Sun Mar 02 07:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Microsoft to Retire Skype in Favor of Microsoft Teams in 2025

**REDMOND, WA [Date of Release]** – Microsoft announced today that it will retire its Skype consumer service on May 5, 2025, shifting its focus to Microsoft Teams as its primary free communication platform. The company cited a need to streamline its offerings and better meet evolving customer needs as the reason for the change.

Hundreds of millions already use Teams for work, school, and personal communication, with meeting minutes among consumers quadrupling in the last two years, according to Microsoft. The company emphasizes that Teams offers similar core features to Skype, including one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing, while adding enhanced capabilities such as meeting hosting, calendar management, and community building.

Microsoft is providing a smooth transition for Skype users. Starting immediately, Skype users – beginning with those in the Teams and Skype Insider programs – can log into Teams using their existing Skype credentials, automatically importing their chats and contacts. Interoperability will be maintained during the transition period, allowing Teams and Skype users to communicate with each other regardless of platform.

Users have two options: migrate to free Microsoft Teams or export their Skype data (including chats, contacts, and call history). A step-by-step guide is available to assist with the transition to Teams.

The sale of new Skype subscriptions and Skype Credit will cease immediately. Existing subscriptions and credits will remain valid until the end of their respective periods. After May 5, 2025, the Skype dial pad will only be accessible to remaining paid users via the Skype web portal and within Teams.

Microsoft expressed gratitude for Skype’s role in shaping modern communication and assured users of its commitment to supporting them throughout the transition.

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