If you’re a longtime Skype user, don’t worry — Microsoft is making the transition as smooth as possible. Once you’ve indicated you’d like to switch to Teams, Microsoft has set up a simple automated process. When you log into Teams for the first time, your Skype contacts, group chats and messages will already be there — no extra setup required. If you’d rather not make the switch, Microsoft has created a tool that lets you export your data, including photos and past conversations, so you can take them with you to another platform.

What’s not making the transition: the ability to make VoIP calls, which once allowed people to make free or low-cost domestic and international calls at a time when mobile and landline rates were expensive. Microsoft is cutting support for calling domestic and international numbers, a move that reflects how people communicate today. When Skype launched in 2003, making cheap VoIP calls was a game-changer — mobile data was expensive, and voice plans were limited. But those days are gone. With unlimited calling on most phone plans and widespread access to Wi-Fi, Microsoft sees little reason to keep a feature that fewer and fewer people use. Skype credits and subscriptions will be honored until the end of their renewal periods.

Microsoft’s decision to retire Skype is part of a larger push to consolidate its communication tools under the Teams umbrella. Unlike Skype, Teams is built for collaboration, with features like file sharing, scheduled meetings and chat integration with Outlook. The free version of Teams is available as part of Microsoft Office, and if you’re already using Outlook or OneDrive, it makes sense to use the platform that works seamlessly with them.

So what happens when you move to Teams? First, download the app from Microsoft’s website and sign in with your Microsoft account — if you’ve used Skype, you already have one. Your contacts and chats will be waiting for you. Teams looks different from Skype, but it’s easy to navigate. You’ll find your conversations in the Chat tab, and meetings can be scheduled or started instantly from the Calendar section. Unlike Skype, Teams doesn’t have a dial pad, but you can still host meetings with anyone who has an internet connection anywhere in the world. If you prefer a voice-only call, simply turn off video during a Teams meeting to make it feel more like a phone call.

If you’re debating between Teams and Zoom, it comes down to what you need. If your colleagues are already using one or the other, it’s easiest to follow their lead. Both platforms offer free versions and are simple to use. But if you rely on Microsoft Office, Teams is the better choice, offering integration with Outlook and OneDrive.

And if you’re worried about losing voice call reliability, there are better options than going back to a landline. Apple’s latest iPhones now offer satellite connectivity for emergencies, letting you send messages even without Wi-Fi or cell service. That’s a more practical backup than reviving a home phone line.

With Skype fading into tech history, it’s time to embrace the next phase of communication. Here are some tips to get the most out of Teams: If your connection drops or becomes unstable, turning off video can help maintain audio quality. For important meetings, run a test ahead of time by setting up a meeting with yourself using the ‘Meet Now’ button. Always record meetings so participants who need to leave early can access the transcript later — Teams will notify all attendees at the top of their screen when a recording begins.

Whether you’re making the move to Teams or exploring other options, the key is finding a platform that fits how you work and communicate best. With Skype’s chapter closing, now is a good time to adapt and ensure your setup keeps you connected.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.