What is Skype.exe?

Since 2005, file.net has researched facts about Windows processes and files, analyzed user experiences, and examined files using its own analysis tools. Around 10,000 users rely on it every day.

Skype.exe file information

The process known as Windows Media Player or Microsoft Skype or AutoIt v3 Script or Skype. Take a deep breath belongs to software AutoIt v3 Script or Microsoft or Skype versión or Microsoft Windows Operating System by Skype Technologies S.A (www.skype.com) or Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) or AutoIt Team.

Description: Skype.exe is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. Skype.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files (x86)"—normally C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Skype for Desktop\. Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 13,179,660 bytes (99% of all occurrences), 54,272 bytes or 1,262,170 bytes.  
The Windows 10 program Microsoft SkypeApp can be found in the Microsoft Windows Store https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRFJ364.
There is no description of the program. Skype.exe is digitally signed. The Skype.exe file is a Windows core system file. The app has passed the Windows Store certification. The application can be removed using the Control Panel's Add\Remove programs applet. The program starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: Run, DEFAULT\Run, TaskScheduler, User Shell Folders, MACHINE\Run, MACHINE\User Shell Folders). Skype.exe is able to monitor applications, record keyboard and mouse inputs and manipulate other programs. Therefore the technical security rating is 7% dangerous; however you should also read the user reviews.

Recommended: Identify Skype.exe related errors

• If Skype.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder, the security rating is 45% dangerous. The file size is 13,179,660 bytes (71% of all occurrences), 750,320 bytes, 53,760 bytes, 55,808 bytes or 3,965,440 bytes. The file is not a Windows system file. There is no information about the author of the file. The process starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: Run, DEFAULT\Run, TaskScheduler, User Shell Folders, MACHINE\Run, MACHINE\User Shell Folders). Skype.exe is able to record keyboard and mouse inputs, monitor applications and manipulate other programs.
• If Skype.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows, the security rating is 73% dangerous. The file size is 398,192 bytes (50% of all occurrences), 115,712 bytes or 13,179,660 bytes. It is a file with no information about its developer. It is not a Windows system file. The file is located in the Windows folder, but it is not a Windows core file. The program is not visible. The software listens for or sends data on open ports to a LAN or the Internet. The software starts upon Windows startup (see Registry key: Run, DEFAULT\Run, TaskScheduler, User Shell Folders, MACHINE\Run, MACHINE\User Shell Folders). Skype.exe is able to monitor applications, record keyboard and mouse inputs and manipulate other programs.
• If Skype.exe is located in a subfolder of Windows folder for temporary files, the security rating is 56% dangerous. The file size is 451,597 bytes.

External information from Paul Collins:

• "Skype" is not required to run at start up. "Skype is free and simple software that will enable you to make free calls anywhere in the world in minutes"

Important: Some malware camouflages itself as Skype.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder, for example Trojan:Win32/Ransom.EJ (detected by Microsoft), and Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Foreign.avc or Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Foreign.azg (detected by Kaspersky). Therefore, you should check the Skype.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.