GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Microsoft has officially shut down Skype after 22 years of operation, marking the end of one of the most iconic internet communication tools of the early 21st century.
Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized voice and video calling by offering free, cross-border communication and quickly became a household name. At its peak, the platform boasted over 300 million monthly users and played a pivotal role in shaping how people stayed connected globally.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, aiming to make it central to its communication strategy. However, growing competition from platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams gradually eroded Skype’s user base.
On February 28, 2025, Microsoft announced its decision to retire Skype on May 5 to streamline services and prioritize Microsoft Teams as its flagship communication platform.
Skype for Business will remain active for a limited period, but all free and personal Skype accounts have now been deactivated. Microsoft is urging users to transition to Teams using their existing Skype credentials. Users have until January 2026 to downloa or migrate their data before it is permanently deleted.
