The Skype video call and messaging service is shutting down today, 14 years after replacing Microsoft’s Windows Live Messenger.
Skype was first released in August 2003 by a collective of Swedish, Danish, and Estonian developers and was sold to eBay two years later, in September 2005, which bought it for $2.6 billion.
Microsoft acquired the telecommunications platform in May 2011, paying $8.5 billion, and used it to replace its cross-platform instant messaging client, Windows Live Messenger. The company revealed in February 2023, when it unveiled an AI-powered Bing integration for the messaging service, that over 36 million people were using Skype daily to connect via video calls and chats.
In February 2025, 14 years after buying it, Microsoft announced that Skype would go offline on May 5, offering Skype users 60 days to export their data or migrate to the free Teams app for consumers.
“Over the coming days, we will roll out the ability for Skype users to sign into Teams (free) on any supported device using their Skype credentials—starting today with those who are part of both the Teams and Skype Insider programs,” Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 Collaborative Apps & Platforms, said.
“During the transition period, Teams users can call and chat with Skype users and Skype users can do the same with Teams users. Skype will remain available until May 5, 2025, giving users time to explore Teams and decide on the option that works best for them.”
To switch to Teams, download the installer from the official Microsoft Teams website, log in with your Skype credentials, and you’ll have access to all your Skype chats and contacts.
In its FY24 Q1 results, Microsoft said that Teams had 320 million monthly active users, roughly 80% of the overall number of Office 365 monthly active users.
“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,” Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 Collaborative Apps & Platforms, said in February.
“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. We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways.”
Last year, Redmond also removed the Cortana voice assistant and the WordPad basic text editor with the Windows 11 24H2 update and discontinued the Paint 3D graphics app after eight years.
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