Microsoft to Discontinue Skype, Shifting Focus to Teams

Microsoft has announced plans to discontinue Skype on 5 May 2025 to focus on its modern communication platform, Microsoft Teams. Users are encouraged to transition to Teams, where they can log in using their existing Skype credentials.

This move aims to streamline Microsoft’s communication services and adapt to evolving customer needs.

Launched in 2003, Skype was a pioneer in internet-based voice and video calls, significantly transforming global communication. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion to enhance its communication offerings. However, with increasing competition and shifting user preferences, Skype’s user base has declined over the years.

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Microsoft Teams, introduced in 2017, has gained prominence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, by offering integrated collaboration tools for both personal and professional use. The decision to retire Skype reflects Microsoft’s strategy to consolidate its communication platforms, providing a unified experience through Teams.

Jeff Teper, President of Microsoft 365 Collaborative Apps and Platforms, confirmed this decision in an interview with CNBC on Friday.

“We’ve learned a lot from Skype over the years that we’ve put into Teams as we’ve evolved Teams over the last seven to eight years. But we felt like now is the time because we can be simpler for the market, for our customer base, and we can deliver more innovation faster just by being focused on Teams,” Teper said.

Users are advised to export their Skype data or migrate to Teams before 5 May 2025 to ensure a seamless transition. Microsoft has provided guidance on how to make this shift and maintain access to contacts and chat history within Teams.