Microsoft Officially Shuts Down Skype After 22 Years of Service

May 5, 2025 – Microsoft has officially discontinued Skype, bringing an end to the iconic platform that transformed digital communication since its debut in 2003. Once a trailblazer in free voice and video calling, Skype gradually lost ground to competitors like Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Microsoft’s own Teams.

The shutdown affects primarily the free version of Skype. Business users may continue limited use of the platform for now, though Microsoft strongly advises a transition to Microsoft Teams, which offers more robust tools for professional and educational use.

To ease the shift, users can sign in to Teams using their Skype credentials. Existing chats and contact lists will be automatically migrated. Those who do not wish to switch must export their data before January 2026, after which it will be permanently deleted.

Microsoft describes this move as part of its broader strategy to unify communication services under the Teams ecosystem, which has seen massive adoption, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Skype’s closure marks the end of a significant chapter in internet history, but its legacy as a pioneer in online communication remains deeply impactful.