Microsoft to shuts down Skype, urges users to switch to Teams

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it will shut down its Skype video conferencing service today (May 5). “In order to streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs, we will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams (free), our modern communications and collaboration hub,” said Microsoft in a blog post. The company is encouraging both free and paid Skype users to migrate to the Teams platform, which offers similar communication and collaboration features. Notably, this change does not affect Skype for Business users . Microsoft has also allowed the Skype users to sign into Teams on any supported device using their Skype credentials.


Why is Microsoft shutting down SkypeMicrosoft launched Skype on 2003 for easier online communication. However, with the platform lost its relevance with rise of new platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet and more. Microsoft’s decision to retire Skype is part of a broader strategy to streamline its communication services and focus on Teams, which offers enhanced collaboration tools for both personal and professional use.

What happens to existing users?

• Chats & Contacts: Users can log into Microsoft Teams with their Skype credentials, ensuring a seamless transition with all previous messages and contacts intact.
• Paid Services: New purchases of Skype Credit and subscriptions have been halted, but existing users can continue using their plans until their billing cycle ends.
• Skype Numbers: These will remain active until expiry and can be ported to other carriers. Calls to Skype Numbers will still be received via Teams

Microsoft has already stopped allowing new purchases of Skype Subscriptions, Skype Numbers, and Skype Credit, signaling the gradual phasing out of the platform.


How to get started with Teams for freeMoving to Teams is simple and doesn’t prevent you from also continuing to use Skype during the transition period.

Here’s how to get started:

Download Teams on your device from the official Microsoft Teams website.

Log in with your Skype credentials.

Start using Teams with all your Skype chats and contacts ready to go.