Can’t Uninstall Skype from Windows? – Complete Uninstall Solutions

Can’t uninstall Skype from your PC? Skype is a famous telecommunication application used by millions of individuals and businesses nowadays. This application integrates of voice and IM (Instant Messaging) into one application, letting people communicate with all other people in the world easily. However, some people reported they had unexpected errors while using Skype, and some of them said they can’t even accept calls. The worst thing for all is they are unable to uninstall Skype on their PC.  This can be a big problem. If you’re trying to uninstall Skype but with no luck, just follow our detailed removal instruction to get rid of Skype and all its leftovers from your PC.

What is Skype?

Skype is the world’s most premier text, video, and voice chat application that is available on everything from Xbox consoles to smartwatches today. Of course, you can use Skype on your mobile phones, tablets and computers. It does text messaging, location sharing, file sharing, image sharing, video messaging, voice messaging, group video calls, group audio calls, calls to regular telephones and more. The application was first released in 2003 and was created by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis (in collaboration with Kazaa developers Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn). And now it is owned by Microsoft with millions of loyal users worldwide. With Skype, you can connect with people around the world easily. You can send instant messages and share files with friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else you’d like to converse with, no matter where you are in the world. In addition, Skype has the ability to bookmark important messages. Basically, as long as you have an internet connection, you can make and receive calls to other Skype user worldwide for free. Skype also offers premium version that lets users do even more, like send SMS messages, group video calls, PC-to-Phone calling and make audio calls to any phone, locally or internationally.

Can’t Uninstall Skype from Windows PC?

Skype is a great application, but many users experienced issues while using it. They even have problem in uninstalling Skype, so they seek help and support in Microsoft Community. The most common problems that users meet with Skype include:

  • Can’t uninstall Skype from Windows 10
  • The older version of Skype cannot be removed
  • Skype install/Uninstall errors 1603, 1618, 1619, 2503, 2738 on Windows 
  • No Uninstall Option given in Windows Control Panel Add/Remove Program

If you are one of those who are having problems with Skype, sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling Skype can help. Using the Control Panel is the easiest way to uninstall Skype or any other apps. But let’s face it, the built-in Windows uninstaller is really basic and it can’t uninstall Skype completely without leaving several leftovers like the empty registry keys, folders in your C drive, program data, application shortcuts, etc. These leftovers not only slow down computer performance, but also may interfere with the regular system performance in a bad way. So, if you are serious about completely uninstalling Skype from your Windows computer, you need to manually delete all its associated files and registry entries. Don’t let the residual files related to Skype stay on your PC taking up unnecessary space.

Skype Manual Removal Guide on Windows 10:

  • Click Start menu, then select Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Select Skype and then click on “Uninstall” option.

  • Or you can uninstall it from your Control Panel. To do this, you can click on Start Menu -> Windows System folder -> Control Panel -> Go to Programs and Features (if your Control Panel is in Category view, go to Uninstall a Program).

  • Follow the instruction to complete Skype Removal & Delete Skype associated folders, files and registry entries manually:

Click Start, then click on Run, search for Skype remaining files and folders from the below locations, then delete them:

  • %temp%
  • %appdata%
  • %programdata%

Next, you have to delete Skype entries from Windows registry. Click Start, then click on Run and type regedit in the Open field. Then press enter on your keyboard.

Navigate to the Registry key:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node (64-bit system users will also need to check this extra key)

If you can find any keys with the name of Skype, just delete such keys.

Warning: Skype manual removal guide requires expertise, so just make sure you know what you are doing. You should be extremely cautious when modifying your registry because any mistakes can lead to serious problems. And before you get started, the first thing to do is backup all your important files and documents. You can do that by saving your essential data on the external source such as DVD/CDs, free cloud storage services, USB sticks or external drives in case you delete any wrong files that may cause system crash. If you are not good at handling system files or have never been dealing with registry entries, you can  turn to a third party uninstaller that help you uninstall Skype and its leftovers automatically.

Uninstall Skype with an Expert Tool – Uninstallor

Are you exhausted by trying a lot of options but find Skype is still there and won’t let you uninstall? If so, a third party uninstaller is the best way to go. Uninstallor is a powerful and advanced uninstaller that can quickly uninstall Skype while taking care of all its leftovers. You won’t have to figure out what files to remove or what boxes to check – all you need to do is specify the program you don’t want and hit “Uninstall”, then Uninstallor will take care of everything. The program is easy-to-use and it’s faster than the regular Windows uninstaller. It wipes every trace of unwanted programs in one minute. No more leftover files lingering around!

Posted on October 2, 2019 uninstalledly editor