How to Minimize Skype to Windows Notification Area

Skype is free VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service from Microsoft. The free version allows you to make video or voice calls to other Skype users, and the subscription based service allows you make calls to just about anyone in the world. Although I do not use Skype very often, I keep it installed on my Windows PC because sometimes people ask me to talk over Skype about some business matters. Today when I signed in to the Skype account in my Windows Skype desktop client and tried to minimize it, it just will not minimize to the system tray or the notification area. It kept staying in the Windows taskbar. Finally, I figured out the setting that makes Skype minimize to the system tray in Windows without having to keep it running in the taskbar.

If you also want to minimize Skype client window to the notification area in Windows desktop, then you can follow these concepts:

  1. Open the Skype  client window by double-clicking on the desktop shortcut or by double-clicking on its system tray icon.
  2. From the Skype menubar, select Tools → Options or press the hotkey Ctr+, on your keyboard to open the Options window.Skype - Minimize to System Tray
  3. In the Options window, select Advanced settings from the left-side list of categories.
  4. In the Advanced Settings section, clear the checkbox labeled Keep Skype in taskbar while I’m signed in. Then click on the Save button.Skype - Minimize to System Tray
  5. Now if you try to minimize the Skype window, it will not be minimized to the taskbar, but only to the notification area.

Keeping the Skype window in the taskbar is not only a waste of the taskbar space, but also becomes a little annoying especially if you are not using Skype at the present time. Through the Skype settings, you can easily make it to minimize to the notification area instead of the taskbar.