14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is announcing new changes for Skype users, as the company is now planning to retire old versions of Windows 10 clients and force everyone to upgrade to the latest releases.
While a more detailed announcement in this regard isn’t available just yet, a report from German site WindowsUnited (via MSPU) indicates that Microsoft has started emailing users about this change, requesting an update to the most recent versions to avoid losing any data.
Basically, those who refuse or delay the update before May 25 could lose all their conversations, as installing the latest version after the deadline could force them to start from scratch.
“We noticed you are using a version of Skype for Windows 10 that will no longer work after May 25, 2018. Older conversation history may be impacted during the upgrade. If you need help backing up your chat contact us. Not able to upgrade? Tell us more,” the mail reads.
GDPR-enforced change?
The timing isn’t surprising, as May 25 is the day when the new GDPR rules come into effect in the European Union, so there’s a chance that Microsoft’s making these changes in order to comply with the regulations. This could also be the reason the conversations might be removed, as GDPR is first and foremost aimed to regulate the way tech companies handle user data.
Windows 10 users who want to update Skype to the latest version don’t have anything else to do than to check for updates in the Microsoft Store, with the process then automatically performed on their systems.
At the same time, the desktop version of Skype is also a potential alternative if apps in the Microsoft Store aren’t exactly their cup of tea. Fortunately, Microsoft is offering very convenient ways to keep Skype up-to-date, so this new change is unlikely to have a big impact on too many users across the world.