🤔 What you need to know about the migration – and how to make it painless.
📉 Why Is Skype Going Away?
Microsoft is officially retiring Skype for Business and Skype (free version) to make way for Microsoft Teams, a more integrated, flexible communication platform.
Here’s why:
• Skype is outdated and lacks the collaboration tools modern teams need.
• Microsoft Teams combines chat, calling, file sharing, video conferencing, and app integration all in one.
• Support and updates for Skype are ending. Staying on it long-term could expose your business to security risks and compatibility issues.
If you’ve been seeing those “Migrate to Teams” popups, this is why!
⚠️ Before You Begin: Important Note About Teams Accounts
These instructions will help you move your existing Skype account into Microsoft Teams (Free). This can be useful if you want to preserve old conversations or maintain your Skype contacts.
However, if you already use Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, or OneDrive, then you likely already have a Microsoft 365 Teams account set up for your organization.
✅ In that case, we recommend using your existing Teams account instead of creating a new one. It will:
• Automatically connect you with coworkers in your company
• Unlock all Teams features (like shared calendars, file storage, and admin controls)
• Provide better integration across your Microsoft apps
You should only follow the steps below if you want to use your Skype account as a backup or are not part of a Microsoft 365 business subscription.
🛠️ How to Move from Skype to Teams – Step-by-Step
These instructions will allow you to keep your existing Skype account and move it into Teams. However, if you use Office/Word/Excel/Outlook, chances are you already have an existing Teams account. In which case, you should only follow these steps if you wish to keep a “backup” of your old conversations. You should use the Teams account that is already setup for you as it will “link” you to everyone else in your organization automatically and also provide you with the full features of Teams. The steps below only provides basic features.
Step 1: Watch for the Prompt in Skype
You’ll receive a notification in Skype that says it’s time to start using Microsoft Teams. Click Start using Teams to either launch the app (if installed) or begin downloading it.
Step 2: Install Microsoft Teams (If You Haven’t Already)
• Visit this page to download the Teams app for desktop or mobile.
• Or, you can use Teams on the web.
Step 3: Sign in With Your Skype Account
Use your current Skype email and password to sign in to Microsoft Teams. Your contacts and recent chat history will automatically carry over.
Step 4: Click “Get Started”
After logging in, click the Get Started button to begin setup.
⚠️ If you don’t see it, make sure you’re part of the Skype Insider and Teams Insider programs.
Step 5: Confirm Your Profile Details
You may be prompted to:
• Review your profile picture – click Continue to confirm.
• Verify your name – update or confirm your first and last name, then click Confirm.
Step 6: You’re All Set!
Your Teams Free account is now ready! You can:
• Chat with your old Skype contacts
• Make voice or video calls
• Explore added features like file sharing, meetings, and calendars
🔗 Need More In-Depth Help?
We’ve summarized the basics, but Microsoft has a complete transition guide:
👉 View the official Microsoft support page here
🤝 Need Help Migrating? We’ve Got You.
At Total PC, we help businesses transition smoothly to Microsoft Teams with:
• Chat history and file backup
• User setup and team structuring
• Training and remote support for your staff
📞 Schedule a Migration Consultation by contacting support – or just reach out your usual way and we’ll get you sorted.
Don’t wait until Skype stops working. Let’s get you up and running with Teams the right way.