Skype Shuts Down After 22, Microsoft Moves to Teams

Skype, the legendary internet communication service that changed how people connect across borders, goes dark on May 5. The shutdown marks the finale for a platform that helped define digital communication for nearly 22 years.

Born in 2003, Skype transformed global connectivity by offering free voice and video calls over the internet. The service captured more than 300 million monthly users during its mid-2010s peak, establishing itself as the go-to platform for international communication long before competitors like Zoom or FaceTime entered the scene.

Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, intending to make it central to its communications strategy. Yet the platform's prominence gradually waned as alternatives like WhatsApp and Zoom gained market share, and as Microsoft's own Teams platform emerged as the company's primary communications focus.

On February 28, Microsoft announced its decision to retire Skype, citing a desire to streamline services and prioritise Teams. This shutdown affects both free and paid users, though Skype for Business will continue operating for a transitional period.

What happens to Skype's millions of loyal users? Microsoft has created a migration path, directing them to visit skype.com and use the "Start using Teams" feature. Users can access all their existing Skype chats and contacts through Teams using the same login credentials.

For those concerned about their data, Microsoft has established a deadline: users have until January 2026 to download or migrate their information before permanent deletion. Will Teams deliver the same simple, intuitive experience that made Skype a household name? Can Microsoft retain users who chose Skype specifically for its straightforward approach to communication rather than Teams' workplace-oriented feature set?

Skype's shutdown raises questions about the lifecycle of even the most transformative technologies and the corporate decisions that determine their fate.