Microsoft hangs up on Skype for good

Microsoft bought Skype almost 14 years ago.

Microsoft is shutting down Skype, the internet calling service it bought almost 14 years ago for $8.5 billion.

Users are set to be invited to switch to Teams before the service is turned off in May.

Skype posted on X on Friday: “Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. Over the coming days you can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account to stay connected with all your chats and contacts. Thank you for being part of Skype.”

Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s president of collaborative apps and platforms, said in a statement: “Hundreds of millions of people already use Teams as their hub for teamwork, helping them stay connected and engaged at work, school, and at home. In the past two years, the number of minutes spent in meetings by consumer users of Teams has grown 4X, reflecting the value Teams brings to everyday communication and collaboration.” 

Microsoft said paid Skype features wouldn’t be offered to new customers.

“Current Skype subscription users can continue to use their Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period,” it said. “Skype Credit users can also continue to use their remaining Skype Credit. After May 5, 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams.”

Skype was launched in 2003. In 2005, eBay paid $2.6 billion in cash and stock for it.

Microsoft acquired it in 2011. It was the Windows maker’s biggest acquisition at the time.