Skype is Shutting Down
Microsoft has announced that Skype, the once-dominant video calling and messaging platform, will be shutting down on May 5, 2025. Users are being asked to migrate to Microsoft Teams, the company’s updated communication application.
Since its acquisition, Microsoft has redesigned Skype a couple of times to take on iMessage and tried to integrate it with its in-house products like Windows, the now discontinued Windows phones, and Xbox.
A Shift in Communication Tech
Skype, which launched in 2003, became a leading Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) platform before Microsoft acquired it in 2011 for $8.5 billion. At its peak, Skype boasted over 36 million daily users connecting with friends, family, and colleagues. However, Microsoft has been gradually phasing out Skype features.
In December of last year, Microsoft ceased selling credits for Skype numbers. Despite the attempts to revitalize the platform with features and Copilot AI integration, Skype’s popularity failed to maintain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moving to Microsoft Teams
Microsoft says, “in the coming days, we will roll out the ability for Skype users to sign in to Teams (free) on any supported device using their Skype credentials.” This simplifies migration, with all chats and contacts transferring automatically.
Users who choose not to switch to the new platform are able to export their data. In the meantime, users of both platforms will be able to communicate with each other.
How to Migrate Your Data
To transition to Microsoft Teams, users can download the application on their devices and log in using their existing Skype credentials. Once logged in, users can access their contacts and chats within the updated app.
For current Skype subscribers, Microsoft says that they will be able to use their Skype Credits and subscriptions until they renew their period, while the Skype Dial Pad remains available to paid users from the Skype web portal and within the Teams app.
