How to Uninstall Skype for Business Basic 2016 Using Command Line or SCCM
Question details
An organization needs to bulk remove the standalone Skype for Business Basic 2016 client from multiple computers using the command line or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
- Product
- Skype for Business Basic 2016, SCCM
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- An IT administrator wants to deploy an automated uninstallation script for Skype for Business across an enterprise network.
- Observed behavior
- Standard manual uninstall methods are inefficient for bulk removal, requiring an enterprise-grade command line or SCCM deployment solution.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on the target Windows 10 machines and access to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM) if deploying via a task sequence.
Use Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM) or Office Deployment Tool
Determine the installation type of Skype for Business Basic 2016 and use the appropriate enterprise tool (MSIEXEC or ODT) for bulk uninstallation.
Bulk removal of Skype for Business requires identifying whether the application was installed via a standalone MSI package or through the Click-to-Run Office installer. The uninstallation command will differ based on this deployment method.
Check the target Windows 10 machines to see if Skype for Business was installed as a standalone MSI or via Click-to-Run (often bundled with Office 365).
If installed via MSI, locate the uninstallation GUID in the Windows Registry under 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall'. Run 'msiexec.exe /x {Product-GUID} /qn' to silently uninstall.
If installed via Click-to-Run, create an XML configuration file using the '<Remove>' element targeting Skype for Business, and execute it using 'setup.exe /configure remove.xml'.
Create a new package or Task Sequence in Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager utilizing the silent command line or ODT script formulated in the previous steps.
For specialized deployment scripts and SCCM detection logic, post your deployment query in the Microsoft Q&A Community for Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bulk uninstall Skype for Business using a standard Control Panel method?
No, the standard Control Panel uninstallation is designed for single users. For bulk enterprise removal, you must use command-line scripts, the Office Deployment Tool, or SCCM.
How do I find the MSI product code for Skype for Business 2016?
You can find the MSI product code by opening the Registry Editor and navigating to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall. Look through the subkeys for the Skype for Business entry to find its specific UninstallString.
Does removing Skype for Business affect my other Office 2016 applications?
If you use an MSI uninstaller specifically targeted at the Skype for Business GUID, it will not affect other Office applications. However, if using the Office Deployment Tool for Click-to-Run versions, ensure your XML configuration file is correctly scoped to only remove Skype.
