Learn how to use Signal on Windows 11

This article explains how to install and use the Signal Desktop app on Windows 11.

Signal is a popular cross-platform messaging app that allows users to send and receive encrypted messages, make voice and video calls, and share files from their devices, including computers.

To use Signal on your Windows 11 PC, you’ll need to install it and then link it to your Signal account from your mobile device.

Installing and using Signal on your Windows Desktop can be particularly useful for users who prefer to work from their desktops or who want to use a larger screen for video calls.

Message synchronization between your phone and computer ensures you can access your messages from either device.

Download and Install Signal

Open your web browser and go to https://signal.org/download/. Here, you’ll find various versions of the Signal app.

Click on the “Download for Windows” button. A Signal installer file (SignalSetup.exe) will start downloading.

Once the download is finished, open the downloaded file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Once installed, open the Signal app on your Windows device. You should see a screen with a QR code to scan.

You’ll need your mobile device to scan the code to link the app on Windows.

Link Signal to Windows

You must have a mobile version to use Signal on a Windows desktop. Take your phone where Signal is installed and ensure you are logged into your account.

On your mobile device, navigate to ‘Settings > Linked devices‘ in the Signal app. You might need to tap on your profile picture on some devices to access the SIGNAL SETTINGS menu first.

Tap on the plus + icon or ‘Link New Device‘ depending on your phone’s operating system.

Point your phone’s camera at the QR Code on your Windows 11 PC to link the two.

Start Using Signal on Windows 11

• Send Messages:
  You can now send messages from your PC like on your mobile device. Click on a conversation to open it, or start a new one by clicking the pencil icon.
• Make Calls:
  While you cannot start calls from the Windows app, you can join incoming voice and video calls when your Signal desktop is linked to an Android device.
• Customize Notifications:
  Click on your profile in the upper left corner and navigate to Preferences. Here, you can adjust notification settings.
• Attachment Management:
  Signal lets you send attachments. Click the paperclip icon within a conversation to select files from your PC.
• Access Settings:
  For further customizations and app management, click on your profile icon to access settings to manage privacy options, notifications, and linked devices.

Things to Remember

• You must have Signal installed on your mobile device with an active account before using it on Windows 11.
• Messages are synchronized between your phone and computer.
• Always make sure you have the latest version for security and feature updates.

Following these steps, you can communicate securely through Signal on your Windows 11 device.

Conclusion:

• Signal Desktop allows users to communicate securely from their Windows 11 devices.
• By linking Signal to Windows 11, users can access encrypted messages, make voice and video calls, and share files from their desktop.
• Message synchronization between the mobile device and computer ensures seamless access to conversations.
• Before using Signal on Windows 11, a mobile device with an active account must be installed.
• Regularly updating Signal on both devices is important for security and feature updates.