Microsoft has officially ended support for Skype, the once-groundbreaking internet voice and video calling service that has been a cornerstone of digital communication for over 20 years. The closure marks the conclusion of Skype’s long journey since its inception in 2003 and its acquisition by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, then pivoting towards Microsoft Teams as the company’s primary communication platform.
Originally created by a team of Nordic entrepreneurs, Skype transformed how people connected online by offering free or low-cost voice and video calls over the internet. At its peak, the platform boasted an estimated 300 million active users, combining instant messaging with high-quality voice and video calls, making it a popular choice for both personal and professional use.
Following Microsoft’s acquisition, Skype replaced Windows Live Messenger as the company’s main messaging service and expanded across multiple devices, including PCs, smartphones, and gaming consoles. However, over time, Skype faced growing competition from newer platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Slack, which offered more user-friendly and integrated communication experiences.
By 2023, Skype’s monthly active users had fallen to around 36 million, a steep decline compared to its heyday. Meanwhile, Microsoft Teams, launched in 2017, saw rapid adoption, reaching over 320 million users by that year. Teams provided a more comprehensive collaboration environment, combining messaging, video conferencing, calendar management, and community features into one platform. This move reflected Microsoft’s decision to position Teams as its flagship communication tool moving forward.
In February 2025, Microsoft announced plans to retire Skype, offering users the option to migrate their contacts and chat histories to Teams or export their data for personal use. Skype for Business, the enterprise-focused version, will continue to operate until 2029 for existing customers but will no longer receive security updates or feature enhancements.
The news of Skype’s retirement has elicited mixed reactions from its user base. Many remember it as their first experience with video calling and a platform that helped shape modern digital communication. Social media has been awash with nostalgic tributes, with users recalling the distinctive Skype ringtone and the role it played in connecting friends, family, and colleagues across the globe.
“Skype has played a crucial role in evolving modern communication and facilitating numerous significant interactions, and we are proud to have contributed to its legacy,” said Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 Collaborative Apps & Platforms.
With Skype’s closure, Microsoft encourages users to transition to Teams, which offers similar core features such as one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing, alongside enhanced capabilities like hosting meetings and managing calendars-all available free of charge. Users can sign into Teams using their existing Skype credentials to ensure a seamless switch.
For those hesitant to move immediately, Microsoft has provided tools to export Skype data, including chat histories and contact lists, allowing users to preserve their information beyond the shutdown date. Paid Skype users will retain access to their subscriptions and Skype Credits until their respective renewal periods expire.