Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down Skype on May 5, 2025, redirecting users to Teams instead. The news, laid out in a recent blog post, marks the end of an era for Skype, a tool that used to be the go-to for instant messaging and video chats.
According to Microsoft, this shift is about streamlining its free communication tools to adapt more quickly to what users need. Teams, already a big player in workplace collaboration, will now take over as the main hub for both personal and professional connections. The free version of Teams brings along Skype staples like one-on-one calls, group calls, messaging, and file sharing, while tossing in extras like meeting hosting, calendar tools, and community features.
The company pointed out that Teams is already huge, with hundreds of millions of users relying on it daily. In the past two years, consumer meeting minutes on Teams have quadrupled—a pretty clear sign it's catching on beyond just office use. Microsoft sees this as a natural move, setting Teams up to handle everything from casual talks to structured teamwork.
What This Means for Skype Users
Skype users have until May 5, 2025, to make the switch, with two options on the table. First, they can move to Teams without much fuss. Starting now for Skype and Teams Insider program folks—and rolling out to everyone else soon—you can sign into Teams with your Skype login. Your chats and contacts come with you, so there's no break in the action. During the transition, Skype and Teams users can still reach each other, keeping things connected across platforms.
The other choice is to export your data. If Teams isn't for you, Microsoft lets you download your Skype history—chats, contacts, call logs—before the service wraps up.
Getting Started with Teams
Switching to Teams is simple enough. Grab the app from the Microsoft Teams website, log in with your Skype account, and your Skype stuff will be right there. Microsoft's put together a guide to help, and Skype's sticking around until May, so you've got time to ease into Teams without jumping ship immediately.
Changes to Paid Skype Features
Microsoft's also phasing out Skype's paid options. New customers can't buy Skype Credit or call subscriptions anymore. If you've got an active subscription, you can keep using it until your next renewal, and any Skype Credit you have is good until it runs out. After May 5, paid users can still use the Skype Dial Pad via the web portal or Teams.
Take a look at the video guide on moving from Skype to Teams below...
According to Microsoft, this shift is about streamlining its free communication tools to adapt more quickly to what users need. Teams, already a big player in workplace collaboration, will now take over as the main hub for both personal and professional connections. The free version of Teams brings along Skype staples like one-on-one calls, group calls, messaging, and file sharing, while tossing in extras like meeting hosting, calendar tools, and community features.
The company pointed out that Teams is already huge, with hundreds of millions of users relying on it daily. In the past two years, consumer meeting minutes on Teams have quadrupled—a pretty clear sign it's catching on beyond just office use. Microsoft sees this as a natural move, setting Teams up to handle everything from casual talks to structured teamwork.
What This Means for Skype Users
Skype users have until May 5, 2025, to make the switch, with two options on the table. First, they can move to Teams without much fuss. Starting now for Skype and Teams Insider program folks—and rolling out to everyone else soon—you can sign into Teams with your Skype login. Your chats and contacts come with you, so there's no break in the action. During the transition, Skype and Teams users can still reach each other, keeping things connected across platforms.
The other choice is to export your data. If Teams isn't for you, Microsoft lets you download your Skype history—chats, contacts, call logs—before the service wraps up.
Getting Started with Teams
Switching to Teams is simple enough. Grab the app from the Microsoft Teams website, log in with your Skype account, and your Skype stuff will be right there. Microsoft's put together a guide to help, and Skype's sticking around until May, so you've got time to ease into Teams without jumping ship immediately.
Changes to Paid Skype Features
Microsoft's also phasing out Skype's paid options. New customers can't buy Skype Credit or call subscriptions anymore. If you've got an active subscription, you can keep using it until your next renewal, and any Skype Credit you have is good until it runs out. After May 5, paid users can still use the Skype Dial Pad via the web portal or Teams.
Take a look at the video guide on moving from Skype to Teams below...