Microsoft 365 to Discontinue Skype Call Minutes, Publisher in 2026
Microsoft is making significant changes to its Microsoft 365 subscription service, with two key features slated for removal in 2026. The company has attributed these changes to a regular assessment of feature usage, impacting both the inclusion of free Skype call minutes and the availability of Microsoft Publisher.
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Skype Call Minutes
Starting March 3, 2026, Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer receive the 60 free minutes of Skype calls per month for mobile and landline numbers. This feature has been a standard part of the subscription package, allowing users to make voice calls without incurring additional charges. This change applies to both free and paid Skype users.
This announcement follows a previous decision regarding Skype. Microsoft confirmed that Skype is scheduled for retirement in May 2025 for both free and paid Skype users; however, this does not affect Skype for Business users. According to the company, Skype for Business subscribers are considered a separate user group and will not be affected by the changes.
Beginning May 2025, the dial pad feature within Skype will still be accessible to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers through the Skype web portal and within Teams (Free). Subscribers will be able to use their existing Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions or purchase Skype Credits.
Microsoft has indicated that Skype data will remain available until January 2026, allowing users to export or delete their information. Users can log in to Microsoft Teams Free using their Skype credentials, and their Skype call and chat history will be transferable.
Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft has also indicated that Publisher, a software application that has been available for more than three decades, will no longer be supported as part of Microsoft 365 after October 1, 2026. The company is recommending that users transition to alternative Microsoft 365 applications, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Designer, which provide similar document and design functionalities.
Users of Microsoft Publisher are advised to convert their existing Publisher files into either PDF or Word formats before October 1, 2026. After this date, it will no longer be possible to open or edit files using Publisher.
