Remove Windows Messenger from Windows 7, Vista, and XP

If you ain’t using it, get rid of it

Windows Messenger and Windows Live Messenger are useful programs for instant messaging. However, if you don’t use instant messaging, Messenger can quickly become a resource hogging annoyance that can pop up at the worst possible time. Fortunately, you can remove or uninstall Messenger in all versions of Windows XP, Vista and 7.

Windows XP

Since Windows Messenger comes as part of the Windows XP operating system, it’s impossible to uninstall the program outright in the graphical user interface. It is possible, though, to remove and disable Messenger so that it doesn’t interfere with the use of your computer.

The first step to removing Windows Messenger in Windows XP is to make sure your version of Windows is up to date. With Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later, removing Windows Messenger from the start menu is simple.

ClickStart,Control Panel, thenAdd or Remove Programs. ClickAdd/Remove WindowsComponents. Clear the check mark besideWindows Messenger, then clickNext. Click Finish, and restart your computer if prompted to do so.

In Windows XP Home Edition, you can disable Messenger from within the program interface. Start Windows Messenger, then selectTools and Options. Select thePreferencestab and clear the check box next to“Run Windows Messenger when Windows starts.”If Windows Messenger is already disabled, then this option may not appear in thePreferencestab.

In Windows XP Professional, use the Group Policy Editor to remove Messenger. Click Start, Run, then typegpedit.mscin the field provided. Expand theLocal Computer Policylist.

In the list, findComputer Configuration,Administrative Templates, thenWindows Components. SelectWindows Messenger, right click the“Do not allow Windows Messenger to run”option and chooseProperties. SelectEnabledand then clickOK.

In both Windows XP Home Edition and Professional, you can disable Messenger in Administrative Tools. ClickStart,Control Panel,Performance and Maintenance, then clickAdministrative Tools. ClickServices. Then find Messenger within the list of programs. Right click it and chooseProperties. Make sure that theStartup Typeis set toDisabled, then clickOK.

Windows Vista and 7

To get started removing Windows Live Messenger in Windows Vista and 7, you must first make sure that Windows Live Essentials is updated. In theStart Searchbox, typeWindows Update. SelectWindows Updatefrom the program list.

If there are updates available for installation, selectInstall Updates. You can also click theReview Important UpdatesorImportant Updates Are Availablelink to see the available updates, and clickView Update Historyto see which updates you’ve already installed. If not, selectCheck for Updates. Ensure that you install the latest version of Windows Live Essentials on your computer before continuing.

In both Windows Vista and 7, click theStartbutton andControl Panel. UnderPrograms, selectUninstall a Program. SelectWindows Live Essentialsand clickUninstall/Change. SelectRemove one or more Windows Live Programs, then selectMessenger. ClickUninstallto completely remove Windows Live Messenger from your computer.

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications.Read Aseem’s Full Bio

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Remove Windows Messenger from Windows 7, Vista, and XP#

Windows XP#

Windows Vista and 7#