Microsoft Is Retiring Skype, Pushing Users to Teams

A message inside the latest Skype for Windows preview says it will shut down Skype on May 5, 2025, after 23 years of service. The company plans to focus its efforts on Microsoft Teams, which will become its primary platform for communication and collaboration, as reported by XDA Developers and since confirmed officially by Microsoft.

Skype users have 10 weeks to decide what to do with their accounts. Options include migrating contacts and chat data to Teams or exporting data.

Microsoft reported 36 million Skype users in 2023, down from a peak of 300 million. Meanwhile, Teams has seen significant growth, with consumer calling minutes quadrupling in two years, as reported by TechCrunch.

Users can log into Teams with Skype credentials for automatic data migration. Skype will continue to function alongside Teams until the shutdown date. A Skype Dial Pad will remain available for users with remaining credit. Teams Free will not support PSTN (public switched telephone network) services.

Microsoft cites changing user patterns and the desire to streamline its messaging as reasons for the decision. The company believes that the growth of Teams and the stabilization of Skype's user base make this an appropriate time for the transition.

Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative Apps and platforms, stated, "At this point, putting all our focus behind Teams will let us give a simpler message and drive faster innovation."

Users who do not take action by the shutdown date will have their data retained until the end of 2025, after which it will be deleted. This marks the end of an era for Skype, which was one of the first major tech startups to emerge from Europe and played a significant role in popularizing internet-based communication.