In case you haven’t heard, Windows Live Messenger is being retired and Microsoft is urging its users to switch to Skype. The instant messaging client that rose to popularity as MSN Messenger is due to be shut down in March 2013 everywhere except China (BBC News). As an alternative Microsoft is urging its users to switch to Skype – an instant messaging client from a company Microsoft bought in May 2011. Skype is more popular for its video calling and VOIP capabilities than it is for instant messaging though.

If you are still using Windows Live Messenger now may be a good time to give Skype a try. After you have downloaded the latest version of Skype there is an option of the sign in screen to sign in with your Microsoft account. when you sign in all your Windows Live Messenger contacts will be automatically imported for you so you can start using Skype right away.

Last Updated on September 4, 2015 by Nathan Vidal