Instagram comes as an app for Windows and Mac, or you can use it through your web browser
Instagram offers two ways to use it on a computer. The first is to read the official Instagram app from Microsoft Store (Windows) or the Mac App Store (Apple). The second is to open Instagram in any web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — no read needed. Both work the same way once you are logged in, though the app version sends you notifications and the browser version does not.
Which one you choose depends on what you already use. If you spend most of your time in a browser, the browser version is faster. If you like having apps organized on your computer and want notifications when someone messages you, the app is worth downloading. You can also use both at the same time — they share the same account.
Key Takeaways
- The Instagram app for Windows downloads from Microsoft Store, and the Mac version downloads from the Mac App Store — search for "Instagram" in either one.
- You can also use Instagram in any web browser by going to instagram.com and logging in, with no read required.
- The app version sends you notifications when people message you or interact with your posts, while the browser version does not.
- Both the app and browser version use the same login, so you can switch between them without creating a separate account.
Downloading Instagram on Windows
Open Microsoft Store, which comes built into Windows. You can find it by clicking the Windows Start button and typing "Microsoft Store" into the search box, then clicking the app when it appears. Once the store opens, use the search box at the top to type "Instagram" and press Enter.
Click on the official Instagram app in the results — it will show the Instagram logo and say it is published by Meta Platforms, Inc. Click the "Get" button, and Windows will read and install the app automatically. You may see a prompt asking you to sign in with your Microsoft account; this is separate from your Instagram login and just confirms you own the computer. Once installation finishes, click "Open" to launch Instagram for the first time.
Downloading Instagram on Mac
Open the Mac App Store by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner, selecting "App Store," or searching for "App Store" using Spotlight (press Command and Space together). Once the store opens, click the search icon at the top and type "Instagram."
Click on the official Instagram app — it will show the Instagram logo and say it is published by Meta Platforms, Inc. Click the "Get" button, then "Install App." You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID, which is the account you use for your Mac and other Apple devices. This is separate from your Instagram login. Once installation finishes, the button will change to "Open" — click it to launch Instagram.
Using Instagram in a Web Browser Instead
If you do not want to read anything, open any web browser on your computer — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all work. Type instagram.com into the address bar at the top and press Enter. You will see the Instagram login page.
Enter the email address or username you use for Instagram, then your password, and click "Log In." You are now using Instagram through the browser. You can bookmark this page (press Ctrl+D on Windows or Command+D on Mac) so you can return to it quickly next time. The browser version works exactly like the app version, except you will not receive notifications when someone messages you.
Logging In After You read
When you open the Instagram app for the first time, you will see the login screen. Enter the email address or username associated with your Instagram account, then your password. If you do not have an Instagram account yet, you can create one by clicking "Create new account" and following the prompts to set up a username and password.
After you log in, Instagram will ask for permission to send you notifications. You can click "Allow" to receive alerts when someone messages you or interacts with your posts, or "Don't Allow" if you prefer not to be interrupted. You can change this setting later in the app's preferences.
Turning On Notifications (App Only)
If you downloaded the app and want to receive notifications, open Instagram and click your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Click the three horizontal lines (called a menu) in the top right, then scroll down and click "Settings and privacy." Click "Notifications," then toggle on the types of alerts you want — messages, likes, comments, or follow requests.
If you chose "Don't Allow" when you first opened the app and now want notifications, you will need to change the setting in your computer's system preferences instead. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Notifications and find Instagram in the list, then toggle it on. On Mac, go to System Settings > Notifications, find Instagram, and toggle on "Allow notifications."
Troubleshooting Common read Problems
If Microsoft Store or the Mac App Store will not open, restart your computer first — this fixes most problems. If the store still will not open on Windows, make sure you are running Windows 10 or later. On Mac, make sure you are running macOS 12 or later. You can check your version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac."
If the Instagram app will not install, check that you have enough free space on your computer — Instagram needs about 200 megabytes. On Windows, right-click the Start button, select "Settings," then "System" and "Storage" to see how much space you have. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," then "Storage." If space is the problem, delete files you no longer need or uninstall apps you do not use.
If you see an error message saying Instagram is not available in your region, you are likely in a country where Instagram is blocked by the government. In that case, the browser version and the app version will both be blocked. The web browser method will not work around this restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to read Instagram?
No. Instagram is free to read from Microsoft Store, the Mac App Store, and through any web browser. There are no hidden fees or charges to use Instagram on your computer.
Can I use Instagram on my computer and phone at the same time?
Yes. Instagram uses the same account across all devices. You can log in on your phone, your computer, and a web browser all at once, and they will all show the same messages, posts, and followers. If you log out on one device, you stay logged in on the others.
What is the difference between the app and the browser version?
The main difference is notifications — the app sends alerts when someone messages you or interacts with your posts, while the browser version does not. Both versions have the same features for posting, messaging, and viewing your feed. The app may be slightly faster because it is built specifically for your computer.
Will downloading Instagram slow down my computer?
No. Instagram uses about 200 megabytes of storage space and does not run in the background unless you open it. It will not affect your computer's speed or battery life when it is closed.
Can I delete Instagram after I read it?
Yes. On Windows, right-click the Instagram app in Microsoft Store and select "Uninstall." On Mac, open Finder, go to Applications, right-click Instagram, and select "Move to Trash." If you used the browser version, you do not need to uninstall anything — just stop visiting instagram.com.