On May 5, Microsoft officially shut down Skype, following its February announcement to phase out the long-standing video calling platform. The move is part of the company’s efforts to consolidate its communication tools and shift focus to Microsoft Teams (free version), which will now serve as its main platform for messaging, calling, and collaboration.

In its February 28 blog post, Microsoft explained that retiring Skype allows the company to better respond to changing user needs. In preparation for the shutdown, Skype Credit and new calling plans were no longer offered to new users. Existing subscribers can continue using their plans until their billing cycle ends, and any remaining Skype Credit will still be accessible. The Skype Dial Pad will also remain available to paying users via the web and within Teams after the cutoff date.

To support a smooth transition, Microsoft offered a migration period from February to May, enabling users to sign in to Teams using their Skype credentials. All essential data, including contacts, chats, and settings, is automatically transferred. For users not migrating, options to export their data are available. Teams not only retains Skype’s core features but also introduces enhancements like calendar integration and shared community spaces to improve collaboration. For users seeking alternatives, platforms like Google Meet and Zoom provide similar video conferencing features, with both offering free and paid plans depending on usage needs.