Messenger to officially retire on 15th March 2013

We had seen in our earlier post that Skype was being updated, to replace Windows Messenger and that Microsoft was phasing out Messenger in the first quarter of 2013 in all regions, except mainland China. The date has now been announced officially announced by Microsoft. Windows Live Messenger will shut down  on 15th March 2013 and all the existing Messenger services will be retired officially. The Messenger Team has already started sending mails regarding the same to Messenger users.

Here’s what the mail says –

On 15th March 2013 we are retiring the existing Messenger service globally (except for mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available) and bringing the great features of Messenger and Skype together. Update to Skype and sign in using a Microsoft Account (same as your Messenger ID) and all your Messenger contacts will be at your fingertips. You’ll be able to instant message and video chat with them just like before, and also discover new ways of staying in touch with Skype on your mobile and tablet.  Update Now!

The mail further provides some FAQs too –

So, what’s happening between now and 15th March?

Messenger will continue to work as you know it today. If you are signed in with Messenger on your desktop, you will see a banner notification to upgrade. When you click on the banner, an installer window will open with the request to upgrade. This will take you through our installer flow to install Skype and automatically uninstall Messenger.

So, what’s happening after 15th March?

Messenger users on desktops* will not be able to sign in and will only be able to upgrade to Skype. If you attempt to sign in, a notification will appear, and if you continue, you will be taken through our installer flow to install Skype and automatically uninstall Messenger at the same time.

Can I update to Skype on my mobile?

Yes! Skype is available on iPhone, Android and soon on Windows Phone 8. We encourage you to download the latest Skype app on your mobile and then uninstall Messenger. You will be able to sign in to Skype on your iPhone, Android and Windows Phone 8 mobile apps with your Microsoft Account over the next few weeks. If you use another phone with Messenger on it, it will continue to work for a while.

Where can I learn more?

For more help on updating to Skype, please visit the Skype Support site.

* Newer versions of Messenger will be able to receive the optional upgrade notifications. Older versions will not receive the notifications and you will have to download Skype manually.

Now is as good as any time to upgrade and start using Skype for its great features.

These posts are sure to interest you:

1. How to setup and use Skype to make free calls – Beginners Guide
2. Skype Login: Security and Safety Tips for beginners
3. Download Skype App for Windows 8.