How to Fix Skype High CPU and Memory Usage on Windows

What Causes This?

Skype can use a lot of CPU and memory when it keeps running in the background, syncs chats and contacts, or stays active during calls and screen sharing. Features like animated emojis, notifications, hardware acceleration, and a large chat history can also increase resource usage. In some cases, a corrupted app cache or an outdated Skype version causes the app to work harder than it should.

Common Symptoms

• Skype shows high CPU or memory usage in Task Manager
• Your PC slows down when Skype is open or running in the background
• Fan noise increases or your laptop gets warmer than usual
• Calls stutter, freeze, or cause lag in other apps
• Skype takes a long time to open, close, or respond

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check Skype usage in Task Manager

   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
   • Click More details if needed.
   • Under the Processes tab, find Skype.
   • Check the CPU and Memory columns to confirm it is the app causing the slowdown.

2. Fully close Skype and stop it from running in the background

   • Right-click the Skype icon in the system tray near the clock and choose Quit.
   • If it stays open, go back to Task Manager, select Skype, and click End task.
   • Then open Skype, click the three-dot menu next to your profile, and open Settings.
   • Go to General and turn off options that keep Skype running after you close it, if available on your version.

3. Disable unnecessary startup and background activity

   • Open Task Manager and click the Startup apps tab.
   • Find Skype, right-click it, and choose Disable if you do not need it launching with Windows.
   • In Skype > Settings > Notifications, turn off alerts you do not need.
   • In Skype > Settings > Calling, disable features like Subtitles or extra call enhancements if you do not use them.

4. Turn off hardware acceleration or reduce call-related load

   • In Skype, open Settings and check Audio & Video or Calling settings.
   • Lower video quality options if available, and stop video when it is not needed during calls.
   • If you are screen sharing, stop sharing and see whether CPU usage drops.
   • Close other apps using your webcam or microphone, since they can increase Skype’s resource use.

5. Clear Skype cache and update the app

   • Press Windows + R, type %appdata%\Microsoft, and press Enter.
   • Find the Skype for Desktop folder. Close Skype first, then rename the folder to something like Skype for Desktop.old.
   • Reopen Skype so it creates a fresh cache.
   • To update, open Microsoft Store, search for Skype, and install any available update. If you use the desktop version, download the latest build from Skype’s official site.

6. Repair or reinstall Skype

   • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find Skype, click the three dots, then choose Advanced options if available.
   • Click Repair. If that does not help, click Reset.
   • If the problem continues, uninstall Skype, restart your PC, and install it again.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can quickly detect apps and background processes that are using too much CPU or RAM, including Skype-related startup items and leftover app data. It helps clean up unnecessary background activity and optimize Windows so Skype uses fewer system resources without all the manual checking.

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