a fix; It’s more like a workaround. Simply uninstall Skype and use it on your browser. You’ll have all the features that the app version provides.

Here’s the process of uninstalling and opening Skype on the browser:

• Select the Search icon from your Windows taskbar.
• Search for the Control Panel and open it.
• Select Uninstall a program under Programs.
• Choose Skype and click Uninstall.
• Open your browser and go to the Skype Official Website.
• Select Open Skype in your browser.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account, and Skype will open in the browser.

6. Upgrade Skype Version

Sometimes outdated apps can cause them to behave unnaturally, and the only way to fix it is to update them. Therefore, if you are using an old Skype version, update it to solve the issue at hand.

Here’s how to check for Skype updates:

• Open Skype on your device.
• Click the three dots beside your profile.
• Select Help and feedback.

After these steps, if you see You’re on the latest version of Skype, you are up-to-date. But if you are not, Skype will automatically download and install the upgraded version.

7. Be Careful When Using Headphones

If your headphone is connected to your computer and you unintentionally press the call button on the headset, it might launch Skype. So be careful not to press the call button on your headphones.

FAQs

Why does Skype for Business open automatically?

Skype for Business opens automatically because Automatically start the app when I log on to Windows is enabled from Skype for Business settings. But it can also start due to auto-start being turned on in Windows settings or on the Task Manager.

How do I get rid of Skype for Business pop up?

To get rid of Skype for Business pop up, launch Skype for Business, go to Settings > Personal and uncheck Automatically start the app when I log on to Windows and Start the app in the foreground.

How to stop Skype from running in the background?

To stop Skype from running in the background, open your Windows Settings, go to Privacy > Background Apps and deselect Skype.

Final Thoughts

Skype provides the facilities of chatting, making calls, and sharing files with your contacts, all while maintaining a clean, easy-to-understand interface. But it’s not without problems.

And a typical problem is Skype keeps popping up automatically, which I’ve fixed in this article. I’ve provided all the tested solutions for this problem and explained why it occurs so you can get rid of it permanently.

Let me know if you have any other apps that are acting unnaturally. See you in the comment section.