Microsoft To Shut Down Skype In May 2025

Microsoft To Shut Down Skype In 2025 The date has been served! Microsoft announced the end of Skype stating that they will continue operations until May 2025. This will be the last nail to the coffin for the app that has been around for more than two decades. The company aims to shift it’s focus to Microsoft Teams, which is desired at this point.

Why Microsoft To Shut Down Skype?

Skype was considered to be the gold standard of VoIP apps. Any data connectivity could allow for free voice and video calling across the globe. Microsoft also saw great potential in the application and acquired it for $8.5 billion in 2011. After that, Skype went on a downward spiral since numerous other applications came to the forefront. In 2017, Microsoft tried to bounce back by launching a business-centric application called Teams, which has now grown to be a household name. Users now have the ability to communicate, collaborate, and store files all within a single app. This has later transformed into a default for numerous international corporations and universities.

The Teams application boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketing the users to 320 million today as compared to Skype’s meager 23 million. Hence, the company decided the end of Skype and to support Microsoft Teams.

What were the problems with Skype?

It struggled to compete the innovative revolution and ultimately went on to lose a loyal fan base. It faced numerous challenges such as:

Slow updates – One of the big reason for Skype downfall is its slow updates. New features were never in a timely fashion available.

Difficult design – Users struggled to use it due to its complicated design. Its competitors designs were much simper to use.

Disconnection problems – The quality of calls was frequently delayed or had a very low standard.

Apps such as Zoom, WhatsApp and Google Meet became simpler. Their popularity exceeded that of Skype and hence it led to end of Skype.

What Can Skype Users Do Now?

End of Skype is not done today, you still have time till May to shift. All your Skype tasks will halt in May 2025, so ensure that you are actively shifting to Microsoft Teams. Microsoft has made changes to embrace Teams more smoothly:

Same login – User accounts on Skype can be used to log in to Teams without any trouble.

Data transfer – Your contacts alongside chat history will be transferred automatically to Teams.

Video and Voice Calls – Users can still make free calls through Teams.

Skype Credit and paid subscriptions will be functional until the end of their renewal periods. Microsoft is set to end all Skype services once the renewal period ends.

Are There Other Alternatives?

For those who do not want to utilize Teams, other apps can be explored. A few great solutions include:

Zoom – Well-known for video conferencing.

WhatsApp – Easy voice and video calling for friends.

Google Meet – Effortless and free video calling.

Slack – Great for team and office communications.

On the contrary, it’s more advisable to use Teams for Microsoft products due to enhanced security and other added features.

Microsoft Statement on Shut Down

Microsoft’s Statement On The Shutdown Microsoft stated that Skype has been revolutionary as an online communication tool, and thanks them for the service. But due to continuous problems with the app and Skype losing its loyal fanbase, Microsoft has marked an end of Skype. The company communicated that their focus now is towards the future with Teams.

The Microsoft Executive Jeff Teper stated that only looking one way will not help: “We appreciate the legacy of Skype. However, the Microsoft needs improvements, and we have to focus on that.” This shows Microsoft’s plan to keep improving Teams for users.