4 Ad Block Fixes For Skype [Solved]

In the old days, before Microsoft purchased Skype, it was easy to disable ads in this popular telecommunications software.

However, users have been complaining of invasive, spammy ads appearing in conversations.

We scoured the internet to assemble a list of fixes so you can remove annoying promotions interrupting your Skype experience.

The quickest fix, if you don’t want to do too much reading, was provided over at the Windows Club:

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Select Internet Options
3. Navigate to the Security tab.
4. Click on Restricted Sites and then on the Sites button.
5. Add https://apps.skype.com/ in the box,
6. Press the Add button and click Close.

Solution #1 (CNET/Reddit Fix)

If you’re using For Skype 6. x, CNET suggests the following fix:

1. Go to the Control Panel and then click Internet Options. This configurations area might be concealed under Network and Sharing Center if you do not notice a direct shortcut for it.
2. Select the Security tab and choose the Restricted Sites icon.
3. Press the Sites option and type in https://apps.skype.com in the text box, and then press Add.

If you’re using For Skype 7. x, and the above fix hasn’t eliminated advertising, CNET suggests the following fix: First, ensure your Skype client is up-to-date by visiting Help > Check for updates. As soon as that’s done, exit Skype.

1. Head over to C:\users\[your user name]\App Data\Roaming\Skype\[your Skype username].
2. You ought to see a config.xml file in this directory.
3. Right-click on it and select Edit, then look for the line that says <AdvertPlaceholder> and delete the whole line.
4. Be sure to save your modifications to the file before leaving. You can use Ctrl+F to obtain the line quickly.CNET notes that If you don’t see the App Data folder, it’s most likely due to the fact you do not have Show Hidden files enabled. Click on the Organize button > Folder and search options > View tab > tick the radio button alongside Show hidden files, folders, or drives
5. Finally, mark the config.xml file as read-only by right-clicking the file and selecting Properties. Tick the box next to Read-only and click on OK.

If done correctly, CNET says that your chat window and video conferences won’t have advertisements.

Solution #2 (WikiHow)

Wikihow also has a step-by-step guide for removing Skype advertising.

The guide works for Skype for Windows and macOS. They advise that it’s impossible to block Skype ads occurring on unrooted mobile phones and tablets.

Their fix involves blocking Skype’s ad servers, They say that while the ads may not appear, you could see error messages as placeholders where the ads would otherwise have appeared. This shouldn’t impair the functions of Skype.

Solution #3 (Winaero)

The Winaero tech blog has also posted a fix that will block ads and also remove the placeholder in Skype 7 and above.

The solution also blocks the ad servers, like Solution #2, but there’s an added fix for removing the annoying placeholder errors.

It involves locating the Skype profile folder and changing the value of the config.xml file.

Solution #4 (MakeUseOf)

Over at MakeUseOf, they chronicle the familiar ad server restriction fix, but go a step further and help you redesign the Skype layout to enhance its usability.

They recommend switching a more condensed contact list view by navigating to the View the dropdown menu and opting for a Compact Sidebar View.

This expands your screen real estate, eliminating dead space bloated with avatars and contacts.

The traditional, Standard view, they say, seems engineered to accommodate mobile and tablet devices, while the Compact view better serves the needs of traditional PC users.

Solution #5 (YouTube)

A YouTuber named Sam Sepiol provides a detailed guide for eliminating Skype advertising if you prefer a video tutorial.

Summary

If you’re trying to declutter your Skype experience- try our fixes above. Let us know in the comments section if you’ve had success using any of the above solutions! If all else fails, consider using a walkie talkie! We’re almost kidding, but due to these Skype frustrations, we looked into it, and found some of the best walkie talkies that might be decent Skype alternatives if you are within close proximity.