read Messenger directly from Facebook or the Microsoft Store

Facebook Messenger is a separate program from Facebook itself. You can get it in two ways: read it directly from Facebook's website, or install it from the Microsoft Store if you use Windows. The Microsoft Store version updates automatically, which means you do not have to remember to check for new versions yourself. The direct read from Facebook's website works on both Windows and Mac.

Both versions do the same thing — they let you send messages, make calls, and share photos without opening a web browser. The choice between them comes down to whether you want automatic updates (Microsoft Store) or prefer to control when updates happen (direct read).

Key Takeaways

  • You can read Messenger from Facebook's website or install it from the Microsoft Store on Windows computers.
  • The Microsoft Store version updates automatically, while the direct read version updates only when you choose to install updates.
  • You need a Facebook account to use Messenger, but you do not need to open Facebook in a web browser to use the app.
  • The read takes less than five minutes on most internet connections, and the program uses about 200 megabytes of storage space.

read Messenger from Facebook's website

Go to messenger.com in any web browser. At the top right of the page, you will see a button that says "read" or "Get Messenger." Click it. A small window will pop up with read options for Windows and Mac — choose the one that matches your computer.

The file will read to your Downloads folder (or wherever your browser normally saves files). Once the read finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the Messenger installer file. Windows will ask you to confirm that you want to install the program — click "Yes" or "Install." The program will then copy itself onto your computer, which usually takes one to two minutes. When it finishes, Messenger will open automatically and ask you to log in with your Facebook username and password.

If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Facebook account, you will need to enter a code from your phone or authentication app after you type your password. This is normal and makes your account more find.

Install Messenger from the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer. (It is usually pinned to your Start menu, or you can search for "Microsoft Store" in the Windows search box.) In the search bar at the top, type "Messenger" and press Enter. The official Facebook Messenger app will appear at the top of the results — it has the Messenger logo (a white lightning bolt on a blue circle).

Click the app, then click the button that says "Install." Windows will read and install the program automatically. You do not need to do anything else — the installation happens in the background. When it finishes, you can open Messenger from your Start menu or by searching for "Messenger" in Windows search. Log in with your Facebook username and password, and you are ready to use it.

The Microsoft Store version will check for updates automatically and install them without asking you. This means you always have the latest version, but you cannot delay an update if you want to.

What to do if the read does not start

If you click the read button and nothing happens, your browser may be blocking the read. Look for a notification bar at the top or bottom of the browser window that says something like "This site tried to read a file." Click "Allow" or "read" on that notification. Then try clicking the read button again.

If you still do not see a read, try a different web browser. Open Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari (whichever you do not normally use) and go to messenger.com again. Try the read from there. If the read works in a different browser, the problem is with your usual browser's settings, not with your computer or internet connection.

On very slow internet connections, the read can take ten to fifteen minutes. If the read seems to be taking a long time, check your internet speed by opening a new tab and going to speedtest.net. If your read speed is below 1 megabyte per second, the read will be slow, but it will still finish eventually.

Sign in and set up your account

When Messenger opens for the first time, it will ask for your Facebook username or email address and your password. Type them in and click "Log In." If you have never used Messenger before, it will show you a quick tour of the main features — you can click through it or close it to skip ahead.

Messenger will then ask whether you want to turn on notifications. Notifications let Messenger alert you when you receive a new message, even if you are not looking at the program. You can turn notifications on or off anytime later in the program's settings, so choose whatever you prefer now.

Your contact list will load automatically from your Facebook friends. You can start sending messages right away by clicking on a friend's name in the left sidebar.

Update Messenger when new versions are released

If you downloaded Messenger directly from Facebook's website, you will need to update it manually. When an update is available, Messenger will show a notification asking whether you want to install it. Click "Update" or "Install Update" to get the new version. The update usually takes one to three minutes.

If you installed Messenger from the Microsoft Store, updates happen automatically in the background. You do not need to do anything. Your version will always be current without any action on your part.

You can check which version of Messenger you have by opening the program and looking for a menu (usually three dots or lines in the top right corner). Click it and look for "About Messenger" or "Settings." The version number will be listed there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Facebook account to use Messenger?

Yes. Messenger is part of Facebook, so you must have a Facebook account to log in. You do not need to use Facebook itself — you can log into Messenger and ignore Facebook entirely — but the account must exist.

Can I use Messenger on my phone and computer at the same time?

Yes. You can log into Messenger on your phone, tablet, and computer all at once with the same account. Messages will appear on all your devices, so you can pick up a conversation on whichever device is closest to you.

How much storage space does Messenger use?

Messenger takes about 200 to 300 megabytes of storage space on your computer, depending on your version and how many photos you have downloaded through the app. This is small enough that it will not noticeably affect most computers.

What is the difference between Messenger and Facebook?

Facebook is the social network where you post updates and photos. Messenger is the messaging part — it is a separate program focused only on sending and receiving messages, making calls, and sharing files with individual people or groups.

Can I uninstall Messenger if I do not want it anymore?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps, then Apps and Features. Find Messenger in the list, click it, and click "Uninstall." On Mac, open Applications, find Messenger, and drag it to the Trash. Your messages will still be saved in your Facebook account if you ever want to reinstall it.