Communicate with Messenger friends on Skype

Learn about merging your contacts so you can keep chatting with friends when the Messenger service is retired next year.

Looking to get a head start on merging your contact lists so you don't risk missing anyone after Messenger is retired? Just follow these quick steps:On November 6, 2012, Microsoft announced that it would be discontinuing its Windows Live Messenger client. This news falls in line with Microsoft's acquisition of Skype -- making it the company's go-to instant-message client after the first quarter of 2013. Migrating to Skype will make video calling easier, allow you to share your screen, make group calls, integrate Facebook, and add better mobile compatibility.

Before getting started, you'll need to download the most current version of Skype. The best way to do that is to follow this link.

You may notice that Skype will automatically uninstall Messenger during this install. Remember that your contact list for Windows Live Messenger is stored on their servers, but if you're not ready to let go just yet, you'll want to abort the installation.

Step 1: At the log-in screen, choose Microsoft account on the right-hand side of the window.

Step 2: On the next screen you can tell the Skype client whether you already have an account. If you don't, you can easily sign up for one. If you do, just provide your log-in details to move on to the next step.

Important note: Completing Step 3 will force you to use your Microsoft account to sign in to Skype from now on.

Step 3: Press the Continue button to merge your Messenger contacts into your Skype contact list.

SkypeNow you're all set to migrate to Skype when Messenger is gone. Will you miss the Windows Live Messenger client? Or are you happy to see everything merging into Skype? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.