A little of the old MSN Messenger feeling.
Going online used to mean seeing who was around. A friend changed their personal message. Someone appeared Available. A separate conversation window opened, and suddenly it was much later than you meant to stay up.
ADL Messenger is built around those small moments. It is a Windows desktop instant messenger with ADL branding, a contact list, status messages and proper chat windows. If you have been searching for a modern MSN Messenger alternative because you miss that experience, this is the idea behind ADL.
The familiar features, rebuilt for ADL.
- Presence and personal messages. Choose your status, display picture and a line that tells friends what is on your mind.
- Separate conversation windows. Keep your contact list nearby and give each chat its own place on your Windows desktop.
- Nudges, emoticons and winks. Add a little of the playful personality you remember from Windows Live Messenger.
- A changing tray icon. Tuck the app away beside the Windows clock, with an icon that reflects status and unread messages.
- Contacts, group chats and file sharing. Add people by their ADL Messenger ID or contact link. Contact requests require approval, and blocking is available.
- One account on your laptop and PC. Use the same ADL account on multiple computers, with shared contacts, messages and read status.
- Email recovery. Verify your email when signing up so you can recover access if you forget your password.
ADL Messenger is still an unsigned beta. Microphone and webcam calling require further testing across real devices. See the release notes and version archive for what has shipped.
Is this the original MSN or Windows Live Messenger?
No. ADL Messenger is a new, independent app and service by Asia Design Lab. It is inspired by the Windows Live Messenger 2009 era; it is not an official Microsoft release, an MSN service revival or a way to sign back into the retired Microsoft Messenger network.
You will create a new ADL account. Old MSN passwords and contact lists are not imported. Your ADL Messenger ID and invitation link are what you share with friends, and they need an ADL account too.
That distinction matters if you are searching for an “MSN Messenger download” or an old Windows Live Messenger installer. The downloads here are for ADL Messenger. An original Microsoft Messenger installer is a different application and does not connect to the ADL service.
How to get that first hello back.
- Download the Windows installer. Choose the latest ADL Messenger Windows beta. The installer sets up desktop shortcuts and ADL contact links. A portable edition is available in the archive.
- Create your ADL account. Pick a Messenger ID, choose a password and verify your email. Set your display picture and personal message.
- Invite a friend. Share your ADL contact link or Messenger ID. When your friend joins and the contact request is approved, you are ready to chat.
Already using ADL Messenger? Keep your existing account when you upgrade. You can sign in on both your PC and laptop, and manage signed-in computers under Account & devices.
What to know before downloading.
The current Windows beta is free and unsigned, so Windows may show an unknown-publisher warning. It is a downloadable desktop app; the Messenger window on the homepage is only an interactive preview.
Connections to the ADL service use HTTPS and secure WebSockets. Messages and shared files are stored on the server. This beta does not provide end-to-end encrypted chat. Your recovery email is private and is not part of your public contact card.
Older ADL versions remain available for reference, although they may not support current sign-up. We recommend the latest ADL Messenger installer for everyday use.