Microsoft to End Skype Services in May as Teams Becomes the Primary Communication Platform
Microsoft has officially announced the shutdown of Skype, its long-standing video-conferencing platform, set to take place on May 5, 2025. Launched in 2003, Skype was once a leader in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)-based video calls, voice calling, and conferencing. It was acquired by Microsoft in 2011, and for many years, it remained a key communication tool. However, despite still having 36 million users as of 2023, its market share has been steadily declining in recent years, as Microsoft’s Teams platform has taken over with more robust features and wider functionality.
The decision to shut down Skype comes as Microsoft aims to consolidate its communication tools under one roof, making Teams the central platform for both personal and business communication. Microsoft plans to streamline its consumer communication offerings, with Teams now serving as a more versatile hub for not just calls and messaging, but also file sharing, meeting hosting, calendar management, and even community building—all features that Skype lacked. Teams has seen significant growth over the past few years, largely fueled by the global shift to remote work and education during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For Skype users with subscriptions or credits, Microsoft has outlined the transition process. Current users will be able to continue using their Skype Credits and active subscriptions until their next renewal date. However, starting May 5, 2025, Skype’s paid features, including Skype Credit, will no longer be available. Skype Credits will remain usable until they are exhausted, and after that, Skype’s paid services will be fully phased out.
Moving forward, Microsoft has confirmed that Skype Dial Pad will still be available to former paid users through the Skype web portal and within Microsoft Teams. This shift signifies a clear move to integrate all communication features into Teams, which now provides a unified platform for both personal and professional use. With the growth of Teams and its broad range of features, Microsoft is positioning it as the future of online communication and collaboration.
