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Microsoft to Shut Down Skype Services

Microsoft will discontinue its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025, marking the end of the platform's decades-long run.

The company said the service, which was acquired 14 years ago for $8.5 billion, is being retired in favor of Microsoft Teams -- which the company said already includes most of Skype's features. "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," said Jeff Teper, president for the Collaborative Apps and Platforms division, in a blog post. "Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free."  

Paid Skype features, including Skype Credit and phone call subscriptions, will no longer be available.  Current subscribers can continue using their existing Skype Credit and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period, the company confirmed. Users with remaining Skype Credit will still be able to use their balance until the service officially shuts down.

Microsoft said those  who have not made the jump from Skype to Teams can do so by logging into the newer service with their Skype credentials. Conversations and contacts will automatically transfer. Before Skype officially shuts down, Teams users will be able to communicate with those still on Skype, and vice versa.

For those that do not wish to migrate to Teams, Microsoft is offering the ability to export their contact and chat data before the service is halted in early May.

Skype for Business Online, which became redundant with the introduction of Microsoft Teams, shut down in 2021. Microsoft's previous two on-premises versions, Skype for Business Server 2016 and Skype for Business Server 2019 will lose support this October. They will be replaced by Skype for Business Server SE, although Microsoft recommends that business users also make the jump to Microsoft Teams.

About the Author

Chris Paoli (@ChrisPaoli5) is the associate editor for Converge360.

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