Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.

MSN Messenger doesn't allow you to log into multiple accounts, but there are ways to get around this.

How do you set things up so you are signed into MSN Messenger using two different accounts at the same time? I have an account with my new friends, but I also have an account that I use with others that I want to talk to at the same time.

You're not alone. I get this question frequently. Sadly, MSN Messenger, or it's lesser twin Windows Messenger, simply don't allow you to do this. At least not directly.

But, as they say, we have ways of letting you talk.

MSN Messenger only allows you to run one instance at a time, and that one instance can only log in as a single user. The same is true for Windows Messenger. The upshot is that each of these simply cannot use multiple accounts at the same time.

At least not on their own.

And therein lies the answer.

"You can even chat with yourself, if that kind of thing appeals to you."

You can run MSN Messenger at the same time as Windows Messenger, and each could be logged into a different account. Or for that matter, you could use MSN's web-based messenger service in addition to either, or both, of the instant messaging applications.

Or, you could use Trillian, Gaim or perhaps other IM clients. Trillian and Gaim are multi-protocol instant messaging clients that allow you to use a single program to talk to MSN, AIM, Yahoo and other IM buddies. These can be run along side the IM clients mentioned so far, so you could, for example, use Trillian to talk using one account, and MSN Messenger to talk using another.

And finally, Trillian actually supports multiple accounts natively. You can configure it with two (or presumably more) MSN identities, and chat at the same time using both.

You can even chat with yourself, if that kind of thing appeals to you.

Article C2617 - April 8, 2006

Leo Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed. After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.

Not what you needed?

Recent Comments
20 Comments

well i remember once i dounble clicked on windows live messenger and two sign in screens popped up so ive been signing into 2 msn accounts since

Posted by: jordan at March 11, 2009 4:12 PM

1) Install msn plus
2) when install finish launch yr msn, click on the plus! tab.
3) select preference and options
4) a window widown will pop out, at there select the customize! tab
5) check the all me to connect to several account.
6) now u can launch muti msn by simpily double click the msn exe program.

Posted by: Enzo at May 27, 2009 9:38 PM

very useful advice

Posted by: Davy at May 30, 2010 9:10 PM

How can i use Msn messagner on two computers at the same time without being detected from the other computer . As far as i know if you sign in on one computer it notifies you on the other . How can i avoid this ?

You can't.
Leo
27-Jun-2010

Posted by: Chirstopher at June 25, 2010 4:41 PM

why is it called msn

MicroSoft Network
Leo
05-Jul-2010

Posted by: jade rigby at July 5, 2010 5:11 AM
Post a comment on "How do I sign into multiple MSN accounts in Messenger?":





Remember Me?

(You may use HTML tags for style)

Before commenting, please...

  • READ THE ARTICLE. A comment that shows you didn't will be deleted and ignored.

  • Comment only on the article. Use the search box at the top of the page if you have a question about something else.

  • NO PERSONAL INFORMATION in the comment. No email addresses. No phone numbers. No physical addresses.

  • Anything that looks the least bit like spam will be deleted. Links to unrelated sites or links that appear to be primarily promotional will be deleted, or the comment will be deleted.

  • Don't ask me to recover lost passwords or hacked accounts. I can't. Those comments will be deleted.

  • I can't respond to every comment. And I can't vouch for the accuracy of others who do.

Please wait. Your comment is being processed ...