Is SkypeNames2.exe A Virus? If Not, What Is It?

Learn how to migrate from older versions of Windows to Windows 10 & 11

Skynames2.exe

SkypeNames2.exe is a program used by the “Skype Toolbar” in FireFox, Chrome & Internet Explorer to make phone numbers “clickable”. As you may know, “Skype” is a leading software application designed to help people phone over the Internet, allowing you to make extremely low cost calls around the Globe.

The idea of the SkypeNames2.exe application is to create a user-friendly way for you to call phone numbers from websites through Skype, and although it works for most people, it can cause some issues for other PC users. If you are seeing any errors, alerts  or problems caused by SkypeNames2.exe, then you should follow the steps in this tutorial to remove them.

Why Does SkypeNames2.exe Show On Your PC?

SkypeNames2.exe is what’s known as a “plugin” for the various web browsers you can have on your PC. This application is included with Skype and then integrates into your web browsers to help load the features it requires. Although this application is official, it can interfere with your firewall / antivirus programs and may also prevent Windows from being able to run correctly. To ensure there are no problems  caused by SkypeNames2.exe on your system, you should proceed with the steps below.

What To Do If SkypeNames2.exe Shows On Your PC

Step 1 – Allow The Program To Run On Your PC

Many people will mistakenly think that this application is some sort of virus and then deny it access to your system. Although it’s easy to see why it could be treated like a virus, the fact is that it’s totally clean and you have nothing to fear from it. You should allow the SkypeNames2.exe application to run on your PC.

Step 2 – (If You Don’t Want It) Turn It Off In Internet Explorer

If you don’t want the application to run on your PC, then you should click onto your web browser, locate the “plug-ins” section and then remove it from there. Here are steps of how to perform this for various web browsers:

FireFox

1. Click “Tools” > “Add-Ons”
2. Locate “Skype Add-On For FireFox”
3. Click “Remove“

Internet Explorer

1. From the Internet Explorer menu, click Tools > Internet Options.
2. Click the Programs tab.
3. Click Manage add-ons.
4. Remove the “Skype For Internet Explorer” Add-On

Step 3 – Clean Out The Registry

• Download This Registry Cleaner

It’s important to keep the “registry” of your PC running as smoothly as possible to prevent any possible skypenames2.exe errors. The registry is basically a large database of files & settings in the core of your system, which stores all of the files your PC requires to run, to help it recall the likes of your desktop wallpaper and even your stored passwords. If you have skypenames2.exe errors or problems, it suggests there are some sort of registry errors on your PC, which should be fixed by using a registry cleaner application.