How to Remove Microsoft Instant Messenger

by Lysis

Overview

There are two types of instant-messaging services available from Microsoft. Microsoft's Windows Messenger service was bundled with Windows XP. The software was intended for communication across the same network such as in the home or in the office. MSN Messenger (later named Windows Live Messenger) is the online chatting service downloaded from Microsoft's website and installed on the machine. Even though these services are different clients, they are both removed in the Control Panel's "Add/Remove Program" console.

Step 1

Click the Windows "Start" menu. Select "Control Panel" and double-click the "Add/Remove Programs" icon. In Vista, the icon is labeled "Programs and Features."
Step 2

Click the "Windows Components" icon on the left side of the window pane. For Vista, the link is named "Turn Windows features on or off."
Step 3

Select "Windows Messenger" and click the "Remove" button. In Vista, the button is labeled "Uninstall." A confirmation window opens. Click "Yes" to verify the Windows Messenger client.
Step 4

Go back to the main "Add/Remove Programs" window. If you also have MSN Messenger installed and want to remove it, scroll down and select "MSN Messenger." Click the "Remove" button for Windows XP and "Uninstall" for Vista. Click "Yes" at the confirmation screen to remove MSN Messenger from the computer.
Step 5

Close the "Add/Remove Programs" window. The programs are now removed from the computer.