How to Disable the Updates in Skype?

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As you probably already know Skype has the ability to update automatically. Changes in new versions may include things like: fixed bugs, fixed security issues, added features (or sometimes removed) etc. In some versions we have the option to disable the Skype updates but in others we have to do some tricks in order to stop them.
Even though it is recommended to always use the most recent version, many people still use older versions. Maybe they don’t want to deal with updates or they are just used to the old interface. This is why we are going to take a look at some steps we can take in order to stop the Skype updates in each version.
Important message! [May 17, 2013] – For some time now, most versions below 3.8 are not working (some people even report the same for 3.8). When we sign in we are forced to update for security reasons.

For Skype 3.8 or Skype 4:

1. Open Skype and sign-in with your username and password.
2. Cancel any update messages you may encounter.
3. Go to these menus: Tools -> Options -> Advanced.
4. Uncheck both checkboxes (in Skype 4 it is only one) named Notify me and save the settings.
5. Quit Skype.
6. Open any folder or Windows Explorer, type the following in the address bar: %temp% and press Enter.
7. This will open the Windows temp folder where all temporary files are stored. If you see here a file named SkypeSetup.exe – delete it.
8. Disable the fully automatic Windows Updates. When you are asked which updates to install do not include the ones that have the word Skype in them.

For Skype 5 or above:

1. If you are currently in Skype – cancel any update messages you may encounter and quit Skype.
2. Download this file: SkypeSetup.exe.
3. Open any folder or Windows Explorer, type the following in the address bar: %temp% and press Enter.
4. Move the file that you just downloaded to the folder you just opened. If required – overwrite the existing one.
5. Right click on the file, choose Properties, check the checkbox named Read Only and click OK.
6. Disable the fully automatic Windows Updates. When you are asked which updates to install do not include the ones that have the word Skype in them.


For Skype 5.9, Skype 5.10 or above:

7. Open Skype and sign-in with your username and password.
8. From the menu go to: Tools -> Options… -> Advanced -> Automatic updates.
9. Click the button Turn off automatic updates and save the settings.

As you probably already know Skype has the ability to update automatically. Changes in new versions may include things like: fixed bugs, fixed security issues, added features (or sometimes removed) etc. In some versions we have the option to disable the Skype updates but in others we have to do some tricks in order to stop them.
Even though it is recommended to always use the most recent version, many people still use older versions. Maybe they don’t want to deal with updates or they are just used to the old interface. This is why we are going to take a look at some steps we can take in order to stop the Skype updates in each version.
Important message! [May 17, 2013] – For some time now, most versions below 3.8 are not working (some people even report the same for 3.8). When we sign in we are forced to update for security reasons.

For Skype 3.8 or Skype 4:

1. Open Skype and sign-in with your username and password.
2. Cancel any update messages you may encounter.
3. Go to these menus: Tools -> Options -> Advanced.
4. Uncheck both checkboxes (in Skype 4 it is only one) named Notify me and save the settings.
5. Quit Skype.
6. Open any folder or Windows Explorer, type the following in the address bar: %temp% and press Enter.
7. This will open the Windows temp folder where all temporary files are stored. If you see here a file named SkypeSetup.exe – delete it.
8. Disable the fully automatic Windows Updates. When you are asked which updates to install do not include the ones that have the word Skype in them.

For Skype 5 or above:

1. If you are currently in Skype – cancel any update messages you may encounter and quit Skype.
2. Download this file: SkypeSetup.exe.
3. Open any folder or Windows Explorer, type the following in the address bar: %temp% and press Enter.
4. Move the file that you just downloaded to the folder you just opened. If required – overwrite the existing one.
5. Right click on the file, choose Properties, check the checkbox named Read Only and click OK.
6. Disable the fully automatic Windows Updates. When you are asked which updates to install do not include the ones that have the word Skype in them.


For Skype 5.9, Skype 5.10 or above:

7. Open Skype and sign-in with your username and password.
8. From the menu go to: Tools -> Options… -> Advanced -> Automatic updates.
9. Click the button Turn off automatic updates and save the settings.