Microsoft officially shut down Skype on May 5, 2025, bringing an end to the iconic internet communication service after 22 years. Originally launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized voice and video calls over the internet and at its peak had over 300 million users. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into its broader ecosystem. However, in recent years, Skype struggled to keep up with newer competitors like Zoom, WhatsApp, and Google Meet. By 2023, its user base had declined to around 36 million. In early 2025, Microsoft announced plans to retire Skype and began encouraging users to switch to Microsoft Teams, its more modern and integrated communication platform.
Microsoft Teams now serves as the company’s flagship collaboration tool, offering features like video calls, chat, file sharing, and integration with Microsoft 365. Microsoft has provided Skype users with options to migrate their chats and contacts to Teams, and users with Skype phone numbers can port them to other services, depending on regional availability. Microsoft executive Jeff Teper acknowledged Skype’s legacy, highlighting its impact on modern communication and the meaningful connections it enabled. The decision to sunset Skype marks a strategic shift by Microsoft to consolidate its communication services and meet the evolving demands of the digital communication landscape. Read more at NPR: