How to Stop Skype for Business from Starting Automatically: A Complete Guide

Skype for Business is a powerful communication tool used by enterprises and professionals worldwide. However, having it start automatically with your system can be annoying, especially if you don’t use it regularly. This guide will walk you through the steps to stop Skype for Business from starting automatically, helping you improve your PC's startup time and performance.

Why Stop Skype for Business from Auto-Starting?

Before diving into the steps, it's important to understand why you might want to prevent Skype for Business from launching automatically:

**Improved Startup Time:** Auto-starting applications can slow down your computer’s boot time.

**Resource Management:** Preventing unnecessary apps from launching helps conserve system resources.

**User Preference:** You might prefer to launch Skype for Business manually when needed.

Methods to Stop Skype for Business Auto-Start

There are several methods you can use to stop Skype for Business from starting automatically on your Windows PC. Here’s a detailed look at each method:

Method 1: Disable from Skype for Business Settings

**Open Skype for Business:** Launch the application by searching for it in the Start Menu.

**Go to Tools:** Click on the gear icon to open the options menu.

**Select Personal:** In the Options dialog box, click on the 'Personal' tab.

**Uncheck Autostart Option:** Find the option labeled "Automatically start the app when I log on to Windows" and uncheck it.

**Save Changes:** Click 'OK' to save your settings and close the dialog.

Method 2: Remove from Startup Folder

**Open Run Dialog:** Press `Windows + R` to open the Run dialog box.

**Type Shell Command:** Enter `shell:startup` and press Enter. This will open the Startup folder.

**Remove Skype for Business Shortcut:** If a shortcut for Skype for Business is present, delete it from this folder.

Method 3: Use Task Manager

**Open Task Manager:** Right-click on the taskbar and select 'Task Manager' or press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc`.

**Go to Startup Tab:** Navigate to the 'Startup' tab.

**Disable Skype for Business:** Locate 'Skype for Business' in the list, right-click, and select 'Disable'.

Method 4: Disable via System Configuration

**Open Run Dialog:** Press `Windows + R`, type `msconfig`, and press Enter.

**Go to Startup Tab:** Click on the 'Startup' tab. (For Windows 10, this will redirect to Task Manager.)

**Uncheck Skype for Business:** Uncheck the box next to Skype for Business to disable it from starting automatically.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

**Option Greyed Out:** If the option to disable auto-start is greyed out, it might be due to administrative restrictions. Contact your IT administrator for assistance.

**Reappearing in Startup:** Sometimes, Skype for Business might reappear in your startup programs after updates. Repeat the above steps after each update.

FAQ

1. Why does Skype for Business start automatically?

Skype for Business is often set to start automatically to ensure users are always available for communication. This setting can be disabled manually if not needed.

2. Can I stop Skype for Business from starting without affecting Microsoft Office?

Yes, disabling Skype for Business from start-up does not affect other Microsoft Office applications. They operate independently.

3. How can I tell if Skype for Business is running?

Look for the Skype for Business icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen). If it’s there, the application is running.

4. Does stopping Skype for Business from auto-starting affect its functionalities?

No, stopping it from auto-starting only affects when it launches. You can still use all functionalities by manually starting the application.

5. Can I re-enable auto-start if needed?

Yes, you can re-enable auto-start by following the same steps and checking the auto-start option in the Skype for Business settings.

Conclusion

Preventing Skype for Business from starting automatically can significantly improve your system’s performance and startup time. With these simple steps, you can control when and how this application runs. By managing your startup programs effectively, you ensure that your computer remains swift and responsive. Remember, you can always revert these changes if you need Skype for Business to auto-start in the future.