How To Minimize Skype Icon To System Tray (Notification Area)

Skype requires no introduction. It’s the best free VIOP service out there and is currently developed by Microsoft. Most Windows users relay on Skype to connect with friends and family over a video call. While Windows 10 and 8.1 users can use the Metro or Modern UI Skype app, Windows 7 users have no option but to install the desktop client.

Those of you using the desktop version of Skype probably have noticed the Skype icon appears on the taskbar as long as you’re signed into your Skype or Microsoft account. Even though it’s a handy feature as it allows you quickly launch the program and change your status, the problem with the icon is that it doesn’t disappear even after you close the program and appears on the taskbar as long as you’re signed into your account.

In short, when you right-click on Skype icon on the taskbar and click Close option, Skype icon doesn’t disappear from the taskbar.

In order to remove Skype icon from Windows taskbar, you need to right-click on the icon and then click Quit option which isn’t a good idea as it will log you out. If you want to remove the Skype icon from the taskbar without quitting or signing out, you need to enable the appropriate option under Skype options.

Remove Skype icon from taskbar and minimize to system tray

Follow the given below instructions to remove the Skype icon from Windows taskbar and minimize the same to system tray without quitting the application.

Step 1: Launch Skype program. Once the software is launched, click Tools and then click Options to open Skype Options.

Step 2: Here, you need to navigate to Advanced settings. To do so, click or tap the Advanced button in the left pane.

Step 3: On the right-side of Advanced settings, you should now see Keep Skype in the taskbar while I am signed in option. Uncheck Keep Skype in the taskbar while I am signed in option and then click Save button. That’s it! From now on, when you close the Skype program, Skype icon doesn’t appear on the taskbar and appears in the system tray instead.

You can right-click on Skype icon (your current online status icon appears) to view options to change the status and launch the program.