How to Download ENTIRE Skype Chat and Images: 2025

Skype, the once-popular communication platform, is set to permanently shut down in May 2026, marking the end of an era. Microsoft has announced that Skype users should transition to Microsoft Teams for their messaging and video conferencing needs. However, if you have important conversations or shared files stored on Skype, you may want to download and save them before they are permanently removed.

Downloading your Skype conversation history is a simple process, but it involves multiple steps, including exporting the data, extracting it from a compressed file format, and using a specialized tool to view your messages. In this guide, we will walk you through the complete process step by step, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any valuable chat history or media files. By following these instructions, you can securely archive your Skype messages and retrieve any shared files before the service is discontinued.

Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Skype Conversations and Files

Step 1: Visit the Skype Export Page

The first step is to navigate to Skype’s dedicated export page. To do this:

1. Open your preferred web browser.
2. Type the following URL into the address bar: go.skype.com/export

3. Press Enter to access the Skype export page.

Step 2: Log Into Your Skype Account

• If you are not already logged in, enter your Skype username and password.
• Ensure that you use the correct credentials associated with your Skype account.
• Once logged in, you will see two options: Conversations and Files.

Step 3: Submit a Request for Your Data

1. Select whether you want to download your conversations, files, or both.
2. Click on the Submit Request button.

3. Skype will now begin processing your request.
4. The export process may take some time, depending on the amount of data in your account. You may need to wait for approximately 45 minutes or longer before your data becomes available for download.

Step 4: Download Your Skype Data

1. Refresh the export page after some time.
2. Once the process is complete, you will see a Download button next to your exported data.

3. Click on the Download button to save the file to your computer.

The downloaded file will be in .tar format, which is a compressed archive containing all your Skype messages and shared files.

Step 5: Extract the Downloaded File

Since the exported data is in .tar format, you need an extraction tool to open it. You can use:

• WinRAR
• WinZip
• 7-Zip

To extract the file:

1. Right-click on the .tar file.
2. Choose Extract Here or Extract to [Folder Name] (depending on the extraction tool).
3. The extracted contents will appear in a new folder within your Downloads directory.

Step 6: Use Skype’s Message Viewer Tool

Once you have extracted the files, the next step is to open and view your chat history. Skype provides a dedicated message viewer tool for this purpose.

Download and Set Up the Message Viewer Tool

1. Navigate back to the Skype export page.
2. Click on the provided link to download the Message Viewer tool.

3. Once downloaded, extract the tool using WinRAR, 7-Zip, or any compatible software.

4. Open the extracted folder and locate the index.html file.
5. Double-click on index.html to launch the message viewer in your web browser.

Step 7: Load Your Skype Conversation History

1. In the message viewer interface, click on Select Message JSON File.

2. Navigate to your extracted Skype data folder.
3. Look for the file named messages.json.

4. Select this file and click Open.

5. Click on Load to display your Skype conversation history.

Now, all your past conversations will be visible in the message viewer, allowing you to browse and review your messages easily.

Step 8: Access Media Files (Images & Attachments)

If you share images or files during your Skype conversations, they will be stored separately in the media folder within your extracted data.

To locate and view images:

1. Open the media folder.

2. Inside, you will find images saved in PNG or JPEG format.
3. Double-click on any image file to open and view it.

If you need to find a specific image linked to a conversation, follow these steps:

1. Look for the hexadecimal filename associated with the image inside the messages.json file.

2. Copy the filename.
3. Use the search function (Ctrl + F) inside your extracted folder to find the matching image.

This method allows you to easily locate and reference images tied to specific chat messages.

Conclusion

As Skype approaches its shutdown in May 2026, it’s crucial to back up any important conversations and shared files before they are lost forever. Fortunately, Microsoft provides a simple method for exporting your chat history, allowing you to keep a record of your messages and media files for future reference.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully download, extract, and view your Skype messages. Whether you need these records for personal nostalgia, legal purposes, or business archives, ensuring you save them now will prevent any potential loss in the future.

If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with others who may also need to back up their Skype conversations. Stay prepared, and make the transition from Skype to Microsoft Teams as smooth as possible.