Microsoft has officially announced that Skype will be discontinued on May 5, 2025. To ensure uninterrupted communication, Haposoft will be transitioning from Skype to Microsoft Teams, which is fully supported by Microsoft and allows for a smooth migration. Here’s everything you need to know about the change and how to continue chatting with us seamlessly. 1. Official Announcement: Skype Will Be Discontinued in May 2025 Microsoft has officially announced that Skype will be discontinued on May 5, 2025, as part of its strategy to unify communication and collaboration under Microsoft Teams. After this date: Skype will no longer be accessible on any platform No further security updates, technical support, or bug fixes will be provided Skype apps will be removed from app stores Users will be unable to sign in or use existing accounts This change affects Skype for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Both personal and business users will need to make the move from Skype to Microsoft Teams. Microsoft explains that this transition aims to deliver a more modern and secure communication experience. They combine chat, meetings, file sharing, and collaboration into a unified platform. 2. What Happens to Your Skype Chat History and Contacts? Your Skype chat history and contacts will not transfer automatically unless you switch to Microsoft Teams. Microsoft has stated that some users will be able to access their Skype history in Teams if they meet all of the following conditions: You are using a Microsoft account (e.g., @outlook.com or @hotmail.com) Your Skype account is linked to that Microsoft account You have previously used Microsoft Teams with the same login If you do not meet these conditions, your data will not carry over. Additionally, files or media shared in Skype conversations will not migrate to Teams. If you need to keep any attachments, we recommend downloading them locally before May 5, 2025. 3. What Changes When You Move to Teams? When moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams, you’ll notice a shift from a simple messaging app to a full-featured collaboration platform. Teams bring together chat, video calls, meetings, file sharing, and document collaboration in one place. Here’s what’s different and better with Teams: Key Advantages of Microsoft Teams (free version) include: One-on-one and group messaging Audio and video calls (up to 30 hours per session) Group meetings (up to 60 minutes with up to 100 participants) File sharing and real-time document collaboration Cross-platform access via desktop and mobile Guest access for external participants Topic-based discussions with channels and communities Bonus: Teams also offers deep integration with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), built-in calendar tools, and features designed for teamwork—things Skype never offered. Free Plan Availability Microsoft offers a free version of Teams, which includes: Unlimited one-on-one meetings up to 30 hours Group meetings for up to 60 minutes Up to 100 participants per meeting 5 GB of cloud storage per user Real-time collaboration with Office web apps Unlimited chat and file sharing No subscription is required to get started — users can simply sign up or sign in with an existing Microsoft account. 4. How to Switch from Skype to Teams Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams is simple. If you're already using Skype, you’ll receive in-app prompts to guide you. Just follow the instructions to complete the transition. Migration steps: Step 1 Open Skype and follow the on-screen prompts to start the transition Step 2 Confirm the move to Microsoft Teams Step 3 Sign in using your Microsoft (Skype) account Step 4 Complete setup within Teams Step 5 Start using your existing chats and contacts in Teams without any loss of data Alternatively, you can download Microsoft Teams directly via the link below: 👉 Download Microsoft Teams for desktop and mobile 5. Mobile Access Made Easy Need access on the go? Microsoft Teams is available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android. To get started: Search for “Microsoft Teams” on the App Store or Google Play Install the official app and sign in with your Microsoft account Once signed in, all your data is synced—chat, join meetings, and collaborate seamlessly from anywhere. 6. Need Help? The retirement of Skype marks a big shift for long-time users. While there are other platforms available, Microsoft Teams is the official and most compatible alternative. We recommend all clients make the switch from Skype to Microsoft Teams as early as possible to avoid any disruptions. If you need assistance at any stage of the process, feel free to contact our team at support@haposoft.com. We're here to help.