- Migrating from Skype to Teams is recommended because Microsoft ended support for Skype for Business and encourages using Teams for better features like real-time chat, video, and app integration, all within one platform.
- There is no direct way to transfer Skype chat history to Teams, but Microsoft offers options like the “Move to Teams” feature for personal users, allowing them to easily shift contacts and recent chats to Teams.
- For business users, migrating from Skype for Business to Teams involves planning using Microsoft 365 tools and policies, ensuring chat history is preserved by storing it in Outlook, and upgrading users to Teams to manage all communication.
If you’re still using Skype for Business or the classic Skype app and considering a move to Microsoft Teams, you’re not alone. Microsoft has been nudging users toward Teams for a while now—and for good reason. Teams offer more collaboration features, a sleek UI, better integration with Microsoft 365, and a robust platform for modern business communication.
But one big question that comes up repeatedly is: “How do I migrate chats from Skype to Teams?”
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down what’s possible, what’s not, and how to approach chat migration from Skype to Teams like a pro in 2025.
Why Move from Skype to Teams?
Microsoft officially ended support for Skype for Business Online in July 2021, and it’s clear the company wants all business communication routed through Teams now. Even personal Skype users are seeing Teams integrations and nudges.
Here’s why moving from Skype to Teams makes sense:
- Integrated with Microsoft 365
- Real-time chat, video, file sharing, and app integration in one platform
- Better meeting features and team collaboration tools
- Cross-device compatibility with mobile, desktop, and browser access
Can You Migrate Chats from Skype to Teams?
Here’s the honest truth: there’s no direct native feature from Microsoft that lets you migrate Skype chat history into Microsoft Teams chat seamlessly like-for-like.
However, you can preserve and access Skype chats even after transitioning to Teams using a few workarounds and official strategies. Your method will depend on whether you were using:
- Skype for Business (SFB)
- Personal Skype (classic Skype app)
Moving from Skype (Free) to Microsoft Teams (Free)
If you’re a personal Skype user (not using Skype for Business through a company), migrating to Teams is straightforward thanks to Microsoft’s integrated migration prompt.
How to Migrate Using the Built-in “Move to Teams” Option
Microsoft has added a built-in feature in Skype called “Move to Teams.” This is the official and easiest way to migrate your data.
- Open Skype on your desktop or mobile.
- Look for a banner or notification that says: “Skype is moving to Microsoft Teams — Move now.”
- Click on “Move to Teams.”
- Sign in with your existing Microsoft account (the same one you used with Skype).
- Teams will automatically load, and your Skype contacts and recent chats will be available inside Teams.
This process takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require any manual file transfers or backups.
What If You Don’t See the Prompt?
If you don’t see the “Move to Teams” option in Skype:
- Visit https://aka.ms/skypetoteams
- Sign in with your Skype (Microsoft) account
- You’ll be redirected to Teams and prompted to continue the transition
This option is available to all users, even if you’ve been using Skype in a browser or on mobile.
How to Use Teams Without Installing Anything
One of the biggest concerns among users is: “What if I don’t have Teams installed?”
The good news is—you don’t need to.
For Browser-Only Users
If you’re using Skype in your web browser (and never installed an app), you can still complete the migration process.
Here’s how:
- Click the “Move to Teams” button in Skype (or visit https://aka.ms/skypetoteams).
- You’ll be redirected to https://teams.microsoft.com.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Teams will open in your browser with your contacts and recent chat history already available.
No download is required. You can bookmark the Teams URL and continue using it in your browser just like Skype Web.
For Mobile Users
If you’re using Skype on mobile, tapping the “Move to Teams” button will redirect you to install the Microsoft Teams app from the App Store or Google Play.
Once installed, sign in with your Microsoft account, and Teams will load your data automatically. All future calls and chats will now go through the Teams app.
How to Export Your Skype Chat History (Optional Backup)
If you want to save your full Skype chat history, Microsoft offers an official export tool.
This is especially useful if you have old messages that didn’t carry over in the migration.
- Visit https://go.skype.com/export.
- Sign in using your Skype (Microsoft) account.
- Select the data you want to export (conversations, files).
- Click Submit request.
- You’ll receive a download link within minutes or hours (depending on account size).
- The exported file is a .tar archive containing your messages.json and media files.
- Use a JSON viewer or converter to read your messages in a human-readable format.
You can also store this file as a personal backup or upload it to a Microsoft Teams channel if needed.
Migrating from Skype for Business to Teams (Enterprise Users)
For organizations still using Skype for Business, the transition requires a bit more planning. Microsoft Teams is the successor to Skype for Business, and enterprise users are expected to move over using Microsoft 365 tools and policies.
Step 1: Understand Where Chat History Is Stored
In most corporate environments, Skype for Business stores chat logs in Outlook’s Conversation History folder (via Exchange).
To access them:
-
Open Outlook
-
Go to the Conversation History folder in your mailbox
-
You’ll find previous Skype for Business messages there
These will remain intact even after migration.
Step 2: Enable IM Archiving (Admin Setting)
Admins can ensure Skype messages are being saved with this PowerShell command:
Set-CsClientPolicy -Identity Global -EnableIMAutoArchiving $true
This setting is essential to retain chat logs in Outlook before switching over to Teams.
Step 3: Assign Teams Upgrade Policy
Use PowerShell or the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to upgrade users to Teams.
Grant-CsTeamsUpgradePolicy -PolicyName TeamsOnly -Identity [email protected]
- Or via Admin Center: Go to Users > Teams Upgrade
- Set coexistence mode to “Teams Only”
This forces all future communication (chat, calls, meetings) to Microsoft Teams.
Final Thoughts: Making a Smooth Transition from Skype to Teams
Moving from Skype to Teams doesn’t have to be complicated. For personal users, Microsoft’s built-in “Move to Teams” feature makes the switch quick and painless—even if you’re using only a browser or mobile device.
For business users, a structured migration plan ensures continuity, compliance, and productivity. With Teams now the standard for Microsoft communication, it’s time to embrace the transition.
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