Microsoft to Shut Down Skype in May 2025, Shifts Focus to Teams

Microsoft has announced that it will shut down Skype in May 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the oldest internet communications apps. The company, which acquired Skype 14 years ago, has decided to retire the service to focus on its free consumer communications offerings and adapt more easily to customer needs. Microsoft's president of collaborative apps and platforms, Jeff Teper, stated, "Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey."

The shift in focus towards Microsoft Teams is not surprising, given the platform's significant growth and adoption in recent years. Teams has become the preferred communication and collaboration tool for businesses and individuals alike, with over 320 million monthly active users worldwide. Microsoft debuted Teams in 2016 and has since grown it to become one of the industry's most popular workplace platforms, surpassing competitors like Slack.

As part of the transition, Microsoft will not lay off any employees who worked on Skype, and Skype users will be able to transfer their old account data, including chats and contacts, to their new Teams account. Microsoft has also stated that Skype Credit users will still have access to their remaining credits until the end of their next renewal period, and the Skype Dial Pad will be available to paid users within Teams after the platform shuts down in May.

The shutdown of Skype is a significant milestone in the evolution of communication and collaboration tools. As businesses and individuals continue to adapt to the changing landscape, it is clear that Microsoft Teams has emerged as the go-to platform for modern communication and collaboration. With its robust feature set, seamless integration with Office 365, and commitment to accessibility, Teams is well-positioned to continue its growth and dominance in the market.