 MSN Messenger logo, 1999–2006 | |
 MSN Messenger 4.6, released in 2001 | |
| Other names |
|
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
| Initial release | July 22, 1999 |
| Final release | 16.4.3508.205 (August 7, 2012) [±] |
| Written in | C++[1] |
| Operating system | |
| Successor | Skype |
| Available in | 50 languages |
| Type | Instant messaging |
| License | Proprietary (freeware or bundled) |
| Website | messenger |
MSN Messenger (also known colloquially simply as MSN[2][3]), later rebranded as Windows Live Messenger, was a cross-platform instant-messaging client developed by Microsoft.[4] It connected to the now-discontinued Microsoft Messenger service and, in later versions, was compatible with Yahoo! Messenger and Facebook Messenger. The service was discontinued in 2013 and was replaced by Skype.
The client was first released as MSN Messenger Service on July 22, 1999, and was marketed under the MSN brand until 2005, when it was rebranded under the Windows Live name. It has since been officially known by the latter name, although its first name remained in common use.[5][6] In June 2009, Microsoft reported the service attracted over 330 million active users each month, placing it among the most widely used instant-messaging clients in the world.[7]
Following its acquisition of Skype Technologies in May 2011, Microsoft added interoperability between Skype and Microsoft accounts, allowing Skype—which had features unique to its platform and a wider user base—to communicate with Windows Live Messenger contacts. In 2013, the product was discontinued, and Microsoft began cutting service to existing clients. It remained active in China for another 18 months and ceased operations there on October 31, 2014.
In 2018, a free version of Microsoft Teams became available after years as a component of an Office 365 subscription. Teams inherited the Microsoft accounts architecture, allowing users to invite contacts from the discontinued services, MSN Messenger and Skype.[8]
- ^ Auerbach, David (Spring 2014). "Chat Wars". n+1. No. 19. Archived from the original on December 24, 2023.
- ^ Billington, James (September 1, 2014). "10 things we remember about MSN Messenger". News.com.au. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Basa, Eul (December 2015). "30 MSN Memories Everybody Knows All Too Well". Narcity. Archived from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Warren, Tom (August 29, 2014). "MSN Messenger is shutting down after 15 years of memories". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 14, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
- ^ "Microsoft Launches MSN Messenger Service". News Center. Microsoft. July 21, 1999. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
- ^ "Lists: Releases". Inside Windows Live Messenger. Microsoft. Archived from the original on February 23, 2008.
- ^ Protalinski, Emil (June 15, 2009). "Windows Live Messenger Has 330 Million Active Users." Archived January 31, 2019, at the Wayback Machine Ars Technica. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- ^ "17 things only MSN Messenger addicts will remember". Digital Spy. October 31, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2024.