How to Get Skype out of the Taskbar

Skype is a freely available program that gives you the ability to place phone calls, participate in chat sessions, exchange files and send text messages using an Internet connection. By default, when you install Skype on your Windows machine, the program is configured to automatically start each time you load the operating system. Once started, you can access Skype through a small icon located within the taskbar. If you want to disable this behavior and prevent the program from loading alongside Windows, adjust the corresponding setting within Skype's "Options" menu.

Instructions

1. Double-click the "Skype" icon in the taskbar to bring the program to the front of your screen.

2. Click the "Tools" item in the menu bar along the top of the program window and select "Options."

3. Click the "General" tab on the left side of the window, followed by the adjacent "General Settings" submenu item.

4. Remove the checkmark from the "Start Skype When I Start Windows" box found on the right side of the screen.

5. Click "Save" to confirm your choice. The change takes effect the next time you start Windows.

References

• Tech-Recipes: Prevent Skype From Starting When Windows Starts