Windows Live Messenger

• Stay up to date: Get updates about your connections from Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and more.
• Chat from desktop, mobile, or web: Reach your colleagues and friends quickly and easily with instant messaging wherever you are.
• Share photos, video, and links: Use Windows Live Messenger to video chat in HD, share photos and slideshows, exchange links, or send video messages.

• Exchange information safely: Manage privacy with simple controls and set your online/offline status according to friend category.
• Manage conversations: Use tabs to keep all your chat windows in one place.

• Operating system:
  • 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 7, or Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 and the Platform Update for Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows Server 2008 with Service Pack 2 and the Platform Update for Windows Server 2008.
• Processor:
  • 1.6 GHz or higher
• Memory:
  • 1 GB of RAM or higher
• Resolution:
  • 1024 × 576 minimum
• Internet connection:
  • Online services require dial-up or high-speed Internet access (provided separately—local or long-distance charges may apply). High-speed Internet access is recommended for some features.
• Graphics card:
  • Windows Live Movie Maker requires a graphics card that supports DirectX 9 or higher and Shader Model 2 or higher.

View detailed release notes

• Additional requirements: Some Windows Live programs have additional requirements.
  • Windows Live Photo Gallery and Movie Maker require some components of DirectX 9, which might be installed for you if they're not found on your computer.
  • Windows Live Mesh requires OS X 10.5 or newer to run on a Mac.
  • Windows Live Messenger video chat requires a webcam, a microphone, speakers or a headset, and high-speed Internet access. HD video chat requires a compatible HD webcam and a 2.0 GHz or higher processor. HD webcams may also have additional system requirements.
• Notes
  • To install or uninstall Windows Live software, you must be logged on to the computer using an administrator account.
  • To install platform updates for Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, click Start, click All Programs, click Windows Update, and then select the updates you want.