Microsoft has officially announced that Skype, a video-calling platform, will be retired on May 5, 2025.
Microsoft announced the retirement of Skype in a message sent to all users of the video-calling platform.
In an email message sent to Pan-Atlantic Kompass, the tech giant confirmed its plans to phase out Skype, encouraging its millions of users worldwide to prepare for the transition to Microsoft Teams Free.
This development comes as the end of an era for Skype, which has been a staple for personal and professional communication since its launch in 2003.
In the message, Microsoft emphasized a seamless shift, stating, “In order to streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs, we will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams (free), our modern communications and collaboration hub.”
Microsoft added that users can log into Teams using their existing Skype credentials, with chats and contacts automatically transferred, ensuring continuity.
The company also highlighted Teams’ enhanced features, including group calls, messaging, file sharing, and additional tools like calendar integration.
According to the tech giant, “Teams help people stay connected and engaged at work and home. Teams users have access to many of the same core features as Skype, including 1:1 calls, group calls, messaging and file sharing. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features such as hosting meetings, managing calendars and building and joining communities – all for free.”
For those with paid subscriptions, such as Skype Numbers or calling credits, Microsoft clarified that these services will continue to auto-renew until April 3, 2025. After the shutdown, the Skype Dial Pad will remain accessible to remaining paid users via the Skype web portal and within Teams. Users opting not to switch to Teams can export their data, including chat history and contacts, before the May deadline.
It would be recalled that Skype was launched in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis. The platform was built on peer-to-peer technology that allowed users to make free voice and video calls over the Internet.
At the time, the platform was revolutionary as long-distance calls were expensive, and traditional phone companies dominated the communication market. It disrupted that model by offering a free, simple alternative that worked across borders as long as you had an internet connection.
By 2006, it had amassed over 100 million registered users, and its name became synonymous with video calling.
In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, outbidding competitors like Google and Facebook.
