Microsoft has officially confirmed the cessation of further development for Skype, with the service set to shut down on May 5, 2025. As a replacement, the company recommends users transition to the free consumer version of Microsoft Teams, which will offer similar functionality.
Upon authorizing their Skype account in Microsoft Teams, users will have their message history, group chats, and contacts automatically transferred from Skype. For those unwilling to switch to Teams, Microsoft provides an option to export photos and messaging history to their computers for local storage. Such users can pick a different messenger by their taste.
A dedicated tool is also available for conveniently viewing Skype conversation history.
Transition Period
Users will have approximately 60 days to migrate to Microsoft Teams or export their data before Skype fully shuts down. During this time, Microsoft will maintain a 60-day compatibility period between Skype and Teams, allowing Teams users to communicate with others still using Skype.
For users transitioning to Teams, the initial setup will be seamless, as Microsoft has already handled the transfer of contacts, chat history, and call logs on the server side.
Changes in Calling Features
With the closure of Skype, the ability to make domestic, international, and mobile phone calls through the platform will no longer be available. Microsoft attributes this decision to changes in the telecommunications market and reduced demand for such services, particularly as VoIP (Voice over IP) technology has become more widespread and affordable.
Existing Skype Credits will remain valid and can be used within Teams until the end of their billing period. New users will not gain access to Skype's premium calling features. Owners of Skype Numbers will need to transfer their numbers to another provider, as this feature will no longer be supported.
The retirement of Skype will not result in layoffs, as the teams responsible for Skype and Microsoft Teams have already merged and are working cohesively. Moving forward, Microsoft intends to concentrate its efforts on enhancing Teams, including integrating advancements in artificial intelligence to improve user experience and functionality.
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