Microsoft said it will discontinue its groundbreaking internet calling service, Skype, in May 2025 as it focuses on its newer communications platform, Microsoft Teams.
Skype, which was launched in 2005 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011, revolutionized the way people called via voice and video on the internet and became a brand name every family was used to during the early 2000s. However, of late, it has not been able to keep up with improved, easier-to-use, and effective services like Zoom and Salesforce’s Slack.
Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. Over the next few days, you can sign into Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account so you can remain connected to all your conversations and contacts,” Skype wrote in a post on X.
Microsoft attributed Skype’s decline to its outdated technology that was not very compatible with the smartphone era. In its release, the company noted that Teams provides the same features, including one-on-one and group calling, messaging, and file sharing, but also includes other features such as hosting meetings, calendar management, and community creation.
To make the transition smooth, existing Skype users will be able to sign in to Teams using their Skype credentials. Teams and Skype users will be synchronized during this time, allowing for smooth communication between the two platforms.
Skype is added to the list of Microsoft dropped projects, including Internet Explorer and Windows Phone. The rest of the technology giants have also failed to sustain online communication platforms, with Google experimenting with multiple messaging services like Hangouts and Duo before conjoining them.
In this transition, Microsoft is seeking to streamline its communications platform, with Teams as the primary platform for business and personal connectivity.
