Microsoft to Shut Down Skype in May 2025: How to Transition to Microsoft Teams

Microsoft has said that Skype would be discontinued on May 5, 2025, after more than 20 years of operation. This choice is in keeping with the company’s plan to simplify its communication channels and concentrate on Microsoft Teams as the main platform for collaboration, texting, and phone calls.

Making the switch to Microsoft Teams

Many of the essential services that Skype users are accustomed to, like file sharing, group and one-on-one calls, and messaging, are also available in Microsoft Teams. Furthermore, Teams offers improved features like calendar management, meeting hosting, and community creation and participation, all of which are free of charge.

For Skype users, Microsoft has provided the following instructions to ensure a smooth transition:

  1. Download Microsoft Team: To download the Microsoft Teams app that works with your device, go to the official Microsoft website.
  2. Sign in with Skype Credentials : To access Teams, enter your current Skype login and password. You can carry on conversations uninterrupted thanks to this connection, which makes sure that your contacts and chats show up in the Teams interface instantly.
  3. Explore Teams’ Extra Features : Learn about Teams’ extra features, like managing your calendar and building communities, to make your interactions better.

Throughout the transition process, communication with Skype and Teams users is maintained, providing ongoing connectivity. For those who don’t want to make the transition, their Skype data, including call history, contacts, and chats, can be exported before the service ceases.

Skype Paid Service Changes

Microsoft has ceased offering paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions for domestic and international calls. Existing subscribers can continue using their Skype Credits and active subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period. After May 5, 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be accessible to remaining paid users via the Skype web portal and within Teams.

A Farewell to Skype

Skype, introduced in 2003, changed the way people communicated online with voice and video calls over the internet at no cost. Microsoft bought Skype in 2011 and added it to its product offerings. With advancements in more comprehensive communication tools and changing user needs, Microsoft has now decided to keep its communication focus on Teams, its single communication platform.

While saying goodbye to Skype, we take notice of the crucial impact that Skype had in developing communication technology and are expecting greater things in Microsoft Teams.