Steps to disable Windows Messenger through Group Policy editor in XP

In this tutorial I am writing the steps to disable Microsoft Windows Messenger on your Windows XP computer via Group Policy Editor. Before disable Windows Messenger we need to know what is this program. It is an Instant Message service program designed by Microsoft corporation. Just like popular IP Messenger this program also helps to send instant messages to another computer in the same network. It is noted that some times this program start irritating the users who are not interested in Instant Messaging and emerging pop ups on their computer. So I am providing the steps to disable Windows Messenger from Group Policy Editor.

How to stop/disable Windows Messenger on your computer

The steps to disable Windows Messenger on your computer are:

1. Click on Start

2. Click on Run

On Run window type gpedit.msc and press enter. Now the Group Policy Editor window will be opened.

PS: gpedit.msc is the run command to open Windows Group Policy Editor.

3. Go to Local Computer Policy and select Computer Configuration

4. Click on Administrative Templates and select Windows Components

5. Now click on Windows Messenger

Now two attributes will be opened. They are

i. Do not allow Windows Messenger to be run
ii. Do not automatically start Windows Messenger initially


Double click on the attribute i -" Do not allow Windows Messenger to be run" and click enable button. Then click on OK.

Now the Windows Messenger on your computer is disabled and no more pop ups and irritation from this software.


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