Communication

Microsoft to Shut Down Skype

FEB 28 2025·Updated MAR 4 2025

Story

Above: The Skype logo on a smartphone screen. Image credit: Thomas Fuller/Contributor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Image

The Facts

Microsoft on Friday announced it would retire Skype on May 5 and encouraged its users to transition to Microsoft Teams. Microsoft acquired the pioneering internet calling service for $8.5B in 2011.
Microsoft 365 Blog
The Washington Post
Skype's user base declined significantly from its peak of 300M users in 2016 to 36M users in 2023, while Microsoft Teams has grown to 320M monthly users.
Bloomberg.com
Forbes
New York Post
During the transition period, Skype users can either migrate their contacts and chat history to Teams by logging in with their Skype credentials or can export their data. Microsoft will maintain interoperability between both platforms until the shutdown.
Microsoft 365 Blog
Microsoft will discontinue Skype's paid features for new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions for international and domestic calls. But existing users can continue using their credits until their next renewal period.
Microsoft 365 Blog
Microsoft confirmed there will be no layoffs associated with Skype's retirement.
The New York Times
New York Post
Teams offers many of Skype's core features, including one-on-one calls, group calls, and messaging. But it doesn't include PSTN services for free users, reflecting changing consumer communication patterns.
Microsoft 365 Blog

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This consolidation will streamline Microsoft's communication offerings and allow for faster innovation and better adaptation to customer needs. Teams has already shown significant growth and has been adopted by both business and personal users.

TechCrunch

Verge

Narrative B

This shutdown will pose challenges for long-time users, particularly elderly individuals who are comfortable with the platform and resistant to technological change. It will also disrupt established communication patterns for international users who relied on Skype's calling features.

The Washington Post