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Skype will permanently shut down in May 2025, and users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams. If you want to save important conversations, files, or memories from Skype, follow this straightforward guide to download and access your data before it’s deleted.
As per Microsoft, Your Skype data will be available until January 2026 for you to export or delete. If you log in to Microsoft Teams Free by then, your Skype call and chat history will be available to you. If you take no action, your Skype data will be deleted in January 2026.
You can also go through this guide to move your chats: How to Migrate Skype Contacts and Chats to Microsoft Teams Before May 2025
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Access the Skype Export Page
- Open a web browser.
- Go to go.skype.com/export.
- Press Enter to load the page.
Step 2: Log Into Your Account
- Enter your Skype username and password.
- Ensure you use the correct credentials linked to your chat history.
Step 3: Request Your Data Export
- Select Conversations, Files, or both.
- Click Submit Request.
- Wait for Skype to process your data (it may take up to 45 minutes or longer).
Step 4: Download the Exported Data
- Refresh the export page after waiting.
- Click the Download button when it appears.
- Save the .tar file to your computer.
Step 5: Extract the Downloaded Files
- Use tools like 7-Zip, WinRAR, or The Unarchiver (Mac).
- Right-click the .tar file and select Extract Here.
- Your data will unpack into a folder (e.g., “Skype_Data”).
Step 6: Use Skype’s Message Viewer
- Return to the Skype export page and download the Message Viewer Tool.
- Extract the tool’s files using the same software.
- Open the extracted folder and double-click index.html to launch the viewer.
- Click Select Message JSON File and choose messages.json from your extracted data.
- Click Load to view your chat history.
Step 7: Locate Shared Media Files
- Open the Media folder in your extracted Skype data.
- Images and attachments are saved as .jpg, .png, or other formats.
- To find a specific file:
- Check the messages.json file for the attachment’s filename (e.g., “a1b2c3.jpg”).
- Use Ctrl + F (Windows) or Cmd + F (Mac) to search for the filename in the Media folder.
Video Tutorial:
Conclusion
Downloading your Skype chat history ensures you retain important conversations and files before the platform shuts down. By following these steps, you can export, extract, and view your data without technical complexity. Save your records for personal, legal, or professional purposes, and share this guide with others who need to preserve their Skype history. Prepare early to avoid losing access to your data in 2025.
You can also go through this guide to move your chats: How to Migrate Skype Contacts and Chats to Microsoft Teams Before May 2025
