Microsoft Officially Retires Skype After 22 Years, Users Transition to Teams
The shutdown of Skype marks the end of an era for one of the pioneering internet-based video calling services
Microsoft officially shut down Skype on May 5, 2025, after 22 years of service, transitioning its users to Microsoft Teams to streamline its communication offerings.
Skype, launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, had once boasted around 150 million monthly users but declined to roughly 23 million by 2025, partly due to its technology not adapting well to the smartphone era and competition from platforms like Zoom and Teams.
To facilitate the transition, users can log into the free version of Microsoft Teams using their existing Skype credentials, with chats and contacts migrating automatically.
Those who prefer not to use Teams have the option to export their Skype data, including chat history and contacts, before the data is deleted in January 2026 if no action is taken.
Skype for Business users will not be immediately affected and will continue to be supported for some time.
Microsoft Teams, launched in 2017, now has about 320 million monthly active users and offers enhanced features for communication and collaboration, including support for large meetings, file sharing, and integrations with other productivity tools.
The shutdown of Skype marks the end of an era for one of the pioneering internet-based video calling services, as Microsoft focuses on Teams as its primary communication platform.
