Microsoft has disabled the ability to use Facebook credentials with Skype. After January 2018, the appropriate option will be removed from the app. Skype has been undergoing lots of changes in the past few years and many features have been simply disappearing. You will now need a Microsoft account for Skype.
At the moment of this writing, the ability to use Facebook credentials has already been removed from Skype for Linux, Skype for Windows 10 (the Store app), and from modern versions of Skype for Android and iOS.
The majority of users should already be using the most recent version of the app, because Skype updates automatically. This change will affect your contacts because the ones that you have added to Skype will be different from your Facebook friends.
The reason behind the change is not known. The support page that mentions this change sheds no light on the situation. However it is quite possible that Microsoft removed the option because Facebook's Messenger app competes with Skype so they no longer want to play nice with Facebook.
Thankfully, Microsoft has promised to provide the ability for a smooth migration from a Facebook-based user account to a new, plain Skype account for existing users.
The official support page claims the following.
We'll walk you through some simple steps to transfer your information to a new or existing Microsoft account, so you can continue using Skype without disruption.
Things we'll help you do:
- Create a new Microsoft account or use an existing one
- Transfer your contacts
- Backup your chat history, (only available on Skype for Windows desktop or Skype for Mac)
- Transfer your Skype Credit, Skype Number, or subscription balance
- If applicable, update your Skype Manager account
At this point, there is no choice but to switch to a Microsoft account. Your contacts, chat logs, credits and other personal data will remain available.
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!!!$HAME ON MICRO$OFT!!!
Change for change’s sake!
For sure.