Skype to shut down after 22 years; users urged to switch to teams

Skype, a pioneer in internet communication, will shut down on May 5 after nearly 22 years. Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized global communication with free voice and video calls. At its peak in the mid-2010s, it boasted over 300 million monthly users. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion. However, the rise of competitors like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams led to a decline in Skype's popularity. Microsoft announced on February 28 that Skype would be retired to focus on Teams. The shutdown affects all Skype users, excluding Skype for Business temporarily. Microsoft encourages users to migrate to Teams via skype.com, retaining all chats and contacts. Users can download or migrate data until January 2026.