Quick Answer
skypeapp.exe is safe. It's the legitimate Skype Windows app executable installed from the Microsoft Store, using multiple processes for chat, calls, and background sync.
Is it a Virus?
<strong>NO</strong> - Safe
Must be in WindowsApps\Microsoft.SkypeApp_*\SkypeApp.exe and signed by Microsoft.
Warning
Many processes normal
Each chat, call, or feature can run in its own process for stability.
Can I Disable?
<strong>YES</strong>
You can close Skype or disable startup and background behavior
What is skypeapp.exe?
skypeapp.exe is the executable for the Skype Windows Store app (UWP). It runs the Skype client UI, handles chat, voice/video calls, notifications, and background data sync. Depending on usage, Windows may spawn separate processes for media, UI, and network tasks to improve stability.
Skype app uses a multi-process model to isolate UI, media, and network tasks. It loads modules for chat, calls, and notifications, improving responsiveness and security. Each component may run in its own process or thread.
Quick Fact: Skype's UWP design separates core functions into distinct processes to minimize impact if one component crashes.
Types of Skype Processes
- UI Process: Main window and user interface for chats, calls, and settings
- Chat/Renderer Process: Message rendering and content handling for conversations
- Media Process: Audio/Video capture, encoding, decoding, and playback
- Background Sync Process: Presence, offline message sync, and status updates
- Notification Process: System notifications and in-app alerts
- Updater Process: Background update checks and application maintenance
Is skypeapp.exe Safe?
Yes, skypeapp.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft installed via the official Microsoft Store.
Is skypeapp.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real skypeapp.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if skypeapp.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.SkypeApp_* with SkypeApp.exe present. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click SkypeApp.exe in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-25% CPU and 120-500 MB RAM. Constant high usage when Skype is not in use is suspicious.
- Behavior: Skype should run mainly when the app is active or performing background tasks. Unprompted activity when the system is idle could indicate malware.
Red Flags: If skypeapp.exe is located outside WindowsApps (e.g., Temp or AppData), lacks a valid signature, or runs constantly when Skype isn't installed or in use, scan with antivirus software and verify the store source.
Why Is skypeapp.exe Running on My PC?
skypeapp.exe runs while you use Skype or when Skype is configured to operate in the background, enabling call handling, messaging, and notifications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Skype Use: You're actively chatting, calling, or sharing media; processes handle UI, media, and network tasks.
- Background Tasks: Background sync for messages, presence status, and offline delivery keeps you up to date.
- Startup Launch: Skype may be set to start with Windows or resume after login, triggering the process at boot.
- Notifications: System and in-app notifications require background activity to deliver messages promptly.
- Media Sessions: Ongoing video or voice calls allocate dedicated media and processing threads for quality.
Can I Disable or Remove skypeapp.exe?
Yes, you can disable skypeapp.exe. It's safe to close Skype when not in use, and you can uninstall or disable startup if you prefer a different communication tool.
How to Stop skypeapp.exe
- End Active Calls or Chats: Close Skype windows or end specific chats to reduce resource usage
- Close the App: Click the X or use Alt+F4 to close the Skype window
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Processes → end skypeapp.exe as needed
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Skype
- Stop Background Apps: Skype Settings → Privacy → Keep Skype running in background: Disable
How to Uninstall Skype
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Skype → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Skype → Uninstall
- ✔ If using a different chat app, consider switching browsers or default messaging apps
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If skypeapp.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active video or voice calls: Pause or end calls; re-connect later; ensure hardware acceleration is enabled/disabled appropriately in Settings
- Many active chats or large media history: Close unused chats; clear chat history or archive conversations; reduce visible media content
- Background tasks: Disable background data sync when not needed; adjust notification settings
- Outdated app: Update Skype from Microsoft Store to the latest version
- Extensions or integrations: Disable non-essential integrations or third-party tools that interact with Skype
- Corrupted profile data: Sign out and back in, or reset profile settings; reinstall if necessary
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Skype and pause active calls
2. Close unused chats and windows
3. Check for updates in Microsoft Store and install
4. Restart Skype or the PC
5. Review Settings: Privacy and Background to limit activity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skypeapp.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate skypeapp.exe from Microsoft is not a virus. Verify the path under C:\Program Files\WindowsApps and ensure the Digital Signature shows Microsoft Corporation.
Why is skypeapp.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during active calls, screen sharing, or heavy media encoding. Use Chrome/Edge Task Manager (Shift+Esc in Skype) to identify culprits and close or reduce their impact.
Can I delete skypeapp.exe?
You can uninstall Skype from Windows Settings → Apps. Deleting the file manually could corrupt the app; use proper uninstall methods and reinstall if needed.
Can I disable skypeapp.exe?
Yes. Disable startup in Task Manager, turn off background data syncing in Skype settings, or sign out when not using Skype for extended periods.
Why does Skype start with Windows?
Skype may be configured to launch at startup to check messages and enable quick notifications. Disable via Task Manager → Startup or Skype settings.
How can I reduce Skype's memory usage?
Close unused chats, limit video quality, disable unnecessary features, clear cache, and update to the latest version. Consider signing out when not in use.