Microsoft sets can finish the date for Skype after an execution of 14 years
Before there was Zoom, Skype was the dominant telephone and video -based video service for masses. After 22 years of service (14 years under Microsoft), customers were surprised to know that Microsoft has decided to suspend Skype in May 2025.
That is why “Pat” email led us to explore alternatives to Skype.
“Hello, apparently Microsoft is getting rid of Skype. We use Skype every weekend to communicate with our family in Ireland. Do you have recommendations for an alternative? Thank you.” – Pat, Commerce Township, Michigan
Although a little disconcerting for Skype users for a long time, Microsoft is actually discontinuing Skype due to strong competition for the same type of service of zoom and WhatsApp tastes. While the change can be not welcome, there are many options to choose once Skype is presented.
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The company establishes on its website that “its Skype data will be available until January 2026 so you can export or delete. If you log in to Free Microsoft equipment By then, your Skype call and chat history will be available for you. If you do not take measures, your Skype data will be deleted in January 2026 “.
The main alternatives to Skype are presented below, which will help you stay connected to people who care personally and professionally, as well as how to export your contacts and other vital information outside Skype.
A woman who uses Skype on a laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Top 6 Skype alternatives
While the change can be a challenge, it does not have to be difficult with the following Skype alternatives listed below.
Microsoft equipment
With Microsoft discontinuing Skype to invest his attention and resources in Microsoft teams, it is an easy Skype transition. Microsoft teams will allow you to log in with your existing Skype credentials, which facilitates the transition. There is a free version of Microsoft equipment that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to use. Like Skype, it includes video calls and messages. The benefit of registering in Microsoft teams is that their Skype contacts and messages will automatically migrate to Microsoft teams.
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A man who uses Skype on his laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
WhatsApp is a popular messaging application that has existed since 2009. It offers free voice and video calls with end -to -end encryption, which gives its communication an additional layer of protection. It also allows you to send messages with other users. In addition, because it is used worldwide, WhatsApp is a great international communication tool.
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Google is
If you already use Google services such as Gmail and Google Calendar, Google Meet can be a perfect alternative to Skype. Google Meet is a free videoconference service that integrates the Gmail and Google calendar. With free plans available, you can include up to 100 participants in a video call.
Zoom
Zoom has become a regular accessory in the modern professional world. With an easy -to -use interface and rich features, Zoom has been the best option for video calls. Zoom offers free plans that allow 40 -minute video calls per call for up to 100 participants.
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Sign
For those with concerns about privacy, the signal is a great alternative to Skype. It has an end -to -end encryption in messages and video calls, which maintains its safe communications. Signal is an open source service that allows users to send instant messages, as well as voice and video calls.
Discord
While it is known among players, Discord has become a versatile communication tool. With free voice channels, screen exchange and low latency audio (better audio quality), has begun to stand out as a good group purchase option.
How to export contacts and messages from Skype
Although Microsoft will give you until January 2026 to export or eliminate your Skype, chat and file history contacts, you better log in and start the process now, since the company may take time to satisfy its application.
To export contacts, follow these steps:
- In your web browser, go to https://sacure.skype.com/ and Log in your Skype account Using your username and password
- On the main page, low account detail, go to Configuration and preferences
- Click Export contacts
- A dialog box will appear, then select where you want Save the file and click Save
Skype contacts to export (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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To export conversations and files, follow these steps:
- In your web browser, go to https://sacure.skype.com/ and Log in your Skype account Using your username and password
- On the main page, low account detail, go to Configuration and preferences
- Click Export files and chat history
- In “request a copy of your chat files and history” Mark the boxes want to download and click Shipping application
- Once the application has been processed, appear at the top of the same page
- To save, click Discharge
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Skype conversations and files steps (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How to export your Skype data and import them to other video platforms
Before Skype officially turns off on May 27, 2025, it is an intelligent movement to save your data and prepare for a transition to another platform. Here we show you how to do it:
Step 1: Export your Skype data
You can request a complete download of your Skype chat history, call records and other personal data.
- Go to Skype export page: https://go.skype.com/export
- Log in with your Skype account (Microsoft).
- Choose what you would like to download:Conversations: Chat records, SMS and call recordsArchives: Photos, videos and documents shared through Skype
- Conversations: Chat records, SMS and call records
- Archives: Photos, videos and documents shared through Skype
- Click Shipping application And wait for an email or a download link to appear (you can take hours or a few days depending on the volume).
- Download the .zip file when ready and remove the content at your device.
Export messages are usually in a .tar or .JSON format, which can be opened with applications such as notes, Excel or dedicated spectators.
Step 2: Import your information to a new platform
While Skype does not offer a direct import tool for other platforms, here are some ways to bring your information:
Zoom, Microsoft teams, Google Meet, Slack or WhatsApp:
- Contacts: You can manually add contacts of your Skype export copying your email addresses or phone numbers.
- Chat history: Most platforms will not allow direct importation, but they can: save their Skype conversations such as PDF or text files for reference. Support important conversations to cloud services as Google Drive, Dropbox either OneDrive to keep them looking and accessible.
- Save your Skype conversations as PDF or text files as a reference.
- Load important conversations to cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox either OneDrive to keep them looking and accessible.
Use of Skype data in Microsoft equipment:
- Since Teams is the recommended Microsoft replacement for Skype, it is the most perfect switch.
- If your account is linked to Microsoft 365, your contacts can already synchronize the equipment.
- Chat’s history does not migrate automatically, but can refer to the chats exported by configuring new channels or equipment chats.
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Although Skype’s end on May 5, 2025 is alerting, the time to make the transition to an alternative platform is essential so that it can be configured and adjusted to continue communicating with other professionals and personally. Although the friendly and family sky interface will be lost, there are several options that fill those large empty shoes that Skype will leave. Whether you prefer the ease of migrating contacts and messages from Skype directly to Microsoft equipment or prefer signal safety, there are a lot of options to keep it connected with loved ones worldwide.
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Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson is a award -winning technological journalist who has a deep love for technology, equipment and devices that improve life with their contributions for News & News Business Startzing Mornings in “News & Friends”. Do you have a technological question? Get the free Kurt’s free newsletter, share your voice, an idea of the story or comment on Cyberguy.com.