Microsoft shutting down Skype in May

Microsoft is officially retiring Skype, the platform once popular for making calls and messaging, and redirecting users to Teams, the tech giant announced Friday.

The application will close down in May, as Microsoft seeks “to streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs,” said Jeff Teper, president of collaborative apps and platforms at Microsoft.

“The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years,” Teper added in a press release. “From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously transformed how we connect with each other.”

Skype users will be able to move their accounts to the Teams app for free, where they will have access to many of the same features, Microsoft noted. If users choose not to migrate to Teams, they will also have the option to export their Skype data.

Amid the transition, Skype and Teams users will be able to chat and call one another.

“Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey,” Teper said.

“We also understand that change can be challenging and want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way,” he continued. “We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways.”

The 21-year-old internet communications platform, which rose to fame in the early 2000s, was acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in 2011. However, it has increasingly struggled to compete with new entrants into the communications space, such as Zoom — which became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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