Microsoft Retires Skype, Asks Users To Switch To Teams Free

The popular chat app Skype’s demise is now official. Microsoft recently asked all users to switch to Microsoft Teams free accounts or other alternative apps as it retires Skype.

Microsoft Redirects Users To Teams As Skype Retires

Skype users might not be happy with the recent news about the messaging tool. As announced in a recent post, Microsoft confirmed that it will replace Skype with Microsoft Teams this year, asking users to switch.

According to Microsoft, this move considers the evolving communication patterns over the years. To ensure that it caters to modern communications needs, the Redmond giant deems it important to sunset the old tool, Skype, in favor of Teams.

This change will take effect in May 2025. Hence, Skype users now have roughly two months to decide on an alternate messaging platform for their communications.

Skype will remain available until May 5, 2025, giving users time to explore Teams and decide on the option that works best for them.

Microsoft Teams comes bundled with the Office Suite and is also available for free download from the official website. The software is free for personal users and has premium subscription plans for power users.

Since most Skype users use the tool for personal communications, Microsoft advises them to switch to the Teams Free version to continue with their chats. The firm even facilitates this shift by offering contact and chat sync between Skype and Teams so that users don’t lose their existing chat data.

Switching to Teams isn’t obligatory; users may also choose to use another app. For this, Microsoft allows exporting Skype data, including all contacts, calls, and chat history.

Premium Skype Users May Enjoy Skype For Some More Time

For premium Skype users, Microsoft offers a special extension of Skype usage until the end of their Skype credits and subscriptions. However, once their subscriptions expire, they may no longer use the tool. Besides, new Skype users won’t be offered paid subscriptions.

Microsoft first launched Teams in 2017 as a standalone communication tool for personal and business users. The tool offered several collaborative features, including videoconferencing, serving power users. It garnered more attention during the COVID-19 lockdowns when people switched to online means of communication for almost academic, business, and other purposes.

Nonetheless, Skype didn’t lose even during this phase, and the loyal Skype users continued using this Microsoft-acquired tool as usual. However, despite several iterations, Skype couldn’t serve as an inclusive chat application. Hence, Microsoft now retires Skype, offering Teams as an alternative tool.

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