Skype to retire in May 2025 as Microsoft shifts focus to free Teams app

Skype will cease to exist from May 2025, the software company announced via X (formerly Twitter). Users are being nudged toward Microsoft's free Teams app.

“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,” the company said via a blogpost.

Before smartphones ruled the world and international calls drained bank accounts, Skype, launched in 2003, was the disruptor, making international conversations free. Microsoft saw the potential and snatched it up in 2011 for a jaw-dropping $8.5 billion, betting big on Skype. The tech giant was so committed that it even pulled the plug on Windows Live Messenger, steering users straight into Skype.

Skype’s fate sealed in 2017 with the arrival of Microsoft Teams, an office friendly upgrade built on its very foundation. As Microsoft Teams became the new favourite, Skype faded into the background. By 2021, Skype for Business was officially retired. Instead of a clean breakup, Microsoft kept it alive with just enough updates to keep it afloat. 

What’s next for Skype users?

- Move to Microsoft Teams for free: Starting today, Skype users in the Insider Programme can sign into Teams (free) with their Skype credentials. By logging in to Teams with a Skype account, chats and contacts will automatically appear in the app. 

- Export Skype data: If users do not want to switch to Teams, they can export chats, contacts, and call history with Skype remaining available until May 5, 2025.

To get started with Teams for free:

- 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.