Uninstalling Skype for Business: A Comprehensive Guide
Skype for Business, a communication platform previously used by many organizations, has been replaced by Microsoft Teams. While some users have already transitioned, others might still have Skype for Business installed on their systems. If you’re looking to reclaim storage space, avoid software conflicts, or simply declutter your applications, uninstalling Skype for Business is a sensible step. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for completely removing Skype for Business from your Windows and Mac operating systems.
## Why Uninstall Skype for Business?
Before diving into the uninstallation process, let’s consider why you might want to remove Skype for Business from your computer:
* **Transition to Microsoft Teams:** As Microsoft Teams is the successor to Skype for Business, it’s likely your organization has already migrated. Keeping Skype for Business installed after migrating to Teams is redundant.
* **Reclaiming Disk Space:** Skype for Business, like any application, occupies storage space on your hard drive. Uninstalling it can free up valuable space, especially if you’re running low on storage.
* **Preventing Software Conflicts:** In some cases, having both Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams installed can lead to software conflicts, causing performance issues or unexpected errors.
* **Reducing System Clutter:** Removing unused applications simplifies your system and makes it easier to manage your software.
* **Security:** Older, unsupported software can be a security risk. Removing Skype for Business eliminates a potential vulnerability if it’s no longer receiving security updates.
## Uninstalling Skype for Business on Windows
There are several methods for uninstalling Skype for Business on Windows. We’ll cover the most common and effective approaches:
### Method 1: Uninstalling via the Control Panel
The Control Panel is a traditional way to manage and uninstall applications in Windows. Here’s how to uninstall Skype for Business using the Control Panel:
1. **Close Skype for Business:** Before you begin, ensure that Skype for Business is completely closed. Check the system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of your screen) for the Skype for Business icon. If it’s running, right-click the icon and select “Exit” or “Close.”
2. **Open the Control Panel:**
* **Windows 10 and Windows 11:** Click the Start button, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and select “Control Panel.”
* **Windows 7 and Windows 8:** Click the Start button and select “Control Panel.”
3. **Navigate to Programs and Features:** In the Control Panel, under “Programs,” click “Uninstall a program.” If you don’t see this option, make sure the “View by” setting in the top-right corner is set to “Category.” If it’s set to “Large icons” or “Small icons,” click “Programs and Features” directly.
4. **Locate Skype for Business:** In the list of installed programs, find “Skype for Business” or “Microsoft Skype for Business [version number].”
5. **Uninstall Skype for Business:**
* Select “Skype for Business” from the list.
* Click the “Uninstall” button at the top of the list or right-click on “Skype for Business” and select “Uninstall.” A confirmation prompt will appear.
6. **Confirm the Uninstallation:** In the confirmation prompt, click “Yes” to proceed with the uninstallation. You may be asked to provide administrator permissions. Follow the on-screen instructions.
7. **Wait for the Uninstallation to Complete:** The uninstallation process may take a few minutes. Once it’s complete, you’ll receive a notification or the application will disappear from the list of installed programs.
8. **Restart Your Computer (Recommended):** After the uninstallation is complete, it’s highly recommended to restart your computer. This ensures that all related files and registry entries are properly removed.
### Method 2: Uninstalling via Settings (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer a more modern way to uninstall applications through the Settings app:
1. **Close Skype for Business:** Ensure that Skype for Business is completely closed, including the system tray icon.
2. **Open the Settings App:**
* **Windows 10:** Click the Start button and select the gear icon (Settings). Alternatively, search for “Settings” in the Start menu.
* **Windows 11:** Click the Start button and select “Settings.” You can also search for “Settings” in the Start menu.
3. **Navigate to Apps:** In the Settings app, click on “Apps.” In Windows 11, click on “Apps” then “Apps & Features”.
4. **Find Skype for Business:** In the list of installed apps, search for “Skype for Business” or scroll through the list to find it. You can use the search bar to quickly locate it.
5. **Uninstall Skype for Business:**
* Click on “Skype for Business” in the list. In Windows 10, an “Uninstall” button will appear. Click it.
* In Windows 11, click the three vertical dots next to “Skype for Business” and select “Uninstall.” You might need to click “Uninstall” again in a subsequent prompt.
6. **Confirm the Uninstallation:** A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Yes” to proceed with the uninstallation. You may be asked to provide administrator permissions. Follow the on-screen instructions.
7. **Wait for the Uninstallation to Complete:** The uninstallation process may take a few minutes. Once it’s complete, you’ll receive a notification or the application will disappear from the list of installed apps.
8. **Restart Your Computer (Recommended):** After the uninstallation is complete, it’s highly recommended to restart your computer.
### Method 3: Using the Office Uninstall Tool (for Skype for Business included in Microsoft Office)
If Skype for Business was installed as part of a Microsoft Office suite, you might need to use the Office Uninstall Tool to remove it completely. This is especially useful if you’re having trouble uninstalling it through the Control Panel or Settings.
1. **Download the Office Uninstall Tool:**
* Visit the Microsoft support website and search for “Uninstall Office from a PC.” You should find an article with instructions and a link to download the “Support and Recovery Assistant for Office 365” tool (also known as the Office Uninstall Tool).
* Direct Link (check for updates as links might change): `https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/uninstall-office-from-a-pc-9dd49b83-264a-477a-8fcc-2fdf5dbf61d8`
2. **Run the Office Uninstall Tool:**
* Once the download is complete, run the downloaded file (usually named `SetupProd_OffScrub.exe`).
3. **Follow the On-Screen Instructions:** The Office Uninstall Tool will guide you through the uninstallation process. It will ask you which version of Office you want to uninstall. Select the Office suite that includes Skype for Business.
4. **Select Skype for Business (if prompted):** In some cases, the tool might allow you to select specific applications to uninstall. If this option is available, make sure to select “Skype for Business.”
5. **Wait for the Uninstallation to Complete:** The uninstallation process may take a considerable amount of time, depending on the size of your Office suite and the speed of your computer. Be patient and do not interrupt the process.
6. **Restart Your Computer:** The Office Uninstall Tool will prompt you to restart your computer after the uninstallation is complete. It’s essential to restart your computer to ensure that all traces of Skype for Business are removed.
7. **Verify the Uninstallation:** After restarting, check the Control Panel or Settings app to confirm that Skype for Business is no longer listed as an installed program.
### Method 4: Manually Removing Skype for Business Files and Registry Entries (Advanced Users Only)
**Warning:** This method is for advanced users only. Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious problems with your operating system. Back up your registry before proceeding.
This method involves manually deleting Skype for Business files and registry entries. It’s a more thorough approach but also carries a higher risk.
1. **Close Skype for Business:** Ensure that Skype for Business is completely closed, including the system tray icon.
2. **End Skype for Business Processes:** Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to the “Processes” or “Details” tab. Look for any processes related to Skype for Business (e.g., `lync.exe`, `ucmapi.exe`). Select each process and click “End Task” or “End Process.”
3. **Delete Skype for Business Program Files:**
* Open File Explorer and navigate to the following locations (replace `[username]` with your actual username):
* `C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16` (or Office15, depending on your Office version)
* `C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16` (or Office15, depending on your Office version)
* `C:\Program Files\Skype for Business`
* `C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype for Business`
* `C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync` (or 15.0, depending on your Office version)
* `C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync` (or 15.0, depending on your Office version)
* Delete the Skype for Business folder and any related files in these locations.
4. **Delete Skype for Business Registry Entries:**
* Press Win+R to open the Run dialog box. Type `regedit` and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
* **Back up your registry:** Before making any changes, click “File” > “Export” and save a backup of your registry.
* Navigate to the following registry keys and delete them (if they exist):
* `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync` (or 15.0, depending on your Office version)
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync` (or 15.0, depending on your Office version)
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{GUID for Skype for Business}` (Find the GUID by searching for “Skype for Business” in the Uninstall key)
* **Be extremely careful when deleting registry entries.** Deleting the wrong entries can damage your system.
5. **Restart Your Computer:** After deleting the files and registry entries, restart your computer.
**Important Considerations for Windows Uninstallation:**
* **Administrator Privileges:** You’ll likely need administrator privileges to uninstall Skype for Business using any of these methods. Make sure you’re logged in with an administrator account or have the necessary permissions.
* **Hidden Files and Folders:** Some Skype for Business files might be hidden. Ensure that you have enabled the option to show hidden files and folders in File Explorer (View > Options > View > Show hidden files, folders, and drives).
* **Clean Boot:** If you’re having trouble uninstalling Skype for Business, try performing a clean boot of Windows. This will start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help prevent conflicts during the uninstallation process. To perform a clean boot, search for “msconfig” in the Start menu, open System Configuration, go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” click “Disable all,” go to the “Startup” tab, click “Open Task Manager,” disable all startup items, and restart your computer.
## Uninstalling Skype for Business on Mac
Uninstalling Skype for Business on macOS requires a different approach. Here’s how to do it:
### Method 1: Moving Skype for Business to the Trash
This is the simplest and most common method for uninstalling applications on macOS.
1. **Quit Skype for Business:** Make sure Skype for Business is completely closed. Look for the Skype for Business icon in the Dock. If it’s there, right-click the icon and select “Quit.”
2. **Open Finder:** Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
3. **Navigate to the Applications Folder:** In the Finder window, click “Applications” in the sidebar. If you don’t see it, go to “Go” > “Applications” in the menu bar.
4. **Locate Skype for Business:** Find “Skype for Business” in the Applications folder.
5. **Move Skype for Business to the Trash:** Drag the “Skype for Business” icon to the Trash icon in the Dock, or right-click the icon and select “Move to Trash.”
6. **Empty the Trash:** Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash.” A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the application. Be sure you are only deleting files you no longer need.
### Method 2: Using an Uninstaller (if available)
Some applications come with a dedicated uninstaller program. Check if Skype for Business has an uninstaller in its application folder.
1. **Open Finder:** Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
2. **Navigate to the Applications Folder:** In the Finder window, click “Applications” in the sidebar.
3. **Locate Skype for Business:** Find “Skype for Business” in the Applications folder.
4. **Look for an Uninstaller:** Open the “Skype for Business” folder. Look for a file named “Uninstall Skype for Business” or something similar. If you find one, double-click it to run the uninstaller.
5. **Follow the On-Screen Instructions:** The uninstaller will guide you through the uninstallation process. Follow the instructions carefully.
6. **Move the Application to the Trash (if necessary):** After running the uninstaller, it might still leave the Skype for Business application folder in the Applications folder. If this is the case, drag the folder to the Trash and empty the Trash.
### Method 3: Removing Skype for Business Preferences and Support Files (Advanced Users)
To completely remove Skype for Business, you can also delete its preferences and support files. These files are stored in the Library folder, which is hidden by default.
**Important:** Be careful when deleting files from the Library folder. Deleting the wrong files can cause problems with other applications.
1. **Quit Skype for Business:** Make sure Skype for Business is completely closed.
2. **Open Finder:** Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
3. **Open the Library Folder:**
* Click “Go” in the menu bar and select “Go to Folder…” (or press Command+Shift+G).
* Type `~/Library` and press Enter.
4. **Delete Skype for Business Preferences:**
* In the Library folder, open the “Preferences” folder.
* Look for files related to Skype for Business, such as `com.microsoft.SkypeForBusiness.plist`. Delete these files.
5. **Delete Skype for Business Support Files:**
* In the Library folder, open the “Application Support” folder.
* Look for a folder named “Skype for Business” or “Microsoft Lync.” Delete this folder.
6. **Empty the Trash:** Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash.”
**Important Considerations for Mac Uninstallation:**
* **Emptying the Trash:** Remember that simply moving an application to the Trash doesn’t completely uninstall it. You need to empty the Trash to permanently delete the application and its associated files.
* **Hidden Library Folder:** The Library folder is hidden by default. You need to use the “Go to Folder…” command to access it.
* **Drag and Drop from Launchpad:** You can also uninstall applications directly from Launchpad. Open Launchpad, find the Skype for Business icon, click and hold the icon until it starts to jiggle, then click the “X” that appears on the icon. This will move the application to the Trash.
* **Third-Party Uninstallers:** There are also third-party uninstaller applications available for macOS that can help you completely remove applications and their associated files. Examples include AppCleaner and CleanMyMac X.
## After Uninstallation: Verification and Clean-Up
After uninstalling Skype for Business using any of the methods described above, it’s a good idea to verify that the uninstallation was successful and perform some clean-up tasks.
* **Check the Applications List:** In Windows, check the Control Panel or Settings app to ensure that Skype for Business is no longer listed as an installed program. On macOS, check the Applications folder in Finder.
* **Search for Remaining Files and Folders:** Use File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) to search for any remaining files or folders related to Skype for Business. Delete any files or folders that you find.
* **Clean Up the Registry (Windows – Advanced Users Only):** If you used Method 4 (manually removing files and registry entries), double-check the registry to ensure that all Skype for Business-related entries have been removed. **Be extremely careful when modifying the registry.**
* **Restart Your Computer:** Restart your computer one last time to ensure that all changes are applied and any remaining files are properly removed.
* **Check for Updates:** After uninstalling Skype for Business, check for updates for your other Microsoft Office applications (if applicable). This can help resolve any potential conflicts or compatibility issues.
## Troubleshooting Uninstallation Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter problems when trying to uninstall Skype for Business. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
* **Skype for Business Won’t Close:** If Skype for Business is not responding, open Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) and force-quit the application.
* **Insufficient Permissions:** Make sure you’re logged in with an administrator account or have the necessary permissions to uninstall applications.
* **Error Messages:** If you receive error messages during the uninstallation process, try restarting your computer and trying again. You can also try running the Office Uninstall Tool (if Skype for Business was part of an Office suite).
* **Corrupted Installation:** If the Skype for Business installation is corrupted, you might need to reinstall it before you can uninstall it. Download the latest version of Skype for Business (if available) and reinstall it, then try uninstalling it again.
* **Third-Party Conflicts:** Antivirus software or other security programs might interfere with the uninstallation process. Try temporarily disabling these programs and trying again.
* **Safe Mode:** Try uninstalling Skype for Business in Safe Mode. This will start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help prevent conflicts.
## Conclusion
Uninstalling Skype for Business is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure that the application is completely removed from your system. By following the instructions in this comprehensive guide, you can successfully uninstall Skype for Business and reclaim valuable storage space, prevent software conflicts, and declutter your system. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and skill level, and always back up your data before making any significant changes to your system.
Now that you’ve uninstalled Skype for Business, you can fully embrace Microsoft Teams or explore other communication platforms that meet your needs. Happy communicating!