Telegram Desktop

4.16.8 Desktop chat app for Windows

Tina de Pierre

Messaging app that allows users to send text, images and files and make voice and video calls, with end-to-end encryption.

Free and open source desktop chat software download, reviewed by Tina de Pierre
Cross-platform messaging app that can exchange messages - Screenshot of Telegram Desktop
A more secure alternative to other messaging apps - Screenshot of Telegram Desktop
Send broadcasts and share files - Screenshot of Telegram Desktop
A secure and user-friendly messaging app - Screenshot of Telegram Desktop
Secure messenger - Screenshot of Telegram Desktop
Use Telegram for messaging and more - Screenshot of Telegram Desktop
Telegram - Screenshot of Telegram Desktop
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Cell phone and desktop messenger with strong encryption, file share, video and photo support and synchronization with cell phones.

If you're interested in an alternative to Viber or WhatsApp, Telegram Desktop might be a messenger application to look into.

Though not as widespread as other mobile messengers, Telegram Desktop has a focus more on security than widespread usage. All conversations conducted with this application use strong encryption, making it impossible for governments or hackers to access private conversations.

As the name of the program might suggest, this is the desktop variant of a program that Android users might have on their cell phones. The application synchronizes easily and chats can be carried over from a cell to the desktop with Telegram Desktop.

Messages with this app are stored online, so both devices must have an Internet connection. With it, you can also store contacts, create groups of up to 200 people and create broadcast messages to 100. A library of emoticons are also included.

Telegram Desktop is useful because it can also share files including videos, photos, archives and even music.

The bottom line: Telegram Desktop is a messenger application like WhatsApp that was built with privacy and security in mind along with a ton of useful features.

Features of Telegram Desktop

  • Integrates with Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp and YouTube.
  • Anonymous Login: Log in without providing a phone number.
  • Archiving: Organize chats into folders and star important conversations.
  • Bots: Automate tasks with bots or create your own.
  • Channels: Broadcast messages to large audiences.
  • Customization: Personalize your experience with themes, stickers and sounds.
  • Encryption: End-to-end encryption for secure messaging.
  • File Sharing: Send documents and media up to 2GB in size.
  • Group Chats: Create group chats with up to 200,000 members.
  • Multi-Platform: Access Telegram on Windows, Android, iOS and more.
  • Screen Sharing: Share your screen with others.
  • Search: Easily find messages and media.
  • Self-Destructing Messages: Set messages to automatically delete after a set amount of time.
  • Syncing: Cloud-based synchronization across devices.
  • Voice Messages: Record and send voice messages up to 1 minute long.

Compatibility and License

Telegram Desktop is a free application released under the GPLv3 license on Windows from instant messaging software. With software released under the open source GPLv3 license, anybody can download, install, run and distribute the software with little in terms of restrictions. The latest version we have is 4.16.8 and is available to download here.

What version of Windows can Telegram Desktop run on?

Telegram Desktop can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.

Other operating systems: The latest Telegram Desktop version from 2024 is also available for Android, Mac, iPhone and an online version. These are often available from the app store.


Filed under:
  1. Telegram Desktop Download
  2. Free Instant Messaging Software
  3. Open source and GPL software
  4. Desktop Chat Software
Telegram Desktop has been picked by our editors as excellent.
Telegram Desktop has been tested for viruses and malware.
We have tested Telegram Desktop 4.16.8 against malware with several different programs. We certify that this program is clean of viruses, malware and trojans.