Skype is an incredibly popular communication program; it is used both for personal purposes and for solving work issues. Skype does not open on the computer - what to do, what reasons lead to such a problem, and most importantly - how to fix the problem and prevent it from occurring in the future.
Useful information prepared for you on our website.
Causes
- Late update installation. For the same reason, Skype also does not open on a phone, tablet or any other device. The old version of the program will produce various kinds of errors until you install the latest update.
- Installing the update. If you have started downloading the update package, you need to wait for some time. If Skype is updated, in most cases it will refuse to work. Additionally, once the process is complete, you must restart the program for the changes to take effect. Users often ask why the main page on Skype does not open after an update. This happens when a login attempt occurs while the process is not yet completed, or the program has not been restarted.
- The reason that Skype does not open on a computer or laptop running Windows 10 is often an update to the operating system itself. If you have a “Ten”, you have encountered this process and know how the device reacts to it. Even the most undemanding programs work much slower, let alone Skype, for which it is advisable to close all unnecessary applications and tabs for normal operation.
- The process is blocked by an antivirus or firewall. They mistake the program for malware and interfere with its operation. This is a fairly common answer to the question why Skype does not open on a laptop or computer when it starts. Here you can find out in two ways.
- And the opposite situation is when Skype program files have already been subjected to a virus attack.
- Why doesn't Skype open on my computer yet? This is often caused by problems with the application servers. You can find out if this is so by asking technical support on the official website. Such problems are resolved very quickly; if a day has passed and the problem has not been resolved, then the problem is different. We'll tell you in another article.
Solutions
Here's what you need to do first if Skype won't open:
- Reboot your device. Practice shows that this method works in most cases. Did not help? Read more
- Add the messenger to the list of allowed programs for your antivirus or firewall. Or simply disable these programs for a while to determine if they are the reason why Skype does not open on your computer.
- Scan your computer with an antivirus for malware
- Open “Task Manager” (Ctrl+Alt+Delete)
- Left-click on the Skype process and click “End”
- Open the command line using the Win+R key combination
- A window will appear where you need to enter the command %appdata%\skype and click “Ok”
- A folder with program files will open
- Here you need to find and delete “shared.xml”
- And after that try to launch the messenger again
If this advice does not help achieve results, we recommend that you completely remove Skype from your computer, and then download and install it again.
By the way, you can directly on our website.
Today we will talk about another technical problem - Skype will not load, which any Skype user may encounter. Why Skype does not start on the computer, for what reason this happens, and what actions can be taken to solve this problem - let's figure it out.
Reasons and solution
- The main reason that Skype does not launch on Windows XP is that the user installs a version of the program that is not suitable for this operating system. XP is an objectively outdated platform; working with it has its own peculiarities. In addition, the messenger can only be installed on XP SP3; the program no longer works with SP2.
- If Skype does not load on Windows 10, the reason is most likely that at the same time the program is launched, the operating system is installing updates. By the way, the application itself can be updated, the picture will be the same - .
- When Skype does not start on Windows 7, it is likely that the user has not installed the current version of the application. Windows 7 users can turn off notifications about the availability of program updates, and therefore are often not aware that a new version has been released. Check for updates and download the package if available. And then try opening the messenger again.
- Why doesn't Skype start on my computer or laptop yet? Very often this happens simply because there is no Internet connection or the data transfer is insufficient. Check the connection, and if there are problems with it, fix them.
- Why doesn't Skype start even though there is Internet? It happens that. Very often this situation is encountered by users who have an antivirus or Firewall installed - these programs can block Skype. To avoid this, the messenger must be added to the list of allowed programs and applications.
- Conversely, Skype does not load due to the fact that the computer or laptop has undergone a virus attack. Malware interferes with the operation of all processes on the device; to eliminate it, scan your PC with an antivirus.
- It happens that the messenger does not load the software window due to the fact that a technical glitch occurred on the main Skype server. In this case, you need to wait until the technical support staff fixes the problems - this usually does not take much time. You can check the server status here - https://support.skype.com/en/status/
What should you do if you followed all our advice, checked data transfer, updates, etc., but Skype still won’t load on your laptop or computer? The following instructions will help:
- Here's what to do if the messenger does not start: completely close the program and end the Skype process in the "Task Manager" (press CTRL+ALT+DELETE simultaneously to open it)
- Open the command line using the WIN+R key combination and enter the command “%appdata%\skype”
- Or follow the path on your device C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\skype
- In the folder that opens, you need to find and delete the file called “shared.xml”, and then restart the application
This method works in most cases.
By the way, before taking any action, if technical problems arise, try restarting your computer or laptop - there are often cases when the problem is easily solved in just such a simple way.
Sometimes Skype crashes. It stops starting. Another possible bug is the appearance of a white field. Let's look at why Skype may not load at startup, so you can fix the problem right away.
Reasons for the bug
Why won't Skype open on my computer? Skype does not work on a PC that does not have Internet Explorer installed, so this is one of the likely reasons. Moreover, the browser must be configured. All updates must be downloaded regularly, otherwise a parameter conflict will occur.
The error may be in the messenger itself. If it does not open at all, then most likely this is exactly the case. A white window that appears usually indicates the mentioned conflict with Internet Explorer.
Skype also cannot be opened if there is no Internet connection. Check it out. If pages load in browsers, then the problem is not a lack of network. Restart your PC as well, as this may just be a one-time glitch.
Method No. 1
If the messenger does not turn on, first try deleting the shared.xml configuration file.
1.Stop Skype. This can be done through the Task Manager. There is also an upward arrow in the lower right corner. It is located next to the clock and date. Click on it and then on the Skype icon with the right mouse button. Click on the “Exit” item.
A window will appear asking: “Do you want to sign out of Skype?” Confirm exit. You will not log out of your account, the program will simply close.
2.In Start, find the “Run” command. The same window can be opened using the Win + R command. In the line we write the following: %appdata%\skype. Click on Enter.
4.Launch Skype to check if the problem has been resolved.
Method number 2
Skype may not start due to an error in the profile.
1.Type %appdata% into the Run window again.
2.Change the name of the Skype folder or simply delete it.
3.Try to launch the messenger. This method will delete your chat history and profile settings. The contact list, however, will remain untouched.
If Skype eventually loaded, then the problem was with authorization.
Method number 3
If the second method did not work and Skype still does not want to launch, create a new program shortcut using the method indicated below.
1.Finish the program using any method convenient for you, described in the first method.
2.On the system drive C, open the Program Files folder, then the Skype and Phone folders.
3.Right-click on the Skype file, and then select “Send” - “Desktop (create shortcut)”. A second Skype icon will appear on your desktop. Now you will need to constantly open the messenger through it.
4.Call the context menu of this shortcut and select “Properties”. The window that opens will contain the line “C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe”. Add the command there: /legacylogin. Click on the “Apply” button.
5.Launch the messenger again using a new shortcut. The program will launch in the old Skype version window, but will not require Internet Explorer settings.
Method number 4
This method is good when a white window appears instead of the usual blue Skype window. This in most cases means that there is a conflict between Skype and Internet Explorer settings. As we already said, The messenger is connected to a standard Windows browser.
- Open Internet Explorer. To reset its settings, click on the gear icon and select “Internet Options”.
- Go to the "Advanced" block. Click on the "Reset" button. Check the “Delete personal settings” option and click on the “Reset” virtual key. What will be removed: Browsing history, provider search, ActiveX Filtering data, home pages, tracking protections.
- Close all windows. Restart your computer and then restart your browser for the changes to take effect. Now we need to see if Skype will open.
If it doesn't turn on when Windows starts
Skype used to open when you started your PC, but now it doesn't? Let's solve the problem in several ways. Try it, but first launch it through the desktop icon. If it opens, then we take into account the following two tips:
- Make sure that "Start Skype when Windows starts" is checked. You can find it in the “Settings” section in the first block “General settings”. If the checkbox is checked, but Skype does not load, go to the second step.
- Drag the Skype icon from the Desktop to the Startup folder, which is located in Start.
What else can you do?
- Scan your PC for viruses. Malware may cause the crash. Before scanning, make sure that your antivirus is updated to the latest version in order to use its database to the maximum. However, no antivirus can provide a 100% guarantee of protection against viruses.
- Reinstall the drivers. It's a good idea to check for updates for ActiveX, JavaScript, and DirectX. Restart your PC and launch Skype.
Technical failures on Skype servers are rare, but such a cause of failure should not be ruled out either. In this case, a large number of users from all over the world are faced with the problem, who immediately begin to write to the support service and to the forum of the official resource. Developers fix such problems quite quickly. They do not require user intervention.
If none of the presented methods help, you will have to resort to the last resort - reinstalling Skype. Uninstall the program from your PC through the Programs and Features window, and then download the latest version from the official resource to prevent viruses from entering your device.
If browser pages do not open, the problem is not due to lack of Internet access. Start applying the above methods. If all else fails, reinstall the program.
Almost every Internet user has Skype installed. Many applications have been developed for this program, such as various kinds of answering machines and many other amenities. And, of course, it cannot do without viruses. But now we will not talk about this.
Lately, we have been hearing from our acquaintances and friends the following words: Skype does not start, I cannot add contacts to Skype, or even worse, after updating Skype there is a white window and there are no fields for entering login and password.
Now let’s try to figure out why this happens and how to get rid of it. This is a common Skype “bug” that has not yet been fixed. What causes problems for users.
Stable and uninterrupted operation. Skype versions start with version 5.6.
The operation of these versions of Skype directly depends on Internet Explorer And Windows Scripting Engine. To log into Skype, you need access to JavaScript and completing tasks ActiveX. Due to the fact that on some installed Windows systems, Internet Explorer settings are not installed properly, these functions are not performed.
This is why all sorts of problems occur when logging into Skype and adding contacts.
I can't log into Skype
This action will help you log into Skype. But this is a temporary solution for authorization in Skype.
1) Exit the program (right-click on Skype at the bottom of the tray and exit). If necessary, end the Skype process if it is active.
2) Go to drive C: folder Program Files, we find Skype folder and go to the folder Phone.
Click on Skype and then right-click: send /desktop (create shortcut). A second shortcut will be created on the desktop. Click on the created shortcut, then right-click properties.
In the window that appears, in the line “ C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe“, WE ENTER the following command SEPARATED BY A SPACE /legacylogin and click apply.
Now you can log into Skype by launching it through the created shortcut. Skype will launch in the old window (Skype version) and does not require Internet Explorer settings.
How to fix white window when launching Skype
1) In exceptional cases, it is possible to correct the problem using automatic actions using " Fix it" You can download it here: (For Windows 8 Fix does not work). After downloading, run and follow the installation wizard. Unfortunately, this method does not always help.
2) Reset Internet Explorer settings. Launch the browser. Click Tools, then Browser (browser) properties.
Sound familiar? Have you asked yourself this question more than once? And for me, as a rule, such a question arises precisely when some special, I would say, extraordinary situation arises, in which the advice of a loved one is simply necessary. Moreover, at such moments, neither recommendations as a boring chat on some social network, nor email suit me. What you need is Skype! For what? To see a familiar face, hear painfully familiar intonations and notes in a voice, to calm down, collect your thoughts and find the right way out of a difficult situation or a pile of problems that have piled up.
And just like that, according to something unexplored, but clearly existing and confirmed by the experience of many, something happens, and my application stops working... Why doesn’t Skype start and why now?
Let's try to figure it out together. First of all, I would like to reassure new users, and it is they who, I believe, will become the main readers of this article in the future. This problem is far from new; many people face it sooner or later, and it is completely solvable.
Let's highlight several reasons that can answer the question of why Skype doesn't work.
Option 1.
Check if your computer is connected to the Internet. To do this, it will be enough to try to go to some other sites or try to launch, for example, icq, Mail.ru Agent or Messenger. If there is no connection, contact your provider. The problem is most likely not with Skype, but with the low connection speed or its complete absence.
Option 2.
Try and try to connect to Skype again. Did not work out? Why doesn't Skype turn on even after these procedures? Let's figure it out now. Let's move on to the next point.
Option 3.
The application developers themselves offer this solution to the problem called “Why doesn’t Skype work?”:
- close the program completely;
- go to the Start menu;
- click “Run” - “%appdata%\skype”;
- “Enter” key.
Option 4.
Sometimes the application does not load even after uninstalling and re-installing it. Even if you perform a system restore to a previous date (the day when, as you remember, Skype was working), this is unlikely to help. According to experts, a computer virus that appeared in the device is to blame for what is happening. It is recommended that you thoroughly scan your device with a licensed (ideally) antivirus program. Very often, malicious software uses Skype as a donor to attack other users from your contact list. As soon as you destroy the viruses, Skype will load.
Option 5.
Reinstalling the program with clearing all profile data and the system itself using the special Ccleaner program. I'll explain how to do it correctly:
- Uninstall Skype. To do this, press one by one:
- "Start";4
- "Control Panel";
- "Programs and components";
- "Skype";
- And finally, “Delete”.
- Now you will need to delete the user profile itself. If the Windows 7 operating system is installed on your computer, your profile is located in the “Username” folder, if Windows XP - in “Documents and Settings”
- Install CCleaner. We clean the registry and system.
- Reboot the device.
- Install the Skype application again.
Option 6.
If you need Skype immediately, you can use a special portable program launched from a flash drive or disk.
Well, that's probably all. We figured out why and selected the methods most often used in practice to correct the situation. If you follow my instructions, I'm sure you will succeed. In just a few minutes you will fix the problem and you will be able to contact the necessary people and discuss all the issues.