Disabling Windows Messenger on a Windows XP machine

by Greg Shultz | Apr 12, 2006 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Operating systems, Microsoft Outlook, Greg Shultz, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Messenger, Microsoft Windows XP, group policy, Group Policy Editor, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: It's the app that won’t go away. If you’ve removed Windows Messenger—or so you’ve thought—in favor of a different chat and videoconferencing application but still can’t seem to get rid of it, Greg Shultz will tell you how to banish it from your Windows XP machine for good.

If you're using MSN Messenger as your chat and videoconferencing tool, you may never use Windows Messenger anymore and have removed it from the startup group to keep it out of your way. However, you may have seen it pop up on occasion and had to struggle with closing it down. The reason that Windows Messenger makes these impromptu appearances is that Outlook, Outlook Express and even some Microsoft Web pages can still make it load automatically. Fortunately, you can banish Windows Messenger from your desktop by making an alteration to the local group policy with the Group Policy Editor. Here's how:

1. Access the Run dialog box by pressing [Windows]R

2. In the Open text box type Gpedit.msc and click OK to launch the Group Policy Editor.

3. Go to Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Windows Messenger.

4. Double-click the Do Not Allow Windows Messenger To Be Run setting.

5. In the resulting dialog box, select the Enabled option, and click OK

6. Close the Group Policy Editor.

Note: This tip applies only to Windows XP Professional.

Miss a tip?

Check out the Windows XP archive, and catch up on our most recent Windows XP tips.

Stay on top of the latest XP tips and tricks with our free Windows XP newsletter, delivered each Thursday. Automatically sign up today!

Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

Remove MSN via scriptdamon@...  | 04/12/06

A nifty little programWauchula  | 04/12/06

topic paragraphlee.laird@...  | 04/17/06

Agreelimodriver17@...  | 06/01/06

MSN Gamingsupport@...  | 04/20/06

Just modify Windows components installedArtymonn  | 04/20/06

2 More ways to Stop Windows Messengertopdog5993@...  | 04/26/06

Use Group Policy....msft  | 06/24/07

More infoblue-knight  | 04/13/06

No impactGreg Shultz  | 04/13/06

Didn't Workcabratt@...  | 04/13/06

Never Mindcabratt@...  | 04/13/06

gpedit not availableservice@...  | 04/13/06

Any options ?James.T.Marsh@...  | 04/13/06

~I do this -(& it's pretty simple)~TracyF  | 04/13/06

FANTASTIC Fix! So Easymadskillls@...  | 04/19/06

I did the same thingloca31@...  | 04/20/06

Simple reallycywelchjr  | 04/13/06

services.mscwildatlarge@...  | 04/20/06

Too much workbfleshner@...  | 04/20/06

Uninstall Messenger for goodronholla@...  | 04/13/06

There is an impact for Windows Media Editionitperson  | 04/26/06

Something to do with the remote controlOnTheRopes  | 04/26/06

What about this......RyanDM  | 04/13/06

My SuggestionHart L  | 04/13/06

Forget the policydewers@...  | 04/20/06

Windows Messenger vs. MSN MessengerGreg Shultz  | 04/13/06

True, howevercywelchjr  | 04/13/06

would you know if MSN messenger....UncleRob  | 04/20/06

MS chitcanned E2K messenger a long time ago...dewers@...  | 04/20/06

Remote Assistance ????Bob.Deveen@...  | 04/13/06

Excellent.Tony Hopkinson  | 04/13/06

Not true-send RA request as e-mail attachmentronholla@...  | 04/13/06

Remote AssistanceBob.Deveen@...  | 04/13/06

another optionttiller  | 04/13/06

fixing XP againjackie40d@...  | 04/13/06

"Shoot the messinger" does it 4 free!michael_orton@...  | 04/13/06

Different thing entirelycywelchjr  | 04/13/06

Uninstall Windows Messengercywelchjr  | 04/13/06

beat me to itmindilator@...  | 04/13/06

Shoot the Messengercywelchjr  | 04/13/06

Steve Gibson Shot the MessengerFinell  | 04/20/06

always wsomeone looking to flame...dewers@...  | 04/20/06

Disable messenger servicetkread@...  | 04/21/06

Incomplete solutionjoel.francis@...  | 04/24/06

Just rename Messenger folder in Program Files directoryMike O'Connor  | 04/14/06

Windows Messenger - have it your way.deepsand  | 04/20/06

I keep it SimpleAaron A Baker  | 07/31/06

RE: Disabling Windows Messenger on a Windows XP machinejedurham36@...  | 06/23/07