WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) – After over two decades of service, Skype will officially shut down on May 5, 2025. Microsoft confirmed the decision in a press release and a post on Skype’s official X account.
“Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available,” the company announced.
Microsoft cited its commitment to streamlining consumer communication tools as the reason for the closure. In place of Skype, the company is encouraging users to transition to Microsoft Teams, which offers similar features along with additional capabilities.
“With Teams, users can continue making one-on-one and group calls, sending messages, and sharing files—just as they did with Skype,” Microsoft stated. “Teams also includes enhanced features such as meeting hosting, calendar management, and community-building tools, all available for free.”
Microsoft originally acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion. As part of the transition, Skype users will soon be able to log in to Teams using their existing Skype credentials. Once signed in, all their contacts and chat history will automatically transfer to Teams.
For those who prefer not to move to Teams, Microsoft is offering an option to export Skype data, including contacts, call history, and messages, before the May 5 deadline.
Until the shutdown, Skype and Teams users will still be able to communicate across platforms. “This ensures users can stay connected, no matter which service they’re using during the transition,” Microsoft assured.
