Microsoft plans to shut down Messenger (formerly Windows Live Messenger) on March 15, according to numerous reports. The concrete date comes after the company in late 2012 said the longstanding instant messaging client would merge with Skype during the first three months of 2013. The software giant is reportedly notifying Messenger users via e-mail but it has yet to announce the Messenger deadline on its blogs or social media accounts.

News of the Messenger official shut down date was first reported by The Next Web and widely reported by others.

Until March 15, Messenger users will see a notification on their desktop client asking them to “upgrade” to Skype and merge their Messenger contacts with the popular video chat and IM app. The desktop program will continue to work until March 15, after which you won’t be able to use Messenger at all and must move over to Skype to continue chatting with friends.

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