After two decades of connecting people globally, Microsoft shuts down Skype . Users — both free and paid — are being encouraged to move to Microsoft Teams Free, the new default platform for personal and professional video calling.
Skype once boasted over 300 million users globally and was an iconic voice and video calling platform. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, according to the Washington Post. However, in recent years, competing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp eroded Skype’s user base.What Happens to Skype Users Now?
Microsoft confirmed in a blog post that “Skype will be retired in May 2025.” Users will have the option to transition to Microsoft Teams Free, which offers similar and more advanced features for chat, calling, and collaboration. However, this move does not affect Skype for Business users.
Key Transition Details:
- Skype credentials will work on Microsoft Teams Free
- Contacts and chat history will be automatically migrated
- Users are encouraged to export or delete their Skype data
End of an Era for Skype
The decision to retire Skype marks the end of an iconic platform that helped users conduct interviews, celebrate birthdays, and stay in touch across time zones. While Teams aims to fill that gap, the nostalgic value of Skype will remain in tech history.
📞 After 21 years, #Skype is officially shutting down.
Microsoft invites users to migrate to #MicrosoftTeamsFree with all contacts & chats transferred seamlessly.
End of an era. Start of something new. 🔁#SkypeShutDown #TechNews #Microsoft #VideoCalling #SkypeToTeams pic.twitter.com/9uGJZgKEqT
— DailyDes (@daily_des) May 6, 2025
Microsoft’s strategic shift reflects the growing demand for integrated and scalable communication tools. As Skype shuts down in 2025, Microsoft Teams Free steps in to offer a modern, more connected experience.
