Windows 8 Bible

Using Windows Live Messenger

As mentioned in the introduction to this chapter, you can use Windows Live Messenger in addition to or in place of the Messaging app. The following sections of the chapter explain how to download, install, and use some of the basic features of Windows Live Messenger.

Adding Messenger to Windows

As mentioned earlier, Windows Live Messenger is not included with Windows 8. Instead, it is available as a download from the Microsoft Live website. Before you download it, first check to see whether it is already on your computer. The easiest way to see if the app is already on your device is to open the Start screen and then type Windows Live to start a search. If Messenger is installed, you’ll see it listed in the search results and you can then pin it to the Start screen (if not already there), pin it to the taskbar, or just start it. If Messenger doesn’t show up, you need to add it. Doing so is easy:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/essentials-home.

2. If you don’t have a Windows Live account, sign up for one at the Windows Live login page. If you already have one, sign in with it.

3. When the Windows Live home page appears, click Download Now.

4. Click Run when prompted to either run or save the file.

Note

Note that Windows Live Messenger isn’t a Windows 8 app and therefore runs on the desktop. If you like the Messaging app but primarily work from the desktop, Messenger is a great alternative ...