Microsoft to Sunset Skype, Focuses on Teams for Future Communication

Microsoft is saying goodbye to Skype in May 2025, shifting its focus to Microsoft Teams. This change aims to simplify how people connect and keep up with what users need today. Jeff Teper, a top executive at Microsoft, explained that they’re focusing on Teams as the main place for communication and teamwork.

Don’t worry, you’ll still find familiar Skype features in Teams. You can make one-on-one calls, have group chats, send messages, and share files. Plus, Teams offers extra features like scheduling meetings, managing your calendar, and joining groups. Microsoft says that Teams usage has really taken off, with meeting time among regular users increasing four times in the last two years.

Microsoft wants to make this switch easy. You can log into Teams with your current Skype username and password, and your contacts and chats will appear automatically. This rollout begins with people in the test programs. Those using both Teams and Skype can still call and message each other during the changeover.

If you don’t want to move to Teams right away, you can download your Skype data, like your chats, contacts, and call history. Skype will be available until May 5, 2025, giving you plenty of time to decide. To start using Teams, just download the app from the Microsoft website and sign in with your Skype details. Microsoft has also created a simple guide to help you through the process. Microsoft will stop selling new paid features for Skype, such as Skype Credit, and subscriptions for calls. Existing subscribers can continue using their credits until their next renewal date. The Skype dial pad will remain available on the web and within Teams for remaining paid users after May 5, 2025.

Microsoft acknowledged Skype’s significant impact on modern communication. Jeff Teper noted that Skype has played a vital role in shaping how we communicate today, supporting countless important moments.