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Windows Live Messenger for Windows 8, Windows 10: Where is it?
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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If you are looking for Windows Live Messenger inWindows 10, you will be disappointed to hear that it is no longer available.
If you’re like me, then you have a strange passion for old software or, to be more precise, forsoftware that is now outdated. And such an example is theWindows Live Messenger, so with the appearance ofWindows 10,Windows 8, this became obsolete.
This is very similar to what has happened withOutlook Express, another “oldie”, in Windows 7 andWindows 10,Windows 8. Those of you with a nostalgic feeling for Windows Live Messenger is probably looking for it on Google. Look no more.
Windows Live Messenger was shut down in 2013
The last time when I checked for Windows Live Messenger was onMicrosoft‘s official website, on the Download Center. And guess what, it was still there, or, at least the search result was.
Thus, when you click on it to download, the following message appears:
Windows Live Messenger is gone in Windows 10, Windows 8
The sad truth is thatMicrosoftis retiring Windows Live Messenger and some users have already been migrated toSkypesince March 15th. So, the simple step is to embrace theSkypeexperience but we’re strongly suggesting you try the desktop version first, prior to theWindows Storeone. We just didn’t like it that much. Thus, by the end of April 2013,Microsofthas completely phased out support forWindows Live Messenger, so if you’re looking for that “old” experience onWindows 10,Windows 8, it saddens me to say that it will be impossible.
This was the natural thing to happen, even beforeMicrosofthad boughtSkypefor an immense amount of $8.5 billion. Windows Live Messenger wasn’t present by default in Windows 7, as you were only able to use it after installing or after using services from a different company. What will most likely follow is thatMicrosoftaccounts will be linked toSkypenames for a seamless transition. This is a quick explanation from a smart TheVerge commenter on the differences betweenSkypeand Windows Live Messenger:
Skypewas peer to peer, i.e. messages could be sent only when both parties were online. Messenger stored messages on MS servers but now bothSkypeis running on Messenger’s servers so that’s solved. Messenger was available from any computer, you only had to be logged into your Live account via any browser.Skyperequired desktop client which led to issues on Mac and Linux with bad updates or lack of updates.
Now that’s solved (well, will be this month or so) becauseSkypeis coming to outlook.com. Basically,Skypewas better at video calls, Messenger better at messaging. Now they are both the same thing so it should be the best thing ever. NewSkypeis a competitor to iChat, Google Voice and Google Talk all at once
Can we get it back?
Unfortunately, no, unless you are living in China, where it will still remain active. You can still try and install the IM+ app in theWindows Store, but from my own experience, syncing your contacts onSkypewill actually prove to be pleasant, so don’t be afraid of doing it. If you encounter some issues, though, you can always voice your concern in theofficial forums.
[UPDATE]MicrosoftintroducedSkypeinstead of Windows Live Messenger, but users were not happy about the updates.Microsoftwas focused on the corporate market andSkypewas not user-friendly any longer. Even so,Microsoft forces Skype users to install the new version on May 25.
The good news isthe traditional Skype app for desktop is once again availablefor download from the officialSkypewebsite and it’s listed as the ‘classicSkype’. Although, users are warned that some of its features may differ when usingWindows 10Anniversary Update or higher versions of the operating system.
What are your thoughts on this and which chat program is your favorite onWindows 10? Let us know in the comments below.
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Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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