Keeping chat conversations and call history on your Windows PC or Mac isn’t a good idea, and that’s for many reasons. Most importantly because it poses a risk of data breach. Skype chats and call history may contain sensitive and confidential information. Anyone with access to your PC that you had used for Skype conversations can get unauthorized access to all your sensitive chat and call history.
- When sharing your screen, set the keyboard focus onto the toolbar to control screen sharing. In Skype for Business 2016, press Esc to set the focus back onto the conversation window. In Skype for Business 2016 only: Navigate quickly between the main sections of the window.
- This happens whether or not the messenger window was already open. If I open the main Skype for Business window and go to history, I can see the new message in the history, and if I re-open the conversation/messenger window the new message is now present. I've missed a number of messages before realising the issue.
- I assume your answer pertains to the Skype for Business app, which does notify me of a received message. I am just wondering why we have to use a Desktop app to make this messaging system work. I know this is just a Beta but can i expect that with the new update, when i send a message within salesforce using the chat window that the same chat.
However, you can overcome this potential data privacy risk by deleting the Skype conversation and call history, which is quite easy!
In this guide, you will learn how to delete Skype conversations and call history on Windows 10 and Mac systems. You will also learn about secure eraser method and why it is crucial to erase Skype history rather than just clearing or deleting it from your Windows 10 PC or a Mac system.
Steps to Delete Skype Conversation and Call History
These steps will help you clear Skype chat history. However, remember — deletion wouldn’t remove other sensitive data stored by Skype and other chat messenger app, including web browsers. Moreover, cleared and deleted history also remains recoverable. So, if you wish to permanently remove (i.e. erase) your Skype chats and call history, including other sensitive data stored by the app beyond recovery, skip to the secure erase method steps discussed in this post.
Step 1, Open Skype on your computer. If you’re using Windows, you’ll find it in the Windows/Start menu. If you have macOS, it’s in the Applications folder.Step 2, Click Contacts. It’s in the left column. This opens all of your Skype contacts.Step 3, Click the contact you want to call. This opens a conversation. Never understood the concept of having to have at least two windows - the original Skype UI is much better with regards to this. This is a productivity killer. At least allow to right-click in the conversation list pane (to the left) within the chat window, and open a new IM from there (currently it does not have any context menu).
On your Windows 10 PC,
- Open Skype and sign in to your user account
- Go to Tools>Options
- Click on the Privacy Settings tab with a padlock icon in the left-pane
- Click ‘Clear History’ listed under the header ‘Keep history for.’
- This opens up a confirmation popup. Click on the ‘Delete’ button to finish deleting your history.
Steps to Remove chat and call history from Skype UWP app
- Navigate to the local Skype UWP profile folder located under C:Program FilesWindowsAppsMicrosoft.SkypeApp_….
- Find and manually delete the main.db database
- In case you get following error, contact system admin or change the user permissions.
NOTE: Next time you start Skype, the app may sync and download about 30 days of recent chat and call history from Skype Cloud servers on your PC.
However, the problem can be resolved by scheduling automatic eraser task. For that, you would need to use a file eraser tool, as discussed below in the secure erase method in this post.
On your Mac
- Open Skype and sign in, if not already, to your user account
- Click ‘Skype’ in the menu bar at the top-left of the screen and choose ‘Preferences’ from the drop-down menu
- Click on the ‘Privacy’ button
- Click ‘Delete All Chat History’
- Click ‘Delete All’ to confirm and finish Skype chat history deletion
Steps to Secure Erase Skype Conversation and Call History
Clearing chat history in Windows 10 or Mac only removes access to the data, but it does not wipe your sensitive chat and call history data from the disk. The information remains on the disk and can be recovered unless overwritten with new data.
Overwriting existing data on the drive completely destroys the information.
But to destroy it and that too beyond the scope of recovery, you would need a secure file eraser and privacy safeguarding tool such as BitRaser File Eraser.
The software is available for both Mac and Windows 10 users. It features 17 international data eraser standards such as US DoD 5220.22-M (3 pass/7 passes), NATO, etc.
These secure eraser algorithms securely wipe all your sensitive files such as Skype conversation history and other sensitive data from your Windows or Mac system to an extent where no data recovery software or service, including forensic tools can recover the data.
Besides, you can schedule and automate the task of deleting the chat database stored by Skype UWP app based on system boot status or time.
The steps to securely erase Skype chats and call history with BitRaser File Eraser are as follow,
On Windows PC,
- Close Skype app, if running
- Install and launch BitRaser File Eraser on your Windows or Mac system
- Go to Setting and choose the Data Erasure algorithm and Verification Method from respective “General” Tab menus
- Click ‘Ok’ after this again click on Setting a d go to “Erase Traces” Tab
- Click ‘Application Traces’ and choose Skype Messenger app
- Click ‘OK‘ to confirm the eraser task
Steps to Schedule Automatic Eraser Task to Wipe Skype UWP app’s Main.db File
- On BitRaser File Eraser Software, click ‘Add Erasure List’ in left-pane
- Click ‘Add New List’
- Click ‘Add File’ and navigate to Skype UWP folder
- Choose main.db file and click ‘Open.’
- Click ‘Save List’ and enter a name such as ‘SkypeUWP.’
Tip: You can add multiple files and folder to this list or create more listings for automatic or one-click manual eraser tasks.
- Now click ‘Schedule’ tab
- Expand ‘Add Erasure List’ and choose ‘SkypeUWP’ list
Tip: You may also select and schedule Application Traces—Skype Chat Erasure Task here.
- Choose the Frequency, Start Date, and Time or boot event
- Choose Show mode, if you want to see the eraser task when it happens or select Hide Mode
- Select a data erasure standard and verification method from respective drop-downs
- Click ‘Apply’
The task will automatically run and securely erase the Skype UWP main.db chat database file based on the selected criteria.
You can schedule multiple tasks and view or delete all your scheduled tasks by clicking on ‘Scheduled Tasks’ button
On Mac systems,
- Install and run BitRaser File Eraser Mac
- Select ‘Traces’ and click ‘Next.’
- Click ‘Application Traces’ in left-pane and choose the Skype Messenger from the list
- Click on the Preferences button with a gear icon at the top
- Choose erasure algorithm and verification method for secure deletion.
- Click ‘OK’ and then click ‘Erase.’
- Click ‘Confirm Erasure’ button to start the erasure process. You can stop or abort the process by clicking on the Stop button
- After erasure, restart the system
You can also use BitRaser File Eraser to secure erase internet activities data, system traces, and files from external Windows and Mac storage devices. You may further choose to secure wipe an entire drive volume or secure erase only the empty storage space on media devices to get rid of the previously deleted but recoverable files and folders.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to delete skype conversation and call history from a Windows PC and Mac, go ahead and get rid of all your sensitive chat messages and details. Make sure you always secure erase it and not just delete or clear the history.
For that, use a secure files eraser and a privacy-safeguarding tool such as BitRaser File Eraser. It features 17 international data erasure standards that you can use to get rid of all your sensitive information from your PC. It’s a handy tool, and in a few clicks, you can sanitize any file, folder, or drive volume. It also generates a certificate of erasure and erasure report when you search and erase data by using BitRaser File Eraser. The certificate of erasure and erasure report are tamper-proof and digitally signed documents that help meet regulatory compliance and guarantee data destruction beyond the scope of recovery.
Topic Last Modified: 2017-05-03
Summary: Skype for Business Server 2015 or Skype for Business Online administrators can use these tables to understand what features are supported on which clients.
Before you deploy or upgrade to Skype for Business, check which clients are already in use in your organization. Use the tables below to understand the feature support impact on those clients. This can help you communicate changes to users, pace the roll-out process, and fully understand the benefits of upgrading to the latest client.
Some features available with Skype for Business Server 2015 are not available in Skype for Business Online, see Online or Hybrid user accounts for specifics. Skype for Business Online Admins may want to refer to Skype for Business Online Service Description for information on the different plans available to them.
The following tables show the features that are available with each client that works with Skype for Business Server 2015 or Skype for Business Online. You may also want to refer to Mobile client comparison tables for Skype for Business. The Client Access License or User Subscription License your organization purchases will also have an impact on which features are available to your users. Whether you deploy the Full or Basic client to users depends on the license or plan your organization chooses to buy. See the Licensing Guide for more details.
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Skype for Business Server 2015 and Skype for Business Online support the following previously released clients: Lync 2013, Lync 2010, Lync 2010 Mobile, Lync Phone Edition, and Lync 2010 Attendant. For information about these clients when used with other servers, see the Client comparison tables for Lync Server 2013 and Client comparison tables for Lync Server 2010. |
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The Lync 2010 Attendant client is not supported in Skype for Business Online. |
Note: |
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The Skype for Business Web App browser client only provides Meetings support. |
Enhanced Presence support
This table covers the Enhanced Presence features that extend beyond a simple indication of whether a user is online, offline, busy, etc.
Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015 or 2016 client | Skype for Business on Mac |
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Publish and view status | ||
View status based on calendar free/busy information | ||
View status notes and Out of Office messages | ||
Add a custom location | ||
Add a custom note | ||
Use a photo from any public site for My Picture (not available in Skype for Business Online) |
Contacts and Contact Groups support
This table covers the features relating to managing IM and Presence contacts.
Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015 or 2016 client | Skype for Business on Mac |
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Pre-populated Contacts list | ||
View and Modify Contacts list | ||
Tag contacts for status change alerts | ||
Control privacy relationships | ||
Search the corporate address book | ||
Search Microsoft Outlook contacts | ||
Manage contact groups | ||
Expand distribution groups and Office 365 Groups | ||
Search for Response Groups (not available in Skype for Business Online) | ||
Display recent contacts group | ||
Display current conversations group | ||
Display alternate contact views (for example, tile) | ||
Sort contacts by Group, Relationship, or New (people who’ve added you to their Contacts list) | ||
Sort contacts by Status (availability) |
IM support
This table covers features related to IM support.
Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015 or 2016 client | Skype for Business on Mac |
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Initiate IM with or email to a contact | ||
Navigate among multiple IM conversations/Track multiple conversations in a single tabbed window | ||
Log IM conversations in Outlook | If server side conversation history is turned on | |
Use prepared conversation templates | ||
Check spelling | ||
Skill search (with SharePoint Server integration) (On-premises Skype for Business Server and on-premises SharePoint 2013 are required for skill search.) | ||
Persistent Chat (Group Chat) integration (not available for Skype for Business Online) | ||
Escalate a Persistent Chat room to a Skype for Business Meeting with one click (not available for Skype for Business Online) | ||
Inline pictures of sender and receiver in IM window | ||
Send ink messages | ||
Receive ink messages |
Meetings support
This table covers features related to Meetings support.
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Mac Skype For Business Chat Window Blank Panel
Participants can't control desktops that are shared by Lync for Mac 2011 or Communicator for Mac 2011 users. Lync for Mac 2011 and Communicator for Mac 2011 users can control desktops shared by Windows users. This also won't work for Skype for Business Web App on Max OSX.
For Skype for Business Online, this feature requires Microsoft PSTN Conferencing, Exchange Unified Messaging, or a 3rd party audio conferencing provider.
The Lync for Mac 2011 client cannot view Microsoft Office 2013 PowerPoint presentations when they have been shared in a conference by the Skype for Business Web App.
Voice (Telephony) support
This table covers features related to voice services support.
Note: |
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Skype for Business Voice (Telephony) features are limited to certain Skype for Business Online subscription plans. For details, see the Skype for Business Online Service Description. |
Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015 or 2016 client | Skype for Business on Mac |
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Initiate a call | ||
Click to call a contact | ||
Transfer a call | ||
Manage call forwarding | ||
Manage team call settings | ||
Manage delegates | ||
Initiate a call to a Response Group | ||
Support emergency services (E9-1-1) | Requires Skype for Business Server 2015 CU4 | |
Connect to voice mail, set up or change greeting | ||
Missed call notification | ||
Make calls on behalf of another contact (manager/delegate scenario) | ||
Handle another's calls if configured as a delegate | ||
Manage a high volumes of calls | ||
Call park | ||
Group call pickup |
This feature isn't available in Skype for Business Online.
External users support
This table covers features related to support for external users homed on the PSTN.
Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015 or 2016 client | Skype for Business on Mac |
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Initiate IM with a public contact | ||
Initiate IM with a federated contact | ||
Conduct two-party or multiparty calls with external users (not available in Skype for Business Online) |
Recording support
This table covers features related to support for recording meetings.
Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015 or 2016 client | Skype for Business on Mac |
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Client-side recording of audio, video, application sharing, desktop sharing, and uploaded content | ||
Client-side recording of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations | ||
Select preferred recording resolution |
Recording is unavailable in certain Skype for Business Online standalone plans. Recording requires full Skype for Business client rights.
Recording of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations is unavailable in Skype for Business Online.
Archiving, compliance, and logging support
This table covers features related to support for archiving and logging functions.
Feature/capability | Skype for Business 2015 or 2016 client | Skype for Business on Mac |
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Archiving of IM conversations in Outlook Conversation History | If server side conversation history is turned on | |
Client-side archiving of audio, video, application sharing, desktop sharing, and uploaded content | ||
Client-side archiving of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations (unavailable in Skype for Business Online) | ||
Access sign-in logs from Skype for Business icon in the task bar |
For Skype for Business Online users, this feature requires Exchange Online and is controlled by the user’s Exchange mailbox In-Place Hold attribute.
Client limitations
Basic client limitations
The features below are available using the Full client and are not available with the Basic client:
- Manage team call settings
- Manage delegates
- Make calls on behalf of another contact (manager/delegate scenario)
- Handle another's calls if configured as a delegate
- Manage a high volume of calls
- Initiate a call to a Response Group
- Call park
- Group call pickup
Online or Hybrid user account limitations
Skype Business For Mac Download
User accounts can exist either Online or On-premises, and that will affect the features available to that user. Users with accounts on Skype for Business Online will not have access to the following features, even with the Full client:
Mac Skype For Business Chat Window Blank Template
- Enhanced Presence: Use a photo from any public site for My Picture
- Contacts: Search for Response Groups
- IM Support: Persistent Chat (Group Chat) integration
- IM Support: Escalate a Persistent Chat room to a Skype for Business Meeting with one click
- External Users: Conduct two-party or multiparty calls with external users
Skype Chat Window Blank
For more information check out this link: PC vs MAC Comparison Chart for Skype4B