Only a few years ago, Skype used to be top dog when it comes to video calls, and everyone had it on their desktops, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones.

However, in a few years, apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and even Facebook Messenger developed their own versions of video calling, and Skype slowly started becoming less and less popular.

These days, it is practically unnecessary, so if you feel like that as well, and you wish to delete your account, we can show you how you can do it.

It should be mentioned that there were concerns regarding privacy and government surveillance, even though it claims to be encrypted, so having and using Skype these days might not be a good idea.

Steps-by-step to delete Skype

If you already tried to delete your Skype account and you simply ended up confused, this is not too big of a surprise.

After all, Microsoft made it pretty tricky to get rid of Skype permanently. But even so, it is still possible.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Log into your Skype account within the app.
2. Locate your profile icon or the three dots in the upper-left corner and click on it.
3. This will open a drop-down menu, in which you should find and click on Settings.
4. In the Account & Profile section, click on Close your account.
5. Verify your identity by choosing one of the offered options.
6. A list of items will appear in a new window. Read them and follow any that are relevant to you, as you will close your entire Microsoft account this way.
7. Once you are done, click Next.
8. Now, you will see a checklist. Make sure that you understand all the consequences of closing your account, especially if you are using other Microsoft services.
9. Select the reason for deleting the account.
10. Click Mark Account For Closure.
11. That’s it. Your account will be deleted permanently within 60 days.

Can you delete your Skype account and keep your Microsoft account?

Unfortunately, no.

Microsoft will not allow you to simply unlink your Skype and treat it separately from the rest of your Microsoft account.

The only thing that you can do, if you want or need to keep your Microsoft account, is to minimise the data shared with Skype, manually delete all messages that you sent, and then uninstall the app from all devices where you may have it installed.

Your account will still be there, but at least it won’t affect your privacy anymore.

Can you recover a deleted Skype account?

As mentioned, once you complete the process of ordering an account delete, Microsoft will not do it for 60 days.

This two-month period will then allow you enough time to think your actions through and possibly change your mind.

So, if you decide at any point that you don’t want to delete your account, after all, you can still revert the process.

You can do it by merely returning to your account, visiting the same ‘Close your account’ section and then cancelling the closure request.

Reasons for deleting Skype

We all know how useful Skype used to be back in the day, and we are familiar with the pros, such as free video chats with friends, family, and even our business contacts.

However, what are the reasons for deleting it, and are there any significant enough to make you seriously consider this?

In fact, there are. Let’s take a look at some of the more significant reasons:

1. Skype video chats were not that good

We remember Skype video chats fondly, but the truth is that they were not very good.

In fact, the video frame often got blurred, the connection would break, and just remember how many times you had to ask ‘Do you hear me now?’ during conversations.

Basically, Skype is really not that good, compared to today’s standards, and any call I’ve ever made has started with either trying to set the camera up, the microphone or both…

Even though it worked fine the last call.

2. A lot of desired features are missing

Skype also doesn’t have many of the features that people have been asking for for years.

There is still nothings like call return, call blocking, and alike.

3. It is still full of errors and problems

Connection problems are constant with Skype, even today.

Issues that Skype still has right now were eliminated a long time ago when it comes to pretty much any other popular messaging and video chat app.

Calls quality can often be poor and calls that hang midway are common.

Summary

Skype used to be the most popular app for video chats, but many feel like its time has passed, and that there are plenty of better options out there right now.

If you think the same, then deleting your Skype account is probably the right call for you, and in this guide, you will find the steps that will allow you to do so.

After the process is complete, you will still have 60 days to think things through, and potentially even go back on your decision.

So, if you don’t use it and don’t want it anymore, it might be best to cut it out and use something else.

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