Where Does Skype Store Chat History and Downloads?
Skype chat history and received files folders for Skype for Desktop on Windows and macOS.
Last updated
Skype for Desktop keeps its profile, chat database and media cache under a Skype for Desktop folder. Received files default to a My Skype Received Files folder.
The Microsoft Store build uses a different container path, so a missing folder usually means the other Skype variant is installed. Check which one you run first.
Where Skype stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Skype for Desktop
Holds the profile database and media cache. The Store app variant instead uses %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.SkypeApp_\LocalState. Received files default to Documents-side My Skype Received Files unless changed in settings.
~/Library/Application Support/Skype
Same role on Mac. Use Go to Folder in Finder. Export history from in-app settings rather than copying the database.
Frequently asked questions
How do I export Skype chat history?
Use the in-app export (Settings > Messaging > Export chat history) for a readable archive. The local database files are SQLite and not meant to be read by hand.
Where do Skype downloads go?
Check Settings > Messaging > File download location in the app. The default below applies until changed, and the Store app variant uses its own Packages container instead.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.