Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger

Stay in touch with the people that matter

Messenger is the best way to stay in touch with friends. Share photos while you chat. Talk in real time with video chat. Even see the social updates your friends have shared.

Messenger is part of Windows Live Essentials, which includes free programs for photos, movies, instant messaging, e‑mail, blogging, family safety, and more. Get Messenger or get them all—they're free!

A new version of Messenger is coming! Learn about the beta


Download now


Clicking "Download now" means you agree to the Microsoft service agreement and privacy statement. The download may include updates to Windows Live programs you already have. You'll get future updates to these and other Microsoft programs from Microsoft Update.

Essentials includes Messenger, Photo Gallery, Mail, Movie Maker, Writer, Family Safety, and Toolbar, plus Microsoft Office Outlook Connector, Office Live Add–in, and Microsoft Silverlight.

View the system requirements

How it all works together

IM from Hotmail

Now you can chat with friends from almost anywhere there's Internet access. Just sign in to Hotmail, see who's online, and start chatting.

Share photos and files

Save and share photos on SkyDrive while you chat in Messenger.

Create photo albums

Use Photo Gallery to create great-looking photo albums that you can share with friends in Messenger.