Microsoft Officially Retires Skype After 20 Years, Shifts Focus to Teams

Microsoft has discontinued Skype, its pioneering video-calling platform, after two decades of service, Khaama Press reported. The shutdown, effective May 5, 2025, aligns with the company’s strategy to consolidate communication tools under Microsoft Teams, its integrated collaboration app.

Once a leader in digital communication, Skype saw declining usage as Teams gained traction, particularly in business environments. Microsoft assures users that Teams will support seamless migration, preserving chat history and contacts. While consumer services end, Skype for Business remains available for enterprise clients.

Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized global connectivity, enabling free video calls and messaging. Its retirement marks a shift toward unified platforms catering to modern hybrid work and communication needs. Microsoft emphasizes Teams’ enhanced security, efficiency, and feature parity with Skype.

Longtime users mourn the app’s legacy but acknowledge the inevitability of technological evolution. Teams now stands as Microsoft’s flagship for personal and professional communication, urging adopters to transition swiftly.