Microsoft has officially announced the end of Skype, with the popular messaging and video calling service set to shut down on Monday, May 5, 2025.
This move ended over two decades of Skype’s presence in the online communication space, as the company shifted its focus to Microsoft Teams, offering users free transitions and full data migration options.
Skype, launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, was once a leader in VoIP and online video calls. However, it has struggled to compete with modern platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, and Google Meet in recent years.
Microsoft is now positioning Teams as a more integrated and future-ready communication tool, combining messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration features.
According to Microsoft, all Skype users will receive notifications with detailed instructions on how to transition to Teams. The process will be free, and users can transfer their contacts, chat history, and account data without changing login credentials.
Data management options will remain available until January 2026, after which all remaining Skype data will be permanently deleted.
