Atlanta, Georgia – Microsoft will be shutting down Skype in May, marking the end of an era for the popular communication platform. In its place, the company will transition users to the free version of Microsoft Teams for consumers. This move comes as a way to streamline Microsoft’s offerings and provide a more integrated communication experience for users.

Existing Skype users will have the option to log in to the Microsoft Teams app and have their message history, group chats, and contacts automatically transferred without the need to create a new account. Alternatively, users can choose to export their data if they prefer. Microsoft is also phasing out support for calling domestic or international numbers through Skype.

According to Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, users will have control over their transition to Microsoft Teams. They can choose to migrate their conversation history and contacts to Teams or export them to another platform. The transition process is designed to be seamless and user-friendly for existing Skype users.

During the 60-day window leading up to Skype’s shutdown on May 5th, Microsoft will maintain interoperability between Skype and Teams, allowing users to message contacts on both platforms. The company is committed to providing a smooth transition for users and ensuring that their communication needs are met through the new platform.

While the transition to Microsoft Teams will keep Skype group chats intact, some features of Skype, such as telephony services for calling phone numbers, will be discontinued. This decision reflects Microsoft’s focus on evolving technologies and shifting consumer preferences in communication tools.

Microsoft will honor existing Skype credits for users, but new customers will no longer have access to paid Skype features. Existing Skype subscription users will be able to use their credits and subscriptions within Microsoft Teams until the end of their renewal period. Additionally, Skype Number users will need to port their numbers to another provider as Microsoft will no longer support this service.

The retirement of Skype comes as Microsoft fully embraces Teams for consumers, following the launch of the personal version in 2020. The company’s decision to phase out Skype is part of a strategic shift towards a more streamlined and integrated communication platform for users.

Overall, Microsoft’s decision to shut down Skype and transition users to Teams reflects the company’s commitment to providing a modern and user-friendly communication experience. The move signals Microsoft’s strategic focus on evolving technologies and meeting the changing needs of consumers in the digital age.