Microsoft has announced that Skype will soon no longer be available, and its users are encouraged to log into Microsoft Teams to stay connected with existing chats and contacts instead.
Skype users have been informed that the video calling program’s days are limited, as Microsoft has announced the official retirement date while "streamlining" its communication options.
Users have been encouraged to log into Microsoft Teams in the coming days, with existing chats, contacts, and call history accessible there. Those who do not wish to use Teams have the alternative to export their data before Skype is retired in a couple of months.
Skype will remain online until May 5, 2025. A post on Skype’s X account stated: "Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available.
"In the coming days, you can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account to stay connected with all your chats and contacts. Thank you for being part of Skype."
Microsoft completed its 8.5 billion dollar (£5.3 billion) acquisition of Skype in 2011. In a statement, Microsoft explained the need to "streamline" its existing communication offerings. It added: "The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years.
"From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously transformed how we connect with each other. To streamline our free consumer communications offerings and adapt more easily to customer needs, we will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams (free), our modern communications and collaboration hub.
"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. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free.
Skype users will have the option to switch over to Microsoft Teams
"Hundreds of millions of people already use Teams as their hub for teamwork, helping them stay connected and engaged at work, school, and home. In the past two years, the number of minutes spent in meetings by consumer users of Teams has grown 4X, reflecting the value Teams brings to everyday communication and collaboration.
"As we take this next step with Teams, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. We look forward to continuing to support people’s everyday connections, starting by making it easy to log into Teams with their Skype account."
Users with Skype subscriptions can continue to use their Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period. Skype Credit users can also continue to use their remaining Skype Credit.
Several people reacted with anger to the news, with many insisting they will not be using Teams. One stated: "Goodbye Skype, we will miss you. While you were not perfect, you were 1,000,000 times better than Teams."
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