Skype is a popular telecommunications application that is bundled with your Windows 10 operating system. It allows anyone with an account to not only make VoIP calls but instant messages as well. Although this is a solid performing application there are instances when certain issues can occur which we will be addressing today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Skype not opening in windows 10 issue.
What to do when Skype doesn’t launch in Windows 10
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Rename the Skype folder
The first thing you will want to do in this case is to rename the Skype folder. This folder contains data stored by the application. If it detects that the folder is missing then it will recreate it. This will allow you to eliminate the possibility of the problem being caused by corrupted data found in the old Skype folder.
- Press and hold the “Windows” button and the “R” button.
- Type in the “Run” window the following “msconfig.exe”
- Press the “Enter” button on the keyboard.
- Left click or tap on the “Boot” tab situated in the upper side of the window.
- Check the box next to “Safe boot”.
- Check the box next to “Network”.
- Reboot the Windows 10 device.
- Open the Run window as you did above while in safe mode.
- Type in the window the following “%appdata%” without the quotes.
- Press the “Enter” button on the keyboard.
- Locate the folder with the name “Skype” in the window that pops up.
- Rename the folder to “oldskype” or any name you prefer.
- Close the file explorer and start the Skype app again.
Check if the Skype doesn’t open issue still occurs.
Reinstall Skype
If renaming the Skype folder does not fix the problem then you should proceed with reinstalling Skype on your Windows 10 computer.
- Click on Start
- Click on Settings
- Click on Apps
- Search for and highlight the Skype application.
- Click on uninstall.
- After uninstalling type %appdata% in the search bar.
- Click on the %appdata% folder that appears
- Delete any Skype folder present.
- Go on Microsoft store and download the latest version of the Skype app compatible with your Windows 10 device.
Try to check if the Skype isn’t opening in Windows 10 issue still occurs.
Disable uPnP
Skype has a uPnP that is enabled by default on all clients. Unfortunately, this feature can cause problems with the app communicating with the Skype servers. Try to disable this feature then check if the problem still occurs.
- Launch Skype
- Click on Tools.
- Click on Options….
- Click on Advanced in the left pane.
- Click on Connection in the left pane.
- In the right pane, locate the Enable uPnP option and uncheck the checkbox beside the option to disable uPnP.
- Click on Save.
- Restart your computer.
Try to check if the problem still occurs.
Run an SFC scan
In cases when the problem is caused by a corrupted or missing system file then you should perform an SFC scan.
- Type Command Prompt in the search bar
- Right click on the Command Prompt app then click on Run as Administrator
- In the command prompt window type the following: “sfc /scannow” without the quotes
- Press the “Enter” button on the keyboard.
- Let the sfc scan finish.
- Reboot your PC.
Check if the Skype won’t open in Windows 10 issue still occurs.