Stay in touch with all your friends, family and colleagues with Windows Live Messenger 2011! - Tutorial 1 - Install Windows Live Messenger

Last updated December 13, 2010 3:51 PM

Windows Live Messenger 2011 is a popular choice for Windows users looking for a versatile and feature packed instant messaging program. With support for voice, webcams and file sharing, Live Messenger may be the only IM program you need!

Installing Windows Live Messenger is really easy. Firstly, download the latest version from this page. Follow the instructions given on the page to download and start the installation (or just save the file somewhere and then double click it). Once the installation process has started, the following window will be displayed:-

Windows Live Messenger forms part of Microsoft's Live Essentials bundle. For this tutorial we'll only be installing Live Messenger, so click on "Choose the programs you want to install". You can run the installer again at any time to add additional components. Once you have selected the choose programs option, the following window will be displayed:-

On the above window, you can choose which Windows Live components to install. Make sure that "Messenger" is ticked/checked. Feel free to choose any of the other components too. The "Family Safety" module is useful for parents who are concerned about who their children might be talking to (this module is covered in a later tutorial, so be sure to select it if you want to complete that tutorial). All components are free, so choose as many as you like.

When you have decided on the components to install, click on "Install". The following window will then appear:-

Wait while your chosen components are installed. This may take several minutes. When the process is complete the following window will appear:-

Live Messenger is now installed and ready for use. You can run the installation program again at any time to add any additional components you may require.