Skype, a long-standing video-calling and messaging service owned by Microsoft, is set to retire in May 2025. This decision follows Microsoft’s shift towards prioritizing Microsoft Teams, especially after acquiring Skype for $8.5 billion in 2011.Users can transition to Microsoft Teams using their existing Skype credentials, keeping chats and contacts intact. Alternatively, they can export their data, including chat history and images, before the shutdown. Paid users will have access to the Skype Dial Pad through the web portal and Teams Free after May 2025, but new subscriptions will not be available.
Survey Note by The InfoWire
This note provides a comprehensive overview of the impending shutdown of Skype, scheduled for May 5, 2025, as announced by Microsoft. The information is derived from multiple reputable sources, including official Microsoft documentation and various tech news outlets, ensuring a thorough understanding of the implications for users and the broader context of this decision.
Why Skype is shutting down in May 2025?
Skype, a pioneer in internet-based communication since its launch in 2003, is set to cease operations on May 5, 2025. This decision was officially confirmed by Microsoft on February 28, 2025, via an X post (Skype) and detailed in a support article (Microsoft Support). The shutdown marks the end of a service that once boasted hundreds of millions of users and was instrumental in popularizing voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) calls.
Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. Over the coming days you can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account to stay connected with all your chats and contacts. Thank you for being part of Skype pic.twitter.com/EZ2wJLOQ1a
— Skype (@Skype) February 28, 2025Microsoft’s move to retire Skype aligns with its strategic shift towards Microsoft Teams, which has been positioned as the successor for both consumer and business communications. This transition is not unexpected, given Teams’ growing dominance since its introduction, particularly in the context of remote work and digital collaboration.
Timeline and Key Dates
The shutdown date is firmly set for May 5, 2025, with several important milestones leading up to it:
- April 3, 2025: Existing calling and Skype Number subscriptions will continue to renew until this date, after which they will remain active until the end of the subscription period.
- May 5, 2025: Skype will no longer be available for use, and all support, updates, and new subscriptions will cease.
- January 2026: User data will be retained until this date for export or deletion. If users log into Microsoft Teams Free by then, their call and chat history will be accessible; otherwise, data will be deleted.
During the transition period, cross-platform communication between Skype and Teams Free is supported, ensuring continuity for users who begin migrating early.
Implications for Users
The shutdown has significant implications for Skype’s user base, which, while diminished in recent years due to competition from platforms like Discord, still includes millions of users. Here are the key options and considerations for users:
- Migration to Microsoft Teams: Users can download Microsoft Teams from the official website (Microsoft Teams) and log in with their Skype credentials. This process automatically migrates chats, contacts, and call logs, allowing users to “pick up where they left off.” Microsoft has emphasized preserving user data, including contacts and shared memories, during this transition.
- Data Export: For those who do not wish to switch to Teams, Skype offers the option to export data, including chat history, images, and other shared content. However, the utility of exported data may be limited, as importing it into other platforms is not straightforward. Users are advised to save important messages before May 5, 2025, as accounts and data will be removed post-shutdown.
- Paid Users: Existing paid users, such as those with calling subscriptions or Skype Credits, can continue using the Skype Dial Pad through the web portal and within Teams Free after May 2025. However, automatic top-up services for Skype Credits will no longer be available starting April 3, 2025, and new subscriptions will not be offered.
Technical and Support Changes
Post-shutdown, several changes will affect users:
- No Software Updates: Security patches and bug fixes will no longer be released, potentially impacting the security of the app before the shutdown.
- End of Customer Support: Microsoft will cease providing help for Skype-related issues, leaving users without official support channels.
Microsoft to Shut Down Skype in May 2025: Tech Giant Warned…
- Data Retention: If users take no action by May 5, 2025, Skype will retain user data until the end of 2025, after which it will be deleted, unless migrated to Teams.
Context and Historical Significance
Skype’s shutdown comes 14 years after Microsoft acquired it for $8.5 billion, marking the company’s largest acquisition at the time. The service, founded in 2003 by engineers in Tallinn, Estonia, revolutionized communication by enabling free computer-to-computer calls, significantly contributing to the adoption of VoIP technology. Despite its historical significance, Skype has faced declining relevance, particularly with the rise of competitors like Discord for group communication and Microsoft’s own push towards Teams.
Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, acknowledged Skype’s role in shaping modern communications in a blog post (Microsoft Blog), stating, “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.”
User Transition and Alternatives
Microsoft has made efforts to ease the transition for users, with detailed guidance available on the support page (Microsoft Support). The company has also added prompts in preview versions of Skype for Windows and Mac, informing users of the shutdown and encouraging them to switch to Teams Free. For those hesitant to move to Teams, alternatives include exporting data or exploring other communication platforms, though no direct import options are mentioned for competitors.
A table summarizing key user actions and deadlines is provided below for clarity:
| Action | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switch to Microsoft Teams | Before May 5, 2025 | Log in with Skype credentials to migrate chats and contacts automatically. |
| Export Data | Before January 2026 | Save chat history, images, and other data; data deleted if not exported. |
| Use Existing Subscriptions | Until April 3, 2025 | Calling and Skype Number subscriptions renew until this date. |
| Access Skype Dial Pad (Paid Users) | After May 5, 2025 | Available via web portal and Teams Free, no new subscriptions. |
Broader Industry Trends
The shutdown reflects broader trends in the tech industry, particularly the blurring lines between consumer and business communication tools. The rise of remote work and digital collaboration has accelerated the adoption of platforms like Teams, which offer integrated features for both personal and professional use. This move also underscores Microsoft’s strategy to streamline its product offerings, focusing on a unified communication ecosystem.
The InfoWire’s Opinion
The shutdown of Skype on May 5, 2025, marks the end of an era for a service that transformed online communication. Users are advised to plan their transition, whether by migrating to Microsoft Teams or exporting data, to ensure continuity and data preservation. Microsoft’s support resources and the detailed guidance provided in various news articles offer clear pathways for users to navigate this change.
Stay Tuned & Stay Connected!