MSN Messenger

MSN Messenger / Windows Live Messenger
Company type	Instant messaging software
Industry	Instant messaging
Founded	July 22, 1999; 27 years ago
Founder	Microsoft
Defunct	October 31, 2014
Fate	Phased out and replaced by Skype, later Microsoft Teams
Headquarters	Redmond, United States
Products	Instant messaging client software
Owner	Microsoft

MSN Messenger—which was later renamed Windows Live Messenger—served as a multi-platform instant messaging application created by Microsoft. It connected users through the now-defunct Microsoft Messenger service and eventually enabled interoperability with platforms such as Yahoo! Messenger and Facebook Messenger. The service was phased out in 2013, replaced by Skype, which itself was later superseded by Microsoft Teams.

Initially launched on July 22, 1999, under the name MSN Messenger Service, it operated under the MSN branding until 2005 before transitioning to the Windows Live label. By June 2009, Microsoft announced that the platform had amassed over 330 million active users per month, ranking it among the leading instant messaging clients worldwide.

Following Microsoft's acquisition of Skype Technologies in May 2011, integration was introduced allowing communication between Skype and Windows Live Messenger contacts. Under CEO Steve Ballmer, Microsoft terminated Windows Live Messenger in most regions in 2013, with the exception of China, where it remained available until October 31, 2014.

In 2018, Microsoft launched a free edition of Microsoft Teams, which utilized the Microsoft accounts system and provided connectivity for contacts originating from MSN Messenger and Skype.

MSN Messenger 1.0–7.5 (1999–2005)

Before adopting the Windows Live Messenger identity, the application was known as "MSN Messenger" from its inception in 1999 through to 2006, during which time it underwent seven significant version updates.

The inaugural release, MSN Messenger Service 1.0 (version 1.0.0863), debuted on July 22, 1999, featuring fundamental functions such as text messaging and a straightforward contact list. At launch, it allowed connections to AOL Instant Messenger (AIM); however, AOL exploited a buffer overflow vulnerability to block this access, prompting Microsoft to limit connectivity exclusively to its own network and require users to sign in with a Windows Live ID (formerly .NET Passport).

Version 2.0 (2.0.0083), issued on November 16, 1999, introduced rotating advertisements and options to personalize chat window appearances. This edition was bundled with Windows Me. The subsequent release, version 3.0 (3.0.0080) on May 29, 2000, added features such as file transfers and voice communication capabilities via PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone calls using VoIP providers Net2Phone and Callserve.

With the arrival of Windows XP, version 4.6 appeared on October 23, 2001, showcasing a redesigned interface, contact grouping functionality, and support for voice conversations. The client’s name shifted from "MSN Messenger Service" to "MSN Messenger," while the backend became known as ".NET Messenger Service." This edition supported operating systems ranging from Windows 95 through Windows 2000; meanwhile, Windows XP users received a lighter alternative called Windows Messenger. Version 5.0 followed on October 24, 2002; it permitted side-by-side installation with Windows Messenger on XP and introduced UPnP-enabled file transfers alongside a plug-in for Windows Media Player.

Version 6.0 was released on July 17, 2003, delivering major enhancements including customizable emoticons, avatars, and backgrounds. Later updates concentrated on user interface improvements: version 6.1 allowed users to hide window frames and menu bars as well as customize theme colors individually; version 6.2 added a dedicated Mobile contact group and tools for diagnosing connection issues.

On April 7, 2005, version 7.0 launched with new features such as animated winks previously exclusive to threedegrees users, integrated ads promoting animated display pictures and emoticons, Xbox Live connectivity, digital ink support, and handwriting recognition capabilities. This marked the last release compatible with Windows versions 98, Me, and 2000.

The final iteration before rebranding was version 7.5 on August 23, 2005. This update introduced Dynamic Backgrounds and the "msnim" protocol handler enabling web-based contact additions or chat initiations. It also brought Voice Clips—allowing recordings of audio messages up to fifteen seconds—and redesigned conversation windows featuring a video button. Additionally, this version implemented the Windows Installer system for automatic updates.

Windows Live Messenger 8.0–8.5 (2005–2009)

MSN Messenger was renamed "Windows Live Messenger" starting with version 8.0 as part of Microsoft's Windows Live branding strategy.

The initial Beta release of Windows Live Messenger 8.0 appeared on December 13, 2005, introducing features such as offline messaging, customizable window color themes, separate send and search input fields, and improved contact information displayed on hover.

Beta 2 followed on February 26, 2006, enhancing the user interface and adding Windows Live Contacts integration, single file transfer capability, a redesigned "Add a Contact" dialog, and an updated login screen.

Beta 3 was launched on May 2, 2006, bringing new icons, PC-to-phone calling functionality, an updated Windows Live Call interface, integration with Rhapsody in the United States, options for sound customization, and further login page improvements.

The official Windows Live Messenger 8.0 version was released on June 19, 2006. Key new features included the ability to assign nicknames per contact, message timestamps, grouping repeated messages from the same sender into one display, application-wide color themes, and a transition from Microsoft Passport Network to Windows Live ID for authentication. An update on August 10 addressed audio/video enhancements and resolved minor issues.

Version 8.1 Beta 1 was introduced on October 30, 2006, featuring roaming identity support to maintain consistent display names across devices, a redesigned contact card, lists of recently used emoticons and winks, an SMS phone book for text messaging contacts, a sign-out button, an abuse reporting mechanism, interoperability with Yahoo! Messenger, and improved status functionality on Windows Vista. A subsequent bug-fix update was issued on December 13.

The final release of Windows Live Messenger 8.1 occurred on January 29, 2007. Due to a security vulnerability related to webcam/video chat invitations, versions earlier than 8.1 were deprecated as of September 12; users running Windows XP or later were required to upgrade to version 8.1 or newer.

On August 27, 2009, Microsoft enforced mandatory upgrades to version 14.0.8089 for all users operating versions 8.1 and above because of security concerns; this rollout began on September 15.

Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta 1 debuted on May 31, 2007, requiring Windows XP SP2 and featuring a new installer aligned with Windows Live 2.0, Vista-style user interface enhancements, a new "bunny" emoticon, integration with Windows Live OneCare Family Safety, and updates delivered through Microsoft Update. Beta 2 arrived on September 5 with bug fixes but no significant feature additions; its installer lacked support for Windows Server 2003.

The final Windows Live Messenger 8.5 version was released November 6, 2007 without major changes beyond those present in the beta releases.

Windows Live Messenger 14.0–16.4 (2009–2012)

Initially labeled as version 9.0 but later assigned technical version number 14.0 to align with other Windows Live and Microsoft Office products, Windows Live Messenger 2009 marked a significant update.

Microsoft explored multi-user audio/video chat capabilities along with interoperability efforts involving AIM, XMPP, and ICQ. Although an internal XMPP implementation was developed, these features were not incorporated into the Windows Live Messenger 2009 release.

The beta program for Windows Live Messenger "9" commenced in late 2007; early leaked builds in 2008 showcased the new "Wave 3" user interface design. Version 14.0 introduced spam filtering measures, support for simultaneous sign-in across multiple devices ("Multiple Points of Presence Support"), animated GIFs within photos, customizable sounds per contact, and clickable hyperlinks in status messages.

The public beta launched on September 17, 2008 (Build 14.0.5027.908), unveiling a redesigned interface consistent with the Wave 3 theme; customizable "Scenes" allowed personalization of contact lists and chat windows; group conversations could continue persistently via "Groups"; status icons were refreshed; a default "Favorites" category was added; photo sharing was improved; and a "What's New" section provided update notifications. Display pictures shifted to the left side in chats with colorful borders indicating status. This iteration was the first to employ the standard window frame on Windows Vista.

Several features were removed or altered in version 9.0: add-ins were discontinued; offline file transfers eliminated; certain status options such as "Be right back," "Out to lunch," and "In a call" were removed; the Go to my space button was dropped; webcam configuration during video calls was restricted; the Send button was removed; some games dependent on localization were omitted; integration with Windows Contacts ceased; Sharing Folders functionality was replaced by Windows Live SkyDrive integration; background sharing transitioned into the new "Scene" feature.

On December 15, 2008, the Windows Live Messenger 2009 Release Candidate (Build 14.0.8050.1202) was issued alongside other Wave 3 applications under the rebranded Windows Live Essentials. This build eliminated custom sign-in sounds but preserved per-contact sound customization and addressed over two hundred bugs. The final release launched January 7, 2009.

The last Wave 3 quick-fix update (May 12, 2010) removed features including one-way webcam viewing without audio and import/export of contacts via .CTT files; video calls now required both audio presence and mutual webcam activation.

In early 2010, a private beta of Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 leaked online but restricted sign-ins to authorized testers only. This release introduced a revamped interface incorporating social networking elements: tabbed conversations; new emoticons; Bing search integration; built-in support for video messages; HD video chat capabilities; inline social update comments; a social photo viewer supporting Facebook and SkyDrive photos with commenting features; badges support; synchronized statuses categorized by type; and Facebook chat integration. Removed elements included display names, handwriting tools, one-way webcam requests, and contact import/export functionality.

Wave 4 discontinued support for Windows XP, functioning exclusively on Windows Vista or Windows 7. The iOS client launched June 21, 2010 alongside versions for Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and Symbian devices.

The public beta of Windows Live Messenger Wave 4 was released June 24, 2010 followed by an updated beta on August 17. The final Windows Live Messenger 2011 (Wave 4) version launched September 30 and included a build for Zune HD devices.

On June 14, 2012 Microsoft enforced an upgrade from the Windows Live Messenger 2009 client to the 2011 version for users running Windows Vista or Windows 7 while allowing Windows XP users to continue using the older client through compatibility mode.

On August 7, 2012 Microsoft released Windows Essentials 2012 suite which included an updated edition of Windows Live Messenger featuring improved functionality and tighter integration capabilities.

Discontinuation and legacy

On November 6, 2012, Microsoft revealed plans to integrate Messenger with Skype services in early 2013. Tony Bates, then head of the Skype Division, explained that users could log into Skype using their Microsoft account credentials, access their Messenger contacts, and communicate without interruption. On January 8, 2013, Microsoft announced that Messenger would be discontinued on March 15, 2013, except within mainland China.

ZDNet reported on February 15, 2013, that the shutdown notification email had initially been sent to just one percent of users as a trial. Subsequently, Microsoft declared a gradual phase-out of Messenger starting April 8, 2013, by language regions, culminating on April 30. The service remained active solely in mainland China. According to ZDNet, the initial impact was primarily on Messenger's sign-in capability, while the service itself continued for roughly one more year. Brazil was the final country to complete the transition by April 30.

In August 2014, Microsoft informed Chinese users that Messenger would be terminated on October 31, 2014, encouraging them to switch to Skype and offering complimentary credits as an incentive.

By 2017, developers had reverse engineered the Messenger protocol and launched independent servers that restored MSN/Windows Live Messenger functionality under the name Escargot. This unofficial resurrection underscores persistent interest in legacy instant messaging platforms.

Features

In addition to standard instant messaging functions, the most recent version of Windows Live Messenger incorporated several notable features:

Album Viewer

Built upon Windows Photo Gallery, the album viewer allows users to browse photo albums shared through SkyDrive and Facebook. It supports interactive full-screen displays and slideshow presentations, enables commenting on albums from both Facebook and SkyDrive, and includes people tagging for SkyDrive content. The experience closely resembles the Microsoft Silverlight-based web photo album interface found on SkyDrive.

Appear offline to individuals or categories

Introduced in Windows Live Messenger 2011, this feature lets users appear invisible to selected contacts or entire groups while remaining visible to others. Unlike earlier versions where blocking prevented all message receipt, users hidden by this setting can still send offline messages to those contacts.

Social networks integration

Messenger users can connect accounts from services such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn via Windows Live Profile, enabling social updates to appear within Messenger’s "Full view." They have the ability to post status messages and photos directly to these linked platforms. Additionally, Messenger imports contacts from these networks and supports instant messaging with Facebook users through integration with Facebook Chat using the XMPP protocol.

Offline messaging

Users can send messages to contacts who are not currently online; these messages are delivered once recipients reconnect. It is also possible to start conversations while set to Appear Offline mode in Windows Live Messenger 2009 or earlier.

Games and applications

Windows Live Messenger provides access to various games and applications through the chat window. This allows users to challenge friends or launch shared external apps for interactive experiences during conversations.

Messenger Companion

Windows Live Messenger Companion functioned as a browser extension for Windows Internet Explorer, designed to recognize when users accessed websites shared by their contacts. This feature enabled immediate viewing and commenting on shared web content through Windows Live. By linking with Windows Live Messenger via Windows Live ID, it granted access to friends' contacts and the links they shared. Its primary capabilities included:

Sharing URLs with friends directly within the browser
Browsing links shared by contacts
Posting comments on shared links

Messenger Companion was bundled with Windows Live Essentials 2011 but was removed from the suite in 2012.

Protocol

Windows Live Messenger utilized the Microsoft Notification Protocol (MSNP) over TCP, optionally supporting HTTP to accommodate proxy servers. It connected to Microsoft's messaging infrastructure through port 1863 at "messenger.hotmail.com."

Although Microsoft made MSNP version 2 public in 1999, versions 8 and later have remained proprietary. The servers accept only MSNP versions 8 and above, with command formats primarily deciphered through network analysis tools such as Wireshark. Unlike many contemporary messaging protocols like XMPP, MSNP does not implement encryption, rendering friend lists and conversations vulnerable to interception, particularly on unsecured networks.

Content filtering

Message content was filtered on the server side; for example, links directing to The Pirate Bay were blocked across Windows Live Messenger and compatible clients. However, URLs leading to other P2P platforms were still allowed.

"i'm" initiative

The i'm initiative, introduced by Microsoft in March 2007, connected users within the United States to ten charitable organizations through Windows Live Messenger. Microsoft allocated a portion of advertising revenue generated from these interactions to the participating groups, without any donation ceiling. Each organization was guaranteed a minimum contribution of $100,000 during the program’s inaugural year. This initiative supported Messenger versions 8.1 and later.

By its conclusion in March 2010, the campaign had raised in excess of $3 million.

Interoperability

On October 13, 2005, Microsoft and Yahoo! revealed plans to establish interoperability between their respective messenger platforms. This followed years of reliance on third-party clients such as PowWow, Trillian, and Pidgin. The collaboration aimed to address industry concerns regarding network exclusivity imposed by major real-time communication providers. On July 12, 2006, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger became interoperable, enabling users to exchange instant messages, emoticons, nudges, offline messages, presence indicators, and status updates. This compatibility persisted for six years until December 14, 2012.

Support for interoperability with Facebook Chat was launched on September 30, 2010, coinciding with the release of Windows Live Messenger 2011.

Platforms

Various editions of Windows Live Messenger were created for multiple operating systems and devices, including Windows, Xbox 360, Mac OS X (later rebranded as Microsoft Messenger for Mac), BlackBerry OS, iOS, Java ME, S60 on Symbian OS 9.x, MSN TV, Zune HD, Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, and Windows CE.

Messenger Mobile (previously known as Windows Live Messenger Mobile) was designed specifically for mobile gadgets utilizing cellular networks or Wi-Fi connections. It featured a version compatible with WAP to support a wide array of devices, along with specialized clients tailored for Windows Mobile, iOS, BlackBerry, and Nokia Series 60 platforms.

Windows Mobile

The Windows Live Messenger Mobile application was incorporated into the "Windows Live for Windows Mobile" suite, which came pre-installed on Windows Mobile 6 operating systems for both smartphone (non-touchscreen) and professional (touchscreen) versions. This included capabilities such as sending short voice messages (up to 10 seconds), images, and emoticons.

Xbox

Windows Live Messenger functionality was added to the Xbox 360 through the spring 2007 dashboard update released on May 9, 2007, under the name Xbox Live Messenger.

This integration allowed users to view the Gamertags of their Xbox Live friends and monitor their current games. The Xbox 360 enabled text messaging during gameplay or while consuming media content, with Microsoft indicating plans to introduce voice and video chat features later. Support for child accounts was introduced in December 2007.

To improve the messaging experience, Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit, a QWERTY keyboard accessory that connected via the controller’s headset jack and featured 47 illuminated keys; additionally, USB keyboards were supported.

On June 14, 2010, Microsoft activated live video chat capabilities between Xbox LIVE users using the hands-free Kinect sensor and Windows Live Messenger contacts, available from launch.

MSN TV (WebTV)

During the summer of 2000, Microsoft's internet access device MSN TV (formerly known as WebTV) received an update adding a basic messaging client called MSN Messenger, which integrated with the broader Microsoft Messenger service. This client supported user presence indicators, plain text communication (without graphical emoticons), and management of buddy lists via the MSN TV platform. Subsequent versions of MSN TV 2 incorporated Windows Live Messenger compatibility featuring a redesigned interface and graphical emoticons. These clients reportedly remained operational until MSN TV’s termination in September 2013.

Though WebTV had been available in Japan prior to 2000, Japanese users apparently did not gain access to the Messenger functionality.

Mac

Microsoft Messenger for Mac (originally MSN Messenger for Mac) served as the official instant messaging application for the Microsoft Messenger service on Mac OS X, developed by Microsoft's Macintosh Business Unit. It offered fewer features compared to its Windows equivalent.

Starting from version 3.x, it adopted the Aqua visual style, whereas earlier releases resembled the design of Windows Messenger 4.0. Versions in the 5.x series utilized the brushed metal appearance.

Notable versions include:

Version 2.5.1: required update targeting Mac OS 9.2.2 users
Version 3.5: compatible with Mac OS X versions earlier than 10.2.8
Version 4.0.1: designed for Mac OS X 10.2.8 and above
Version 5.1.1: supporting Mac OS X 10.3+
Version 6.0.3: for Mac OS X 10.3.9+
Version 7.0.0 (April 2008): compatible with Mac OS X 10.4.9+; minor updates through 7.0.2 enhanced stability and integration with Microsoft Office Communicator
Version 8.0.0 beta (March 2010): targeted Intel-based Macs running Mac OS X 10.5+, introduced audio/video conferencing aligned with Windows Live Messenger 2009
Version 8.0.0 (October 2010): included in Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac, offering improved voice and video call reliability

With release of version 7.0, support for legacy enterprise messaging platforms such as Live Communications Server 2005 was discontinued; however, version 6.0.3 remained accessible for users requiring backward compatibility.

Support for webcam and audio features was postponed pending redevelopment of Windows Live Messenger’s multimedia framework to ensure seamless cross-platform functionality.

iOS

The Windows Live Messenger application for iOS provided instant message notifications even when the app was not actively running and supported Multiple Points of Presence (MPOP), allowing users to be signed in from several devices at once. Users had the capability to upload photos and entire albums to Windows Live Photos through SkyDrive, which included simple photo editing tools and tagging of contacts. Additionally, it incorporated the "Messenger social" feed from Windows Live Profile, enabling users to access and interact with social updates from their contacts across Windows Live, Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn after linking these as a "Service."

Nokia Series 40

On numerous Nokia handsets, such as the 7610, 7510, 7210, 6700c, 6600s, 6303c, 6260s, 5220, 5130XM, 3720c, 3710f, 3600s, 2730c, 2700c, 5530, and X3 models, the Windows Live Messenger Mobile client came pre-installed as a Java ME application.

Sony Ericsson

Most Sony Ericsson phones also featured a preloaded version of Windows Live Messenger Mobile implemented as a Java ME app.

Symbian

Microsoft created a Windows Live Messenger client tailored for the Symbian S60 Platform, widely used on Nokia smartphones. Initially launched on August 23, 2007 in selected regions and later distributed via the Ovi Store starting May 2009, this client offered features such as grouped contacts, voice messaging clips up to 10 seconds long, and the ability to send images and files. Distinctive S60 capabilities included tabbed chat windows and seamless integration with the device’s native contact list. The service was first available under a trial model (£1.50/$2.94 for a subsequent 30-day period after trial), but Microsoft transitioned it to a free offering by February 2009.

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