Often we get requests from users on how to minimize Skype amongst other programs like Live Messenger to the system tray on Windows 7. There are actually quite a few programs like Skype that after you install on a Windows 7 Machine, when minimizing the program it stays on the taskbar rather than being hidden in the system tray. This is quite an annoyance to many so we will include step by step instructions to change this behavior.

The issue: There is a compatibility issue with Windows 7 and the Program.
The Fix: Simply configure the program to run in compatibility mode to a previous Operating System.

For the Latest Skype Version 5.5.0.117 see steps below: (will most likely work on any version that has this issue)
1. Look for the Green Skype Logo in your system tray if the program is already open. If found, right click and click on “quit.”
2. If using Win 7 64-bit, navigate to “C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone”
– If using Win 7 32-bit, navigate to “C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone”
– If you don’t know how to navigate through your directory structure simply copy the location above excluding the Quotes ans paste to Start/Search Feild and click enter.
3. Once navigated to the location for where Skype resides, right click skype.exe and click properties.
4. Click on the Compatibility Tab and check “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”
5. In my example I used Windows XP (Service Pack 3), other version of windows will work as well. Your choice (Trial and error, test another version of windows).
6. Click Apply and OK to exit out of the properties windows. At this point you can close everything you opened to get to the Skype executable.
7. Open Sype and click close (The Red X at the top Right).
8. Notice that the client is no longer lingering on your taskbar and is now in the system tray.

* Repeat the same steps for Live Messenger Client and any other programs that you notice is not minimizing to the system tray on Windows 7. Remember that every program will have its own location within program files. If the program in question isn’t found in Program Files (x86) and your using a 64-bit Windows OS, the program is created in 64-bit mode and will be in Program Files without the (x86) trailing.