Permanently Delete Skype Account or Hide Profile on Windows 10

Deleting your Skype account permanently can be a bit tricky, simply because it’s linked to your Microsoft account. So, to get rid of the Skype account, you actually need to close your Microsoft account entirely.

How to Delete/Close Your Skype Account?​

1. Prepare for Closing Your Microsoft Account​

• Sign In to Skype:
  • Open Skype application or go to the Skype website.
  • Enter your login credentials to sign in.
• Save Important Information:
  • Ensure that all necessary files and contacts are saved to avoid losing them.
• Use Skype Credit:
  • Spend any remaining Skype Credit since it will be forfeited after account closure.
• Cancel Active Subscriptions:
  • Navigate to the subscriptions section in Skype.
  • Cancel any active subscriptions to avoid future charges.
• Disable Auto-Recharge:
  • Go to the payment settings.
  • Turn off Auto-recharge if it's enabled.

This ensures that all your valuable data and credits are used up or saved before you close your account, preventing any loss of important information.

2. Close Your Microsoft Account​

• Visit the Microsoft Account Closure Page:
  • Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft Account Closure page.
• Sign In and Verify:
  • Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
  • Follow any prompts to verify your identity.
• Check Account Details:
  • Ensure that the correct Microsoft account is displayed.
  • Click on Next.
    
• Acknowledge Important Information:
  • Read and check all the boxes to acknowledge you understand what closing your account entails.
• Set Re-Open Window:
  • Choose between a 30 or 60-day re-open window. This period allows you to reopen your account if you change your mind.
• Select Reason and Close Account:
  • From the drop-down menu, select the reason for closing your account.
  • Click on Mark account for closure.

After confirming, your Microsoft account, including your Skype account, will be marked for closure. You can cancel this process by signing back in within the chosen re-open window.

3. Remove Skype Usernames from Login Screen on Windows​

• Quit Skype:
  • Right-click the Skype icon in the system tray and select Quit.
• Open the Run Window:
  • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type %appdata%\Skype and press Enter.
• Delete Specific User Folders:
  • In the Skype directory, locate the folder named after the Skype username you want to remove.
  • Delete the folder.

This will remove the specified Skype username from the login screen on Windows, cleaning up old or unused accounts.

4. Reopen Closed Microsoft Account​

• Sign In:
  • Within the 30 or 60-day re-open window, sign in to your Microsoft account.
• Cancel Closure:
  • Follow the prompts to cancel the closure and reactivate your account.

This allows you to recover your account if you change your mind within the designated time frame.