Microsoft Ends Skype After 22 Years, Shifts Focus to Teams

Microsoft has officially retired Skype as of May 5, 2025, ending over two decades of its service as one of the earliest pioneers of internet-based communication. Launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011, Skype became instrumental in making Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) mainstream, providing millions globally with accessible, affordable voice and video calls.

During its peak, especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Skype saw a resurgence as remote communication became vital. But despite its popularity, Skype eventually struggled to compete with emerging platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp, which offered simpler interfaces and broader mobile integration.

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Jeff Teper, President of Microsoft 365 Collaborative Apps, described Skype’s retirement as part of a strategic decision by Microsoft to unify its communication services under Microsoft Teams. According to Teper, concentrating resources on Teams will streamline Microsoft’s offerings, allowing for faster innovation and improved user experience.

Microsoft is urging current Skype users to migrate to Teams, which already hosts comprehensive collaboration features including advanced chat, video conferencing, file-sharing, and task management. To ease the transition, Microsoft has provided tools allowing users to export Skype chat histories and contact lists directly into Teams.