After an enthusiast came across a notification in the latest Skype for Windows preview, Microsoft has confirmed that the service is to close on 5 May.
Skype was created in 2003 and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011.
Since the firm has failed to stem user losses, it is turning its focus to its Microsoft Teams service.
Users have the options of either moving their account data to Teams, or downloading it before it is erased.
Another previously popular communication tool, ICQ, will also shut down soon.
Some feel that US tech giants are not reliable and no longer proactively communicate service shutdowns, with advance notice of at least six months being best practice.
Skype could have gone on to own the instant messaging ecosystem, but Microsoft failed to innovate, thereby allowing it to wither.
