Microsoft to discontinue Skype, prioritizes Teams for consumer communication

Microsoft has announced that Skype will be retired on May 5, 2025, as the company prioritizes Microsoft Teams (free) to streamline and enhance its consumer communication services.

Skype users will have the option to move to Microsoft Teams, where they can access familiar features like one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing.

Microsoft said that Teams offers additional capabilities, including hosting meetings, managing calendars, and creating communities.

To make the transition seamless, Skype users can log into Teams with their existing credentials, and their chats and contacts will automatically appear in the app.

Skype and Teams users will be able to communicate with each other during the transition.

Those who do not want to switch to Teams can export their Skype data, such as contacts, chats, and call history, prior to the shutdown date.

Microsoft will stop offering Skype's paid services. New users will not be able to buy Skype Credit or subscriptions for calls, but current users will be able to use their credits and subscriptions until their next renewal.

The Skype Dial Pad will be available both within Teams and through the Skype web portal after May 5, 2025.

Founded in 2003, Skype was once a major player in the voice and video calling market but has struggled to compete with more recent platforms like Zoom and Slack.

Microsoft has assured users that Skype will remain active until May 5, 2025, allowing time to transition to Teams. A detailed guide has been provided to help users with the switch.