Skype shutdown and backup, Teams and Microsoft 365

The recent news that Skype is set to be discontinued in May 2025 has caught the attention of millions of users who have been using the platform for over two decades. Microsoft has announced that users will be able to migrate to Microsoft Teams, a more modern and versatile platform ( https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/02/28/the-next-chapter-moving-from-skype-to-microsoft-teams/ ). This step makes it critical to understand how to back up Skype conversations and shared files, as well as the importance of implementing effective backup solutions for Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 services.

Exporting Skype chats and shared files

Before Skype shuts down permanently, it is essential that users safeguard their conversations and shared files. Microsoft offers a simple procedure to export this data:

1. Accessing your Skype account:
   • Visit the Skype website and sign in with your credentials.
2. Export Request :
   • Navigate to the section dedicated to data export.
   • Select options to export chat history and/or files.
3. Download data :
   • Once ready, the platform will provide a link to download an archive containing the conversations and selected files.

It is advisable to do this as soon as possible to avoid losing important data when the service is shut down.

To export Skype data, we log in with our account from the page:  https://secure.skype.com/en/data-export .

Below is an image of the export page. Once the export is started, we will have to wait a little while while Microsoft creates a compressed file with all our data.

Migration to Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is the natural evolution of Skype, offering advanced features that go beyond simple messaging and calling. These include:

• Real-time collaboration : Simultaneously share and edit documents.
• Integration with Microsoft 365 applications : Direct access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other tools.
• Advanced meeting management : Scheduling, recording, and webinar capabilities.

To migrate from Skype to Teams:

1. Access Teams :
   • Download the Teams app or use the web version.
   • Sign in with the same credentials you use for Skype.
2. Data synchronization :
   • Your primary conversations and contacts should sync automatically.
   • Verify the integrity of your data and make sure everything was transferred correctly.

Importance of Backup for Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365

With the increased use of cloud platforms such as Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Exchange Online, data protection becomes crucial. While Microsoft provides robust security measures, it is your responsibility to ensure regular backups to prevent:

• Accidental data loss : Inadvertent deletions or overwriting.
• Security Threats : Cyber ​​attacks, malware or ransomware.
• Sync Issues : Errors during synchronization that can cause information loss.

Iperius Backup: the ideal solution for Teams and Microsoft 365 backup

Among the solutions available on the market, Iperius Backup stands out for its completeness and efficiency in backing up Microsoft 365 services. The main features include:

• Microsoft 365 Complete Backup : Protect OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Exchange Online.
• Incremental and Differential Backups : Optimize storage space and reduce backup times.
• Multiple Destinations : Ability to save backups to NAS, FTP, cloud storage like Amazon S3, Azure Storage, Google Drive and more.
• Granular recovery : Recover individual items such as specific emails, files, or conversations.
• Perpetual and unlimited license : A single license to protect an unlimited number of accounts and data.

Configuring Iperius Backup to backup Microsoft Teams is intuitive:

1. Creating a new backup :
   • Select the Microsoft 365 backup option and choose Teams.
2. Adding Account :
   • Enter your Microsoft 365 account credentials and authorize access.
3. Selecting data to save :
   • Choose which teams, channels, or specific items to include in the backup.
4. Setting the destination :
   • Define where to save backups: local, NAS, cloud, etc.
5. Planning :
   • Set the frequency of backups to ensure constant protection.

For a detailed guide on configuring Teams backup with Iperius, you can consult this tutorial:  https://www.iperiusbackup.net/en/microsoft-office-365-backup-teams-with-iperius/

Conclusion

​The transition from Skype to Microsoft Teams represents a significant step in the evolution of Microsoft’s communications platforms. To ensure business continuity and data security, it is critical that users back up their Skype conversations and shared files before it is phased out in May 2025. Additionally, with the adoption of Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 services, it is essential to implement reliable backup solutions to protect critical business information.

Iperius Backup stands out as a complete and affordable solution for the backup of Microsoft Teams and the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem, offering advanced features and a perpetual license that allows you to protect an unlimited number of accounts and data. Investing in a robust backup solution like Iperius Backup is a strategic choice to ensure the security and integrity of company data in the long term.

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