Skype launched in 2003 and changed how we communicate online with VoIP. VoIP technology allowed users everywhere to use voice and video over the internet. In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion and incorporated it into its product suite as a communication tool, but over the years, the launch of newer platforms and changing user preferences, Skype gradually fell out of favor.

Key Highlights:

• Skype Officially Retired: Microsoft brought Skype to its final closure on May 5th, 2025, because of its twenty-two-year service run. 
• Transition to Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams offers enhanced communication features in addition to superior collaboration capabilities, for which people need to transition from other platforms. ​
• Data Migration Deadline: All Skype user information, including contacts and chats, will stay in the system through January 2026 before Microsoft conducts permanent deletion. ​
• Seamless Login Experience: Users who have Skype credentials can easily transition to Microsoft Teams through their existing login method. 
• Alternative Communication Platforms: Users who want alternative solutions can turn to communication services including Zoom alongside Viber and Google Voice.

Transitioning To Microsoft Teams

Since its 2017 initiation, Microsoft Teams expanded to become the central corporate communication platform offering chat messaging as well as video conference and file sharing functions that operate with Microsoft 365 services. Teams includes Skype's fundamental functions in its free account providing users with collaboration tools. ​

The process of account migration between Skype and Teams was made possible through Microsoft's integration that permits users to log in with their current authentication details. All contacts, together with their chat history, will automatically transfer, saving users from any major disruptions during the transition. Any user who chooses against switching to Teams has until January 2026 to extract their existing data. ​

Exploring Alternatives

Users maintain multiple options beyond Microsoft's recommended move to Teams. The communication platforms Zoom, alongside Viber and Google Voice, provide multiple features which fulfill specific requirements. Users who want to replace Skype features can use Hushed and Zoiper, and CallCentric services to access VoIP solutions.