Because no, it’s really not as easy as you think

Feb 22, 2019 10:53 GMT  ·  By

If you’re on Windows 10, you probably noticed that recently, an update brought the Skype icon right to the system tray, even if you weren’t using the messaging app.

Before anything, some context. Microsoft is currently offering two different versions of Skype to Windows 10 users, namely the classic Win32 one, which you can download separately, and the modern app that comes bundled with the OS.

Needless to say, the Windows 10 version is the one that’s the preferred choice, especially because Microsoft keeps refining it with regular updates.

On the other hand, bringing the app to the system tray isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, especially because… wait for it… there’s no option to exit the app and remove the icon when right-clicking it.

In the last few weeks, I’ve seen more and more users looking for a way to get rid of the Skype icon from the system tray, and this is pretty much the living proof that Microsoft has made it more difficult than it should be for this icon to go away.

At this point, if the Windows 10 version of Skype is enabled on your device, right-clicking the icon in the system tray displays two different options:


Unread conversations
Open Skype
Settings
While most of the apps that come with an icon in system tray also have an option to quit and close them, this isn’t the case of Skype, and I can’t help but wonder why. I’m not going to make any assumptions, though most people angry they can’t get rid of the icon already do, but here’s the thing: you can actually remove the icon, only that more clicks are required.
Skype for Windows 10 - no option to exit the app

Basically, you need to double-click the icon in the system tray to launch Skype and then on the left side of the screen, click the three-dot menu next to your name and profile picture.

Click the Settings menu item to open the configuration screen for Skype – the same menu can be launched by right-clicking the Skype icon in the system tray and then clicking Settings.

Next, head over to the General section and uncheck the option called Show Skype in the Windows notification area (system tray). By default, it’s enabled for all users.

So in just a few words, here are the steps you need to follow:


Skype > Settings > General > Show Skype in the Windows notification area (system tray) > Disable
Needless to say, this isn’t really the most difficult to do, especially for power users, but on the other hand, beginners might have a hard time removing the Skype icon from the system tray, especially because it shouldn’t be there in the first place.

Somewhat odd is that the option to quit Skype shows up in the system tray menu only after you sign out from the application and the icon is greyed out. Right-clicking the icon now reveals three options to open Skype, sign in, and quit the application, with the last removing the icon as well.

Skype for Windows 10 option to exit the app after signing out

Again, this is something that users might not be able to figure out on their own, and I really think that Microsoft should update the default behavior of the application to include an option to exit Skype easily from the system tray icon.

It remains to be seen if Microsoft gets the feedback, but for the time being, if you’re not using Skype and want to shut down the app or just get rid of the icon in the system tray, following the steps here is the only way to go on Windows 10.

Photo Gallery (4 Images)

Skype for Windows 10
Skype for Windows 10 - no option to exit the appSkype for Windows 10 settings
+1more