In a significant development marking the end of an era in internet communication, Microsoft has announced it will officially shut down Skype on May 5, 2025. The move comes after nearly 22 years of connecting users worldwide through voice and video calls.
Skype, launched in 2003, was once a groundbreaking platform that revolutionized digital communication by allowing users to make free voice and video calls over the internet. At its peak in the mid-2010s, it boasted over 300 million monthly active users.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, intending to make it a cornerstone of its communication services. However, the emergence of competing platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft’s own Teams gradually eroded Skype’s dominance.
In a statement released on February 28, Microsoft confirmed its decision to retire Skype as part of a broader effort to streamline its services and prioritize Microsoft Teams as its primary communication and collaboration tool. The shutdown will affect both free and paid Skype accounts, although Skype for Business will remain operational for a limited period.
Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Teams, accessible via skype.com through the “Start using Teams” feature. Users can continue using their existing Skype login credentials on Teams, where all chat histories and contact lists will be available. Users will have until January 2026 to download or migrate their data. After that, any remaining data on Skype will be permanently deleted.
