LINE for Windows

LINE for Windows is the desktop edition of LINE, an instant messaging and social networking service that has been around since June 23, 2011. You can download LINE for Windows free of charge through the official website line.me and keep chatting on a PC with the same account you use on your phone.

About LINE

LINE started as a mobile messenger and grew into a service that combines instant messaging with social networking. Today it is developed by LY Corporation, and apps exist for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, smartwatches and even as a Chrome extension. The desktop version is useful when you spend the day at a computer: typing on a real keyboard is faster, it is easier to send files from the PC, and you do not need to pick up the phone for every message. It works as a companion to the mobile app, so your account and friends list stay on the phone, and the PC shows the same conversations. For people who have family, friends or business contacts that rely on LINE, the Windows app makes it much easier to stay in touch during working hours.

System requirements

According to the LINE Help Center:

• Windows 10, version 1607 or later, 64-bit (x64).
• A LINE account on a phone running Android 11.0 or later or a supported iPhone.
• A stable internet connection.

How to install and sign in

1. Get the Windows app through the links on line.me or the official help page.
2. Install it and open LINE on the PC.
3. Follow the sign-in instructions on the screen using your existing LINE account.
4. Confirm the login on your phone if asked.

Privacy and security

Lock your PC when you step away, because anyone at the keyboard can read open chats. Log out on shared computers. Be careful with messages from unknown accounts asking for codes or money, and never share the verification codes LINE sends you. Install the desktop app only from line.me.

Getting comfortable on the desktop

Decide early which notifications you want on the PC. If LINE is mainly for family chats, mute busy groups during working hours and keep direct messages visible. Pin the app to the taskbar so it is one click away, and set it to start with Windows only if you really use it every day. Files you receive are saved on the computer, so clean the download folder from time to time. If the app stops syncing, sign out and back in, and check that the phone app is updated.

Price

LINE is free to download and use.

Pros and cons

• Pro: comfortable typing and file sharing on a PC.
• Pro: same chats as on the phone.
• Pro: free.
• Con: needs a phone account to start.
• Con: does not run on older Windows versions.

Alternatives

Other messengers for Windows in our listings: Telegram Desktop, WhatsApp Desktop, Viber, KakaoTalk, WeChat and Signal.