How to Use Microsoft Messenger on the Web

Chat to friends online with MSN Web Messenger.

Windows Live Messenger, formerly known as MSN Messenger, is Microsoft's free instant messenger that allows you to chat with friends via type, audio and video. You can download it free to your PC. If you want to use the messenger on the move, however, or simply prefer to chat within your Web browser, you can log in to the Windows Live Web Messenger using the same ID. It has limited features, but it provides a simple way to send instant messages to your MSN contacts.

Instructions

1. Go to the Windows Live login page, enter your user name or email address and password, and click "Sign in."

2. Click "Messenger" in the main menu. The number in parentheses next to it tells you how many of your contacts are online.

3. Click a contact's name in the drop-down menu to start a conversation, then type a message in the box, and press "Enter" to send. Continue your conversation as you would in any instant messenger, such as the non-Web Windows Live Messenger.

4. Return to the same browser tab or window to resume a conversation or start a new one. New chats appear within the tab or window, but you can click "Maximize" to view conversations in a pop-up window.

5. Keep an eye on the Windows Live tab or window header for message alerts if you are using another tab or window. If you leave the Windows Live page, you remain logged in but you can only receive messages if you still have a pop-up window open.

Resources

• Windows Live: Login