Microsoft is shutting down Skype in May 2025, to focus on Teams

Microsoft announced it would shut down Skype for good after 20 years in May 2025.

Microsoft is shutting down Skype

Teams is the new Skype of Microsoft

Skype was one of the world's most popular FREE video calling software before its popularity faded in recent years due to strong competition like Zoom and Google Meet. Meanwhile, Skype's current parent company Microsoft started making Teams their primary modern video calling app.

The service was first launched in 2003 in Estonia, purchased by eBay in 2005, and Microsoft in 2011.

According to Microsoft, they will be focusing on its FREE Microsoft Teams as its modern communication and collaboration hub.

With Teams, users have access to many of the same core features they use in Skype, such as one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free.

Microsoft is encouraging its users to move to Teams. They will be rolling out a way for Skype users to sign into Teams on any supported device using their Skype credentials.

During the transition period, Teams users can call and chat with Skype users and vice versa.

Those who will not migrate to Teams can export their data, including chats, contacts, and call history.

Those who are using paid Skype features will continue to use their Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period.

The company said that even after May 5, 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams.   

Source: Microsoft