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FIX: Skype won’t close in Windows 10/11
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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How do I force quit Skype?
Windows 10is here, and we are loving it so far. But some users have reported a fewbugs affectingSkype.
Namely, they’re not able to close the application. So in this article, we’re going to show you a couple of solutions for this problemDozens of Windows 10 users have reported one strange bug withSkypeon their computers which prevents them from shutting down the program.
If you want to shut downSkype, usually you would right click the icon in yourTaskbarand select “Quit Skype” from context menu.
However, many users have reported that they cannot exitSkypethis way, therefore we’re providing you with a few workarounds.
What can I do if Skype won’t close on my computer?
1. Close Skype from system tray
If you’re one of those users that cannot close Skype viaTaskbar, try closing it viasystem tray. First go to the bottom right edge of your screen, and there should be aSkypeicon next to your clock.
If noSkypeicon is available, it might be hidden, so you need to press an arrow button in order to reveal it. After finding theSkypeicon in system tray, right-click on it and then pressQuitSkype.
2. Uninstall Skype and replace it with the latest version
There’s one more fix available and it requires you to uninstall the current version ofSkype.
After uninstalling Skype from your computer, you need to head over to theSkype’s website,download the latest version of Skypeand reinstall it.
After reinstalling Skype, you should be able to close it via Taskbar, without going to thesystem tray.
We have to point out that this solution didn’t fix the problem on allWindows 10computers, but it has helped number of users, so it’s worth checking out.
Looking for the best uninstalling tools? Here are the best options.
3. Close Skype using the Task Manager
If this doesn’t help, and you still can’t quit Skype, you can always turn it off using Task Manager. Headover to your Taskbar, right-click on it and then choose Task Manager from the context menu.
When Task Manager opens up, scroll down the list until you find Skype process, select it, and press “End Task” button. This will forcefully and successfully close Skype.
Alternatively, you can use a third-party Task Manager from our fresh list!
4. Create a .bat file
Another method to force quit Skype is to create a batch file and add the following lines in it:
Save the file to your desktop and simply open it in order to turn off Skype.
At this time we don’t know what is causing this issue, and Microsoftis working really hard to patch Skype and to resolve this minor problem, and we’re hoping that official fix will be available soon to all Windows 10 users.
If you have any other Windows 10-related issues you can check for the solutionin ourWindows 10 Fixsection.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
