How to Uninstall Skype for Business on Windows 10?

Skype for Business is a popular communication tool used in many workplaces, but if you no longer need it or want to replace it with Microsoft Teams or another app, you might want to uninstall it from your Windows 10 device. Uninstalling Skype for Business can be done in a few simple steps. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to remove Skype for Business from your computer.

Why Uninstall Skype for Business?

There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall Skype for Business on Windows 10:

• Switching to Microsoft Teams: As part of the Microsoft 365 suite, Teams has become the primary collaboration tool, and Skype for Business is being phased out.
• Freeing Up Space: If you’re not using Skype for Business, removing it can free up space and reduce the number of unused apps on your computer.
• Performance Improvements: Uninstalling unnecessary software can help improve your computer’s performance.

Step 1: Check If Skype for Business is Installed as Part of Office 365

In many cases, Skype for Business comes bundled with Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365. Before you uninstall it, it’s important to know whether Skype for Business was installed as part of the Office suite.

Steps to Check:

1. Open the Start Menu:
   • Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Search for Skype for Business:
   • Type Skype for Business in the search bar.
   • If the app is installed, it will appear in the search results.

If it’s part of Microsoft Office, the process for uninstalling will vary slightly from a standalone installation.

Step 2: Uninstall Skype for Business from the Control Panel (For Standalone Installations)

If Skype for Business was installed separately from Office, you can uninstall it through the Control Panel.

Steps to Uninstall:

1. Open the Control Panel:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type control and hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
2. Navigate to Programs:
   • Click on Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Find Skype for Business:
   • Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find Skype for Business.
4. Uninstall Skype for Business:
   • Right-click on Skype for Business and select Uninstall.
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
   • Restart your computer if prompted.

Step 3: Uninstall Skype for Business from Office 365 Suite (If Bundled)

If Skype for Business is part of your Microsoft Office 365 or Microsoft 365 installation, you’ll need to modify your Office installation to remove it.

Steps to Uninstall:

1. Open the Settings Menu:
   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Apps > Apps & Features.
2. Find Office 365 or Microsoft 365:
   • Scroll through the list of installed apps and find Microsoft 365 or Office 365.
   • Click on it, then select Modify.
3. Modify Office Installation:
   • A window will appear asking if you want to Add or Remove Features. Select this option.
   • In the list of Office components, find Skype for Business.
4. Remove Skype for Business:
   • Uncheck the box next to Skype for Business.
   • Click Continue to begin the modification process. Office will update, and Skype for Business will be removed from your system.
5. Restart Your PC:
   • After the modification is complete, restart your computer.

Step 4: Remove Skype for Business Using PowerShell (Advanced Method)

If Skype for Business was installed as part of an Office 365 deployment and you’re still encountering issues removing it, you can use PowerShell to uninstall the program.

Steps to Uninstall Using PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
   • Type PowerShell in the Start menu search bar.
   • Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
2. Execute Uninstall Command:
   • In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: Get-WmiObject -Query "select * from Win32_Product where Name = 'Skype for Business'" | ForEach-Object { $_.Uninstall() }
3. Wait for Uninstallation to Complete:
   • This command will automatically uninstall Skype for Business. Wait for the process to finish.
4. Restart Your Computer:
   • After the uninstallation process is complete, restart your PC to finalize the removal.

Step 5: Remove Leftover Files (Optional)

Sometimes, after uninstalling Skype for Business, residual files may remain on your system. To fully clean up, follow these steps:

Steps to Clean Up:

1. Check Program Files:
   • Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office.
   • Look for any remaining folders related to Skype for Business. If you find any, delete them.
2. Delete Skype for Business AppData:
   • Press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and hit Enter.
   • Navigate to Microsoft\Skype for Business and delete the folder if it’s still present.
3. Clear Temporary Files:
   • Press Windows + R, type temp, and press Enter.
   • Delete all files in the folder.

Step 6: Verify Skype for Business Is Removed

After completing all the steps, it’s a good idea to verify that Skype for Business has been successfully uninstalled from your system.

1. Search for Skype for Business:
   • Open the Start menu and search for Skype for Business.
   • If the program does not appear, it has been removed successfully.
2. Check Task Manager:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
   • Look for Skype for Business in the list of processes. If it’s not there, the uninstallation was successful.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Skype for Business from Windows 10 is relatively straightforward, whether it’s installed as a standalone application or part of the Office 365 suite. By following these simple steps, you can remove Skype for Business and free up space on your system or transition to another communication tool like Microsoft Teams. If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation process, using PowerShell or checking for leftover files can help ensure a complete removal.