15 May 2025, Thu |
9:58 AM
After nearly 22 years of service, Microsoft has officially ended Skype, the once-popular messaging and video call application. The shutdown takes effect today, Monday, May 5, 2025.
A Look Back at Skype’s Journey
Launched by a team of engineers in 2003, Skype quickly rose to global fame. It allowed users to connect through voice and video calls, send instant messages, and share files across borders.
In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype, integrating it further into its suite of communication tools. Over time, the platform saw millions of users across personal and professional spaces.
Microsoft Confirms Skype’s Closure
In February 2025, Microsoft officially announced that Skype would be phased out by May. Today marks the completion of that timeline.
According to Microsoft:
Paid Users Still Have Limited Access
Though Skype’s main app is no longer available, Microsoft has made some exceptions.
Users with paid Skype subscriptions can still access:
This limited access will remain beyond May 5, 2025.
What’s Next for Users?
Transitioning to Microsoft Teams is the recommended next step. Teams offers a more integrated experience while preserving the familiar communication features many relied on in Skype.
The change is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline its services and focus on platforms better suited for today’s hybrid work and communication trends.
A Quiet Farewell to a Digital Icon
Skype transformed how people stayed connected, especially in its early days. Whether used for job interviews, long-distance family chats, or business meetings, its impact was widespread.
Though the app is shutting down, Skype’s legacy lives on through the evolution of digital communication.
Goodbye Skype. Thank you for two decades of connection.
