Microsoft to permanently shut down Skype in May

Microsoft has officially announced the end of Skype support, with its shutdown beginning in May. This time, there’s no turning back: users are being urged to switch to Teams, according to XDA Developers.

Skype’s Final Farewell

Users have noticed a message in the latest test version of Skype for Windows:

"Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available. Continue your calls and chats in Teams."

The notification also mentions that some contacts have already transitioned to Teams for free, suggesting a likely automatic transfer of friend lists to the new platform.

The End of a Long Journey

Launched in 2003, Skype was acquired by Microsoft in 2011. The company then phased out Windows Live Messenger and attempted to integrate Skype into Windows 10. However, the process was far from smooth:

• For nine months, Microsoft tested separate apps for video calls, messaging, and phone calls before abruptly abandoning the idea.
• In 2016, it introduced a UWP version of Skype, moving away from the classic Win32 format, only to revert to the traditional version later on.

Why Is Microsoft Shutting Down Skype?

In 2017, Microsoft launched Teams—a collaboration platform built on Skype’s technology and designed to compete with Slack. Since then, Skype’s development has largely stagnated, with many anticipating its closure years ago.

Skype never became a cornerstone product for Microsoft:

• Apple’s FaceTime reigns supreme among iPhone and Mac users.
• Google continues to experiment with messaging apps, launching and discontinuing various services.
• The failure of Windows Phone stripped Skype of a chance for deep mobile integration.

When Microsoft released Windows 11 in 2021, it embedded a free personal version of Teams into the system instead of Skype—a clear sign that Skype’s days were numbered.

What’s Next?

Microsoft has yet to provide official comments, but Skype’s closure in May is a done deal. If you’re still using the messenger, prepare to migrate to Teams, as notifications prompting the switch will soon appear in the app.