Microsoft is reportedly planning to discontinue its Skype communication platform in May, prompting users to transition to its Teams service. Evidence of this impending shutdown was discovered within a recent preview update for Windows, where a hidden message indicates Skype’s expiry date and encourages users to continue their calls and chats in Teams.
Skype, which debuted in 2003 and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011, has faced challenges in recent years, particularly with the rise of competing platforms like Zoom during the pandemic. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to revitalize Skype with new features and updates, it has struggled to maintain its position as a leading communication tool.
Microsoft has been actively promoting Teams as its preferred communication and collaboration platform, and the discontinuation of Skype further solidifies this strategy. While an official announcement has not yet been made, the evidence within the Windows preview update suggests that Skype’s retirement is imminent.
