Photo Source: ANI
Microsoft shuts down Skype after 21 years of service
By Zinnia Balli
Chandigarh, May 6, 2025 – In a move marking the end of an era in digital communication, Microsoft has officially shut down Skype after 21 years of operation. Once a pioneer in internet-based voice and video calling, Skype’s services ceased on May 5, 2025, as the tech giant shifts its focus to Microsoft Teams.
Launched in 2003, Skype quickly became a household name, revolutionizing the way people communicated across the globe. At its peak, the platform boasted over 300 million active users and was particularly celebrated for enabling free international calls and easy video conferencing.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, intending to integrate it into its suite of communication tools. However, as the market shifted toward more mobile-friendly and collaborative platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Google Meet, Skype’s user base steadily declined.
"Skype changed the way we thought about digital communication," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "But it's time to move forward with platforms that better align with the way people work and connect today."
To ease the transition, Microsoft is offering Skype users the option to migrate their chat histories and contacts to Microsoft Teams using their existing Skype credentials. Teams, originally designed for workplace collaboration, now serve both personal and professional users with chat, video, and file-sharing capabilities.
Skype users have until January 2026 to export any remaining data. Paid services, including Skype Credit and subscriptions, will no longer be renewed, though existing balances can be used until the end of their billing cycle.
As Skype fades into tech history, it leaves behind a legacy of innovation and accessibility that has shaped digital communication for over two decades.