Microsoft to retire Skype on May 5, 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams. In a major shift that marks the end of an era, Microsoft has officiall...
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| Microsoft to retire Skype on May 5, 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams. |
For many, Skype has been a reliable companion—whether for personal catch-ups, professional meetings, or international calls. However, Microsoft believes the future lies in the enhanced capabilities of Teams, a platform that combines chat, video calling, file sharing, and calendar management in one seamless experience.
Microsoft Teams Free offers many of the core features users have come to expect from Skype, such as one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and sharing files. But it also brings much more to the table. Teams allows users to host video meetings, manage their schedules, and create or join communities. It is designed to serve both work and personal use cases, and best of all, it’s available at no cost.
Starting immediately, existing Skype users can switch to Microsoft Teams Free by logging in with their Skype credentials. Once logged in, all existing contacts and chat histories will be automatically imported into Teams. Microsoft has ensured that the transition is easy and that users can continue using Skype during this migration period. Communication between Skype and Teams Free users will remain possible until the official shutdown date.
For users who are not yet ready to make the move, Microsoft is also offering the option to export Skype data, including contact lists and chat histories. This data will remain accessible until January 2026, giving everyone ample time to make a decision. Users also have the option to delete their data, and if no action is taken by January, Microsoft will automatically remove it as part of its privacy policy update.
Alongside these changes, Microsoft is phasing out new purchases of Skype Credit and subscriptions. Current subscriptions and Skype Numbers will continue to renew until April 3, 2025. After May, these features will still be accessible through the Skype web portal and within Microsoft Teams. Additionally, Skype minutes currently included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans will be removed in March 2026.
Microsoft has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Skype’s global user base. The company acknowledged the platform’s historic role in shaping digital communication, stating that Skype has been part of countless meaningful moments in people’s lives around the world.
While it’s never easy to say goodbye to a platform as iconic as Skype, this transition to Microsoft Teams signals a new chapter. With enhanced tools and broader functionality, Teams is poised to carry forward Skype’s legacy—elevating how we connect in our digital lives.
For those ready to begin the transition or explore more, Microsoft has prepared step-by-step guides, frequently asked questions, and dedicated support resources. Whether you choose to migrate now or later, the support is there to make the change as smooth as possible.
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