Microsoft to Turn off its Windows Live Messenger on 15 March

Team ReadMe
2 Min Read

2013 will mark the end of Microsoft’s one time popular but outdated instant messaging tool Windows Messenger.

Windows Live Messenger began life as MSN Messenger in 1999 and had more than 100 million users in 2010.
Windows Live Messenger began life as MSN Messenger in 1999 and had more than 100 million users in 2010.

Microsoft instant messenger log-ins would no longer work and users are directed to switch to Skype which was acquired by Microsoft for £5.2bn in October 2011.

[box_light]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,” said Microsoft’s official email.[/box_light]

Microsoft Email
Microsoft Email

In October this year, Microsoft will turn off support for third-party clients using the open XMPP protocol introduced in December 2011, which includes Digsby, Adium and Pidgin.

However, the Messenger network will function until March 2014, meaning the current Windows Phone and Xbox Messenger clients will continue to work for another 16 months.

 

So lets upgrade!

Skype is available on iPhone, Android and soon on Windows Phone 8. Download the latest Skype app on your mobile or desktop and then uninstall Microsoft Messenger. You will be able to sign in to Skype on your iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 8 mobile apps and desktops 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.

After the upgrade you also have to upgrade and create a Skype account with your Microsoft Account. Then transfer your contact to Skype. If you are already using Skype then you have to download latest version of Skype on your device and then Sign in to transfer the Messenger contacts to the Skype account.

 

Share This Article
1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

One Comment

  1. Undeniably believe that that you stated. Your favourite reason appeared to be at the net the easiest factor to take into accout of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while other people think about issues that they just do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thank you