Microsoft Messenger for Windows 10

Microsoft Messenger is a free program for Windows that lets you text, make voice or video calls, and share photos and videos. It also combines contact information for up to 600 contacts. You can use a speed dial like list to find contacts quickly and add nicknames for easy searching.

Messages

The Messages feature allows you to chat with your contacts by text or phone. You can also share photos, videos and GIFs. The app allows you to dictate your messages and supports stickers. The messaging app will let you know when your recipient has seen your message.

MSN Messenger is a good IM client but it feels outdated when compared to more modern clients like Skype. Plus, it’s loaded with ads.

Unlike most other IM protocols, MSN Messenger does not use encryption. Therefore, it’s easy for hackers to sniff friends lists and personal conversations. This is especially true on unencrypted public Wi-Fi.

Calls

Just like on Messenger for iOS and Android, you can now make voice or video calls within the Windows 10 app. The phone or camera icon glows green when your contact is available to call, and you can click on it to start the call.

However, this is only a server side update and not yet available to everyone. It’s also worth noting that calling in the desktop version of Messenger is a bit more expensive than using Skype.

If you’re having trouble using Messenger, you might want to check that your computer’s date and time are set correctly. If not, the application may refuse to work properly.

Groups

With group chats, you can talk with several people simultaneously. You need a webcam to have a video chat and a high-speed internet connection for voice calls.

The software supports a number of emoticons and allows users to share photos directly from their camera or gallery. It also supports file transfer and includes an integrated calendar.

Microsoft’s Messenger app now supports groups, similar to iMessage. These groups are private by default and require approval from a member to join. Groups can also have various guidelines to prevent unwanted messages or spam from other members.

Photos

Microsoft is bringing the Photos app that was designed for Windows 11 to Windows 10. This new version is an automatic update and will replace the legacy version. The new app is virtually the same as the one in Windows 11, but it does have some differences.

The new app will allow users to view their photo albums shared via SkyDrive and Facebook. It also supports simple image editing capabilities and people tagging.

If you have the updated Photos app on your PC, and another program is set as the default picture viewer, double-clicking an image file will open it in this application. If you want to use the older version of the Photos app, you can download it from Microsoft Store.

Videos

Microsoft Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger, and later Windows Live Messenger) is a proprietary instant messaging client developed by Microsoft. The software allows users to send messages and make audio or video calls. It also includes a calendar and the ability to create groups. It is available on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, iPhone, Nokia S60 on Symbian, Xbox 360 and BlackBerry.

Many Facebook Messenger users are complaining about the hardware access error while using the app for video calls. The error is usually accompanied by a suggestion to troubleshoot the problem, such as checking other apps in use, or restarting the computer. However, these tips often do not solve the issue.

Audio

As with many Windows oddities, updating your operating system can fix the problem. If your Messenger isn’t working, open Windows Update (Win + I hotkeys) and check for updates.

In addition to text chat, you can also share files with your contacts. You can even send large Word documents and PowerPoint presentations. Files will automatically download if you go offline, and resume when you come back online.

To make video calls, you need to give Messenger access to your camera. You may be asked to allow this access only once when you make your first call. After that, the app will ask for permission only when you use this feature.