Skype is Shutting Down: Microsoft Teams Free Takes Over in 2025

Microsoft is officially retiring Skype on May 5, 2025, ending its 21-year run as a pioneer in video and voice calling. Users are being moved to Microsoft Teams Free, which offers better collaboration tools. Here’s what you need to know:

How to Switch from Skype to Teams

• Easy Migration: Just log into Teams Free with your Skype credentials—your chats and contacts will automatically transfer.
• Export Your Data: Don’t want Teams? You can download your Skype chats, contacts, and call history before the shutdown.
• Interoperability Until May 2025: Skype and Teams users can still message/call each other until the final shutdown date.

What Happens to Paid Skype Services?

• No New Purchases: Skype Subscriptions, Skype Numbers, and Skype Credit can no longer be bought.
• Existing Subscriptions: Current plans will auto-renew until April 3, 2025, and users can keep using their credits until expiration.
• Dial Pad Stays (For Now): After May 2025, paid users can still access the Skype Dial Pad via the Skype web portal or inside Teams Free.

The End of an Era

Skype changed online communication when it launched in 2003, offering free video and voice calls over the internet. Microsoft bought it in 2011 for $8.5 billion, but over time, rivals like Zoom and WhatsApp took over. Now, Microsoft is focusing on Teams as its all-in-one communication hub.

For more details, check Microsoft’s official support page.