Microsoft Announces Shutdown of Skype Service by May 2025, Shifts Focus to Microsoft Teams

Microsoft officially announced the shutdown of its Skype service by May 5, 2025, after over two decades of operation. This decision aligns with the company’s strategy to focus on Microsoft Teams as the primary communication platform.

Skype, founded in 2003, was a pioneer in online communications, revolutionizing the way people interacted globally. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, but as time passed, competitive applications such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime emerged, leading to Skype’s decline in popularity.

Since the launch of Microsoft Teams in 2017, the company has focused on developing it into a unified platform for communication and meeting management, with advanced features such as support for large meetings and collaborative tools. Skype users will be able to sign in to Teams using their existing accounts, with the ability to transfer contacts and chat history seamlessly.

This move reflects Microsoft’s push to simplify its communication applications and focus on one platform that meets user needs for both business and personal interactions. Skype will remain available until May 5, 2025, giving users a transitional period to choose an alternative service.