Microsoft plans to completely discontinue Skype, which it acquired for $8.5 billion in 2011, in May 2025. This information was discovered by XDA-Developers experts in the code of the latest test version of Skype for Windows. The code indicates that Skype will stop functioning after May. However, Microsoft has not yet made an official statement on this matter.
Since its launch in 2003, Skype has been one of the world's most popular online communication tools. It gained millions of users’ trust by offering free voice and video calls, group chats, and messaging features. However, in recent years, Microsoft’s Teams platform has taken center stage, gradually replacing Skype's functionalities.
Microsoft aims to develop Teams as its primary communication platform. Teams is considered more suitable for Microsoft’s strategy, especially as it provides broader capabilities for business and corporate users.
The company has already shut down some Skype services as of December 2024. Microsoft has discontinued the sale of Skype Credit (used for paid calls) and Skype Number (a service that provides users with unique phone numbers). Instead, the company is shifting towards subscription-based models and directing users toward Teams.
Further official announcements from Microsoft regarding the complete shutdown of Skype are expected. However, it is already evident that users should gradually transition to Teams or explore alternative communication platforms. Additional information will be provided as official updates become available.
