Keep connected
Facebook Messenger for Windows is a free application available for download on any personal computer. It had been integrated within the Facebook platform itself and developed in 2012 as a separate app. After years of adding features and whittling them back down, Messenger has achieved a happy medium. The application runs great on a laptop because it requires a lot of data which might burden a mobile device.
A fully-realized chat app
A great way to make yourself available to your community
Features FB communication can be done in a variety of ways. The app offers audio clips, images, video, emojis, and stickers to send to your pals. Amazingly, users may transfer money through the chat app if he or she chooses to register their bank account information on the app.
The developers have not stopped there. The app allows for VoIP and live video chat one-on-one and in groups as well. Group chat is also on offer for persistent chats among up to 10 users.
Messenger’s chatbots provide information or receive action commands when you type with them. You find them through the search bar. Rather disappointingly, the utility of these chatbots is diminished by the fact, each one is designed for a specific function. I believe this makes it needlessly difficult to discern what powers they hold.
Messages on the app are transmitted through encryption keys that are managed by Facebook. Ostensibly Facebook or government officials can obtain those messages if garnered through the proper legal channels. Facebook offers an extra layer of privacy protection through the Secret Conversations mode. Secret Conversations use the Signal system to transfer end-to-end fully encrypted messages and enable the timer to set an expiration date on the message. The message will then be deleted forever. The black bar across the top of the screen imbues on the user the secrecy of this texting mode. Otherwise, the experience feels like a simpler version of the normal chat mode. Secret Conversation mode still allows the user to send text, stickers, videos, photos, and location.
Facebook’s brand made it the most popular social media platform in the world. This leads to FB messenger’s best feature; everyone is already on it! There is no need to goad your friends and family into downloading a new app. If by chance they are not on Facebook, the app can send SMS messages to anyone’s phone number easily. Third-party apps don’t always take to FB Messenger very well. But, sometimes these apps offer a feature that completes the already impressive catalog of emoji, stickers, GIFS, and other media products.
Messenger is ahead of the curve in another domain. The chat app is prioritizing interoperability between other famous chat products. This means users can send messages directly to WhatsApp and Instagram users. This feature will keep Messenger abreast of the latest developments in the chat app space which should boost your confidence in its use. The app has a great look to it as well. The icons are appealing and conversations are neatly stacked to the side, ready to be drawn up at any time. The application is stable, fun and has a large audience. These are great features in a chat application.
Where can you run this program?
This software is available for download on any PC that operates using Windows operating system. Facebook.com has a link that will download the messenger app to your desktop.
Is there a better alternative?
Messenger even still after 2018 is a large app which uses a lot of data and RAM and battery life. FB Developers have recognized this issue and provided a more nimble and less intrusive application. Messenger has the same interface and support.
WhatsApp is there to put a smile to a friend’s face. This app is home to customizable fonts, gifs, emojis, and stickers. Its interface is tooled to keep pace in the flow of an enjoyable conversation.
Google Hangouts product has been a venerable bulwark in the communication apps space. Google Hangouts remains a popular and suitable chat application for millions. Built on a concise and powerful software, Hangouts became Google’s most utilized chat application. This will all be changing in the near future, however. Hangouts is experiencing a transition period that will culminate in its eventual abandonment. For the time being, Hangouts will remain a stable and efficient chat application through October 2019.
Can you open Messenger in Web?
Yes, you can absolutely open Messenger on the web! There are two ways to do this:
By using the Messenger website:
- Go to Messenger site in your web browser
- If you're already logged into Facebook, you'll be automatically logged into Messenger as well. If not, you'll need to enter your Facebook login information
- Once you're logged in, you'll see your list of conversations and you can start chatting with your friends
By using Facebook in your web browser:
- Go to Facebook in your web browser
- Log in to your Facebook account if you haven't already
- Click on the Messenger icon in the top navigation bar
This will open your Messenger inbox where you can see your list of conversations and start chatting with your friends.
Both methods offer the same functionality, so you can choose whichever you find more convenient.
Can someone still message you if you deactivate Messenger?
Whether someone can message you after you deactivate Messenger depends on whether you've also deactivated your Facebook account.
If you deactivate only Messenger, people will not be able to send you new messages, and your profile will not appear in search results. You will not be able to receive or read messages sent during your deactivation period. However, people will still be able to see your past messages and conversations. Once you reactivate Messenger, you will be able to see all of the messages that were sent to you during your deactivation period.
If you deactivate both Facebook and Messenger, no one will be able to message you, as both your Facebook account and Messenger are deactivated. Your profile will not be visible to anyone, and you will not be able to send or receive messages. All of your messages and conversations will be hidden until you reactivate your accounts.
Our take
On a desktop, however, all the media products available for sharing on Facebook Messenger run more smoothly. Facebook Messenger is an excellent messenger app for the simple reason that everyone is on it!
Should you download it?
Yes. Messenger for Windows should be welcomed by anyone using a PC that runs Windows software. Grandparents immediately spring to mind. Older generations often use PC desktops. If not for Messenger on Windows, this population would likely not be able to use the product at all, because they may not have a mobile device to download the app. The product is ideal for anyone who uses their PC throughout the day and finds themselves constantly picking up their phone to communicate. Many might fit that description but work in an office where downloading a messenger app would not be tolerated. These people will have to keep Messenger on their mobile device or their home computer.
