Skype, the research voice and video calling platform, officially shut down on May 5, 2025, marking the end of an era after a 23-year run. Microsoft, which acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, has gradually shifted its focus to Microsoft Teams as its primary communication and collaboration tool — especially during the rise of remote work.

However, the past few years saw a sharp decline in usage. With the emergence of more modern platforms like (Zoom, Google Meet, and Slack), Skype struggled to keep up with changing user expectations. The pandemic further accelerated the shift toward integrated platforms like Microsoft Teams, which combines messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing in one seamless interface.

Microsoft is offering tools to help users migrate their data and contacts to Teams. While Skype for Business had already been phased out, the consumer version is now officially retired, closing a major chapter in digital communication history.