Microsoft to retire Skype in May 2025, to focus on Teams

Microsoft has announced the retirement of Skype, scheduled for May 2025, as the tech giant consolidates its communication platforms to focus on Microsoft Teams. This transition reflects the changing habits of users worldwide. According to Microsoft, consumer usage of Teams has skyrocketed, with meeting minutes increasing fourfold over the past two years alone.

“The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years. From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously transformed how we connect with each other,” the announcement by Jeff Teper, President, Collaborative Apps and Platforms read. It continued, “Hundreds of millions of people already use Teams as their hub for teamwork, helping them stay connected and engaged at work, school, and at home. In the past two years, the number of minutes spent in meetings by consumer users of Teams has grown 4X, reflecting the value Teams brings to everyday communication and collaboration.”  

Launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011, Skype was synonymous with video calling for years, bringing distant faces together through computer screens long before such technology became commonplace. The platform that once revolutionised how individuals and organisations connect across distances will soon join the digital archives of the tech industry. 

Current Skype users can migrate to Teams, with Microsoft rolling out the ability to sign into Teams using existing Skype credentials while preserving chats and contacts. Alternatively, users can export their Skype data before the May 5, 2025 deadline.

“Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey. We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways,” the announcement concluded.