Citing a need to “streamline” its free consumer communications offerings, Microsoft will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams (free).
Skype was founded in 2003 by Scandinavian entrepreneurs Janus Friis and Niklas Zennström. It was purchased in 2005 by eBay for a reported US$2.6 billion before finally being added to the Microsoft stable in 2011 for $8.5 billion.
In a recent blog, Jeff Teper Micorosoft’s President, Collaborative Apps and Platforms, urged users to transition to Microsoft Teams, saying: “With Teams, users have access to many of the same core features they use in Skype, such as one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free.”
According to Teper, Skype users will be able to migrate to Microsoft Teams for free with the ability to sign into Teams (free) on any supported device using their Skype credentials.
“By logging in to Teams with a Skype account, chats and contacts will automatically appear in the app so you can quickly pick up where you left off,” said Teper. “During the transition period, Teams users can call and chat with Skype users and Skype users can do the same with Teams users. This helps ensure you can stay connected with everyone, regardless of the platform you’re using during this transition.”
Skype users will be able to export their Skype data. If you prefer not to migrate to Teams, you can instead export your data including chats, contacts, and call history.
Skype users can get started on Teams by:
Downloading Teams on their device from the official Microsoft Teams website.
Logging in with their Skype credentials.
Start using Teams with all Skype chats and contacts ready to go.
“Moving forward, we will no longer offer paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions that allow you to make and receive international and domestic calls,” added Teper. “Current Skype subscription users can continue to use their Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period. Skype Credit users can also continue to use their remaining Skype Credit. After May 5, 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams.”
Skype will remain available until May 5, 2025, giving users time to explore Teams and decide on the option that works best for them.
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