We're in the process of upgrading the Skype experience from a P2P-based architecture to a cloud-based system. Depending on when you started your group chat, you might notice different chat behaviors. Below, we detail the chat commands and roles in both P2P and cloud-based chats; simply click the type of chat you're in to expand the section and learn how you can enhance your chat experience.
To find out what type of chat you're in, simply type /get name into the chat window and press Enter. If the group name response starts with "19:...", you're in a cloud-based chat; if the group name response starts with "#skypename...", you're in a P2P-based chat.
Any response you get from using any of the chat commands will not be visible to the other members of the chat; they're shown only to you, and will come from a contact called System.
If you are the administrator or host of a chat (usually if you set up the chat, you will be assigned this role) you can:
Type /kick [Skype Name] to remove a member from the chat. You or other chat members can add this person again later.
You can share the moderator with other members by typing /setrole [Skype Name] MASTER to share this permission with other users in this chat.
Type /showmembers to get a list of members and their current role (this will also show you the format of their Skype Name [see /add [Skype Name] command in both chat types below]).
The above commands will work whether you're in a P2P-based chat or a cloud-based chat.
To see a list of the available commands, simply type /help into the chat. If you are just in a chat with one other person, only the relevant chat options will be shown. If you are in a chat with two or more people, /help will reveal a more comprehensive list of chat commands. If you don’t see the list, the version Skype you are using is not supported.
All new groups created will be cloud-based groups. If you want to create a P2P-based group (to make use of the legacy moderator functionality), type /createmoderatedchat. This will create a new chat group called Empty Group, to which you can add users and use the full list of P2P-based chat commands described below.
Important: Always make sure you are using the latest version of Skype. Some of these commands may not be supported in older versions.