
Microsoft has announced that it will officially shut down Skype on May 5, 2025, bringing an end to the once-dominant video-calling platform. The tech giant will replace it with the free version of Microsoft Teams for consumers, ensuring a smooth transition for existing users.
Seamless Transition to Microsoft Teams
According to Microsoft, Skype users will be able to log into Microsoft Teams using their existing credentials, with their message history, contacts, and group chats automatically transferred. For those who do not wish to migrate to Teams, Microsoft is providing an option to export their data before the shutdown.
Jeff Teper, President of Microsoft 365 Collaborative Apps and Platforms, assured users in an interview with The Verge that they will have full control over the transition.
“They can migrate their conversation history and contacts out and move on if they want, or they can migrate to Teams,” said Teper.
Social Media Reacts with Nostalgia
The announcement of Skype’s shutdown has triggered an emotional response on social media, with users reminiscing about its golden days. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their memories.
One user simply wrote, “End of an era,” while another posted, “RIP Skype 2003-2025.”
For some, Skype was more than just an app—it was a lifeline to loved ones. One user shared,
“RIP Skype. I grew up in the USVI away from my family, and Skype was the only way I could see my grandparents, cousins, and everyone else. Thank you, Skype.”
Another user recalled, “Those were golden days. I remember Skype.”
From Pioneer to Obsolete
Skype, launched in 2003, revolutionized internet-based video calling and was widely used for both personal and business communications. However, its dominance faded as Microsoft introduced Teams, which gained immense popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources By Agencies