Microsoft Is Shutting Down Iconic Video Chat App Skype On May 5

Highlights

• Microsoft is officially shutting down Skype on May 5 after more than 20 years.
• It is encouraging users to switch to Teams for streamlined communications.
• Skype users can log into Teams with their existing credentials with chats and contacts carried over automatically.
• Users can also export chat history and data before the shutdown.

Microsoft is officially shutting down Skype on May 5 after more than 20 years. The company is encouraging users to switch to Teams, saying the move will help “streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs.”

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, 2025

Microsoft is making the transition as simple as possible. Skype users can log into Teams with their existing credentials and their chats and contacts should carry over automatically. Until Skype shuts down, users will still be able to communicate with Teams users.

For those who don’t want to switch, there’s an option to export chat history and data before the shutdown. Microsoft has even released a YouTube tutorial explaining how to migrate data.

The end of Skype isn’t exactly a surprise. Microsoft has already been scaling it back, removing credits and phone numbers in favor of subscription plans. XDA Developers first spotted a clue in a Skype for Windows code preview, which included the message – “Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available. Continue your calls and chats in Teams.”

New users can’t access paid Skype features, while current subscribers can continue using their credits and plans until their renewal period ends.

Skype launched in 2003 and became a household name for video calls long before Zoom or FaceTime. Microsoft acquired it for $8.5 billion in 2011, around the time many of us were scrambling for a strong Wi-Fi connection just to chat with friends.

In a world dominated by Zoom, FaceTime and Microsoft’s own Teams app, Skype no longer stands out.

FAQs

Q1. When is Microsoft shutting down Skype?

Answer. Microsoft is officially shutting down Skype on May 5 after more than 20 years.

Q2. How can Skype users transition to Teams?

Answer. Skype users can log into Teams with their existing credentials and their chats and contacts should carry over automatically. Users can also export chat history and data before the shutdown.

Q3. What is the reason behind shutting down Skype?

Answer. Microsoft is encouraging users to switch to Teams, saying the move will help “streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs.”

Also Read: Skype Update Version 8.118 Features

Also Read:Microsoft Teams Android Auto Launch