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How to uninstall Skype on Windows 10 [STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE]
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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As you know, there are two versions of Skype you can run on Windows 10. One is the dedicated app that you can download and install from theMicrosoft Store, and the other is thedesktop app for Windows 10that can be downloaded from the Skype website.
While some users don’t like the Skype app at all and want to install the desktop version, others will want to have it the other way around.
If you have installedSkypeand you now want to remove it, check out this small guide where I will show you how to uninstall Skype on Windows 10, for the two versions that are available.
Skype is a great application, but many users experienced various issues with it. Speaking of issues, these are the most common problems that users have with Skype:
How can I uninstall Skype on Windows 10?
1. Use PowerShell
If you want to uninstall Skype, you might be able to do that by using PowerShell. Keep in mind that this method can only remove the Universal version of Skype and not the desktop application.
If you want to remove the desktop version of Skype, be sure to try a different solution. To remove Skype with PowerShell, you need to do the following:
After running this command, the Universal version of Skype should be deleted from your PC.
If PowerShell doesn’t work, another alternative to force-remove Skype is to use a dedicated uninstaller that will not only remove the base program, but also the related files, folders, and residual data.
Uninstaller softwareare utilities that can do all the above and more. They don’t only handle software such as Skype, it can also deal with tougher programs as well, such as pre-installed Windows 10 programs (bloatware), Store apps, browser extensions, etc.
These tools can even remove malicious apps that you won’t be able to uninstall using the Add or remove programs Utility.
2. Right-click Skype icon and choose Uninstall from the menu
If you try to uninstall the desktop version of Skype, you’llopen Programs and Featureswindow. From there you’ll need to find Skype from the list of apps and double click it to remove it.
For detailed instructions on how to do that, be sure to checkSolution 3for detailed instructions.
If you have installed the Skype app and didn’t like the way it looks or works, uninstalling it is very simple.
If you’re trying to remove Universal version of Skype, the process is more straightforward. Instead of openingPrograms and Featureswindow, you’ll get a dialog box asking you to confirm whether you want to uninstall Skype.
Now you just have to click theUninstallbutton and you’ll remove the Universal version of Skype.
Note:Also, for users that haveupgraded to Windows 10, they can find the Skype app in the All Apps screen.
Most users don’t know what to do when the Windows key stops working. Check outthis guideand be a step ahead.
3. Use the Settings app
If you want to uninstall Skype, the best course of action would be to use the Settings app. To uninstall Skype using the Settings app, you just need to do the following:
We also have to mention that there’s an instant way to open the Apps section. To do that, just follow these steps:
After doing that, you should see the list of all installed applications on your PC.
If you have both desktop and Universal version installed, you can remove them both using the Settings app.
As you can see, this method is simple and straightforward and it’s perfect since it can remove both desktop and Universal version of Skype from your PC.
4. Use Programs and Features
Another way to remove Skype is to usePrograms and Featuresapplet. This method was used in previous versions of Windows, but you can still use it on Windows 10. To access Programs and Features, you just need to follow these steps:
This method is effective just like the first one, but in order to use it, you need to start theControl Panelfirst. As a result, you need to perform a few extra steps in order to open Programs and Features applet.
Keep in mind that this method only allows you to remove desktop apps. Therefore, if you have the Universal version of Skype installed, you won’t be able to uninstall it using this method.
In fact, you won’t be able to see the Universal version of Skype on the list. If you want to remove Universal version of Skype, you’ll have to use Settings app or any other method to remove it.
If you want more info on how to uninstall programs and apps from Control Panel on Windows 10, check out thisdetailed guide.
5. Completely remove Skype from your PC
If you want to completely remove Skype from your PC, it’s not enough just to uninstall Skype. Even after you uninstall the application using one of the aforementioned methods, you’ll still have some leftover Skype files on your PC and in your registry.
To completely remove all files associated with the desktop version of Skype, you need to do the following:
Now you need to delete all remaining files from the Skype directory. To do that, just follow these steps:
The last step requires you to delete all Skype registry entries from your PC. This is probably the most advanced part of the solution, so follow the instructions carefully. To remove Skype registry entries, do the following:
If you can’t edit your Windows 10’s registry, read thishandy guideand find the quickest solutions to the issue.
If any problems occur after removing these entries, you can easily restore them by running the file you created inStep 2. This is an advanced solution, but if you want to completely remove Skype, this might be the right way to do it.
If you want a software solution that will clean your registry automatically, check out thiscomplete listwith the best registry cleaners available right now.
Skype is a great application, but if you have problems with it and you want to remove it, feel free to try one of our solutions.
If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Uninstall issues and guides,windows 10
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
