How to remove advertisement from Skype

The Skype advertisement can sometimes be very annoying, especially when at the top of the window there appears a banner with the message, that you have won something, or in the middle of the chat window there is a square banner.

In this article I will show you how the advertisement in Skype can be disabled, as well as how the advertisement can be eliminated, which cannot be eliminated with the help of the settings.

Eliminate advertisement from the main Skype window

The advertisement displayed in the main window Skype can be disabled from the program settings. To do this:

1. Enter the program settings, selecting the point in the menu «tools» – «options».
2. Open the point «Notifications» – «Alerts and messages».
3. It disposes of the point «promotions», you can also disable «Skype help and tips.

Save the changes. Now, some of the commercials will disappear. That is, during the calls you will continue to see a banner in the conversation window. But this banner can also be disabled.

How to remove the banner from the conversation window

The advertisements, which you see during the conversation on Skype, are loaded from one of the Microsoft servers (which aims to provide these commercials). Our goal – to block this server, so that advertisements do not appear. For this we will enter a line in the Hosts file.

Starts notpad with administrator rights:

1. In Windows 8.1 and 8 in the start screen, enter the word «Notepad», and when it will appear in the search list, press it with the right mouse button and select «Run as Administrator».
2. In Windows 7 he is looking for Notepad in the standard start menu programs, clicks on it with the right mouse button and start it with administrator rights.

The next thing, which you have to do: in note click «File»-«Open», set to display all your files (all files), and not just text files, then access the folder Windows/System32/drivers/etc and opens the Hosts file. If you see more files with the same name, open the file that has no extension (three letters after the point).

In the Hosts file we must add a single line:

127.0.0.1 rad.msn.com

This change will completely remove the Skype advertisements. Save the Hosts file from the Notepad menu.

Now the advertisement is eliminated. If you restart Skype, you will not see advertisements.

Conclusion

Advertisements in Skype can often be disruptive and annoying for users, especially when banners appear at the top of the window or in the middle of chat conversations. These ads can interrupt communication, distract from work or personal conversations, and create a cluttered interface that reduces overall user experience. While advertising is a way for software providers to generate revenue, it can become intrusive when it interferes with essential functions like messaging and calling.

There are ways to manage or reduce the impact of these advertisements. For example, users can explore settings within Skype to minimize ad visibility, use ad-blocking extensions if available, or consider premium versions of the software that offer an ad-free experience. Being aware of these options allows users to maintain a smoother, more focused communication experience without frequent interruptions from unwanted banners.

Reducing Skype ads not only improves usability but also increases productivity for those who rely on the platform for professional purposes. It also helps prevent visual fatigue and enhances the overall aesthetic of the interface, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods. Understanding how to control or block these advertisements empowers users to take control of their digital environment and prioritize communication over distractions.

In conclusion, while Skype advertisements can be bothersome, users have tools and strategies to manage them effectively. By adjusting settings, using ad-blocking tools, or opting for ad-free versions, individuals can significantly improve their Skype experience, ensuring that messaging and calling remain smooth, uninterrupted, and efficient. Managing ads is an important step toward a more pleasant and productive use of the platform.