Microsoft is formally retiring Skype on Might 5, ending the app’s two-decade run as a pioneer in video calling. The transfer alerts Microsoft’s full shift towards Groups, its all-in-one messaging and video platform.

“At this level, placing all our focus behind Groups will allow us to give an easier message and drive quicker innovation,” Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms President Jeff Teper informed TechCrunch.

Skype service will finish on Might 5

An XDA Builders reader first noticed a string of code inside Skype in Home windows preview displaying a message about migration. The message says “Beginning in Might, Skype will not be obtainable. Proceed your calls and chats in Groups.”

Microsoft confirmed the Skype shutdown in an official weblog on Friday. “With Groups, customers have entry to most of the similar core options they use in Skype, corresponding to one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing,” Teper wrote. “Moreover, Groups provides enhanced options like internet hosting conferences, managing calendars, and constructing and becoming a member of communities totally free.”

SEE: A Slack outage this week stemmed from an issue within the Occasions API and an ongoing subject.

Skype struggled to discover a place subsequent to Groups

As soon as a dominant drive in video communication, Skype has struggled to compete in a market now led by Zoom, Google Meet, and FaceTime. Regardless of seeing some progress throughout the 2020 lockdowns, Skype’s consumer base dwindled to 36 million by 2023, whereas Microsoft Groups surged to 320 million customers.

Microsoft provided a Skype for Enterprise tier from 2015 to 2021; after 2021, it prioritized Groups as each a messaging and video answer on Home windows 11.

transition from Skype to Groups

Within the coming days, Skype customers will be capable to check in to Groups utilizing their current Skype credentials. Members of the Groups and Skype Insider packages could make the swap instantly, with all Skype chats and contacts mechanically showing in Groups.

Between now and Might, Groups and Skype customers will be capable to name and chat throughout platforms.

Skype knowledge (chats, contacts, and name historical past) will be exported manually if the consumer needs to hold on to it as a substitute of shifting it to Groups. Nonetheless, Skype Credit score and worldwide calling subscriptions are not obtainable. Current Skype subscriptions will stay energetic till their subsequent renewal date.

The Skype Dial Pad will keep on-line for paid customers, residing inside the Skype net portal and in Groups.