A few months ago, Microsoft announced that she was retiring her video-cooling platform, Skype. The company said that Skype would no longer be available after May 5. Now that we have entered the month, we feel that this is a good time to bid farewell to Skype. When the news broke, we called it “the end of an era”. And why not? Launched in 2003, Skype was one of the most popular video-cooling platforms. While its term lasted for more than two decades, it struggled to live with a cut-throat competition. Microsoft’s decision to shut down Skype is a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its consumer communication platforms and to focus efforts on Microsoft teams – a transition company is constantly creating because teams were introduced for the first time.

As Skype is near the end of its journey, here is everything you need to know: the major reasons behind its retirement, what existing users can expect, how to switch to Microsoft teams, the fate of Skype’s payment services, and other important details.

Skype turning off: story in 5 digits

– Why is Microsoft Closing Skype? The reason for teams

Microsoft has announced that it will retire Skype in May 2025 as part of its comprehensive plan to focus on Microsoft teams – now deployed as its primary center for modern communication and cooperation. The company aims to bring all its consumer communication equipment under a roof, providing a more harmonious experience that align with developing the user’s demands. In an official blog post, Microsoft explained the argument behind the move: “To streamline our free consumer communication offerings so that we can more easily adapt to the needs of customers, we will retire in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft teams (free), our modern communication and collaborative hubs.” Since the launch of the teams, the Microsoft is continuously operating users towards the platform, and the decision marks the final stage in consolidating its communication services.

– Microsoft plans to transfer Skype users to teams

With the shutdown declaration, Microsoft also urged Skype users to make changes in Microsoft teams. This is one of the reasons that the company decided to give it some time (February to May). There was an idea of ​​giving adequate time to users to create this infection. Skype will remain operational until May 5, 2025, after which it will be formally decomposed. Microsoft has assured users that comprehensive support will be available throughout the process, stating that it would “provide all resources and assistance to help users to migrate smoothly.”

– But what if you are a paid user?

Following the announcement of Skype’s closure, Microsoft has stopped the availability of paid Skype services for new users – including Skype credit and calling plans. The current customers can continue to use their current credit and active membership until the conclusion of their next renewal cycle, said that said. Microsoft has clarified that any remaining Skype credit will still be available even after the service is closed. Additionally, the paid users will maintain access to the Skype dial pad, either through the Skype web portal or directly through the Microsoft teams. But once it is finished, you have to redeem the Skype.

– Plan to go to teams? How can you do here

Microsoft has confirmed that the infection in Microsoft teams from Skype will be straight, users will simply need to log in to use their existing Skype credentials. When signed in, all contacts, messages and conversations will be originally taken to the teams, making sure that the users can pick up the exact place where they were released. According to Microsoft, both platforms have a lot of similar features, including one-per-one and group calls, messaging and file sharing, “but teams have also provided increased functionality such as calendar integration and community-based tools.

– All in All: Teams are new Skype

While Skype was already a clean and clean video-cooling platform, Microsoft focuses on working on teams. And since, it is urging all Skype users to move to Microsoft teams – why not just say – Microsoft team is now new Skype.