WASHINGTON — After over two decades of providing web calls, Skype is shutting down on May 5. Microsoft made the announcement Friday in a press release and on the official Skype X account.
“Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available,” a post on the official Skype account reads.
In a press release, Microsoft said the shutdown is being done so it can focus on streamlining “free consumer communications offerings.” As a result, Microsoft is directing current Skype users to use Microsoft Teams instead starting in May.
“With Teams, users have access to many of the same core features they use in Skype, such as one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free,” the release reads.
Microsoft bought Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion.
Over the coming days, Skype users will be able sign on to the free Teams product using their Skype log-in credentials, Microsoft says. All Skype chats and contacts will automatically be visible in Teams for people who log in using this method.
For those who do not wish to transition to Teams, Microsoft has an option for users to export their Skype data before May 5, which would include any contacts, call history and chats.
The company said that before the shutdown officially takes place, Teams users can call and chat with Skype users and Skype users can do the same with Teams users.
“This helps ensure you can stay connected with everyone, regardless of the platform you’re using during this transition,” the announcement explained.