Microsoft confirms it's killing off Skype in May, after 14 years

Microsoft has confirmed that the Skype video call and messaging service will be shut down in May, 14 years after replacing the Windows Live Messenger.

A reader contacted BleepingComputer, and shared that according to strings found in preview versions of Skype for Windows, the company will ask users to switch to Teams Free, with all their contacts, call logs, and messages automatically migrated once they log into their accounts.

If they do not want to switch to Teams, they can export their data, including chat history and images shared in messages.

"Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. By logging in to Microsoft Teams with your Skype account, your chats and contacts will appear in the app so you can pick up where you left off," a splash screen displayed when launching Skype will explain.

BleepingComputer also confirmed that these same strings exist in the preview version of Skype for Mac

Microsoft confirmed today that the service will go offline on May 5th. Skype users will have just over 60 days to export their accounts or log into and 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 on Friday.

"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."

​With Skype's shutdown, Microsoft will stop offering paid Skype features, including Skype Credit and voice-calling, which allow users to make and receive domestic and international calls. 

"With Teams, users have access to many of the same core features they use in Skype, such as one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing," Teper added. "Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free."

Skype was first released in August 2003 by a team of Swedish, Danish, and Estonian developers. Two years later, in September 2005, eBay bought it for $2.6 billion. Microsoft acquired the telecommunications app in May 2011 for $8.5 billion and used it to replace its Windows Live Messenger platform.

As the company revealed in February 2023, when it unveiled an AI-powered Bing integration for the messaging service, more than 36 million people used Skype daily to connect via phone calls and chats.

Last year, Redmond announced plans to discontinue the Paint 3D graphics app after eight years and remove the Cortana voice assistant and the WordPad basic text editor with the Windows 11 24H2 update.

Eight years ago, in July 2017, Microsoft also said it would remove the classic Windows Paint app. However, following an outpouring of negative user feedback regarding its deprecation, it decided against killing it off entirely and instead made it available via the Microsoft Store.