Install Telegram on Windows 11: Step-by-Step

This guide walks you through installing Telegram on Windows 11, covering both the official desktop app and the Microsoft Store version. You’ll get clear steps, common pitfalls, and fixes if something goes wrong. No prior technical knowledge is needed—just a Windows 11 PC and an internet connection.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 PC with an internet connection.
Admin rights (usually your standard account works, but you may need to confirm a User Account Control prompt).
Enough free disk space (about 100 MB).
Your phone number for account verification (you’ll need access to SMS or the Telegram app on another device).

Step-by-Step

Open your web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and go to the official Telegram website: https://desktop.telegram.org.
Click the “Get Telegram for Windows” button on that page. This downloads the installer file (named something like tsetup-x.x.x.exe) to your Downloads folder.
Locate the downloaded file in your browser’s download bar or in File Explorer under “Downloads”.
Double-click the installer file. If Windows shows a blue “User Account Control” prompt, click “Yes” to allow the installer to run.
Follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will ask for a language and a destination folder. The default settings are fine for most users—just click “Next” or “Install” as prompted.
Wait for the installation to finish. This usually takes less than a minute.
Click “Finish” or “Launch” when the installer closes. Telegram will open.
Enter your phone number in the login screen. Use the country code dropdown to select your country, then type your number without the leading zero (e.g., 5551234567 instead of 05551234567).
Enter the verification code that Telegram sends via SMS or shows in your existing Telegram app on another device. If you already have Telegram on your phone, you can also approve the login there.
You’re in! Telegram will sync your chats and contacts automatically.

Common Mistakes

Downloading from a fake site: Always use desktop.telegram.org or the Microsoft Store. Avoid third-party download sites that may bundle adware.
Entering the phone number with a leading zero: The login form expects the number in international format without the leading 0. For example, for a US number, enter 1 followed by the area code and number.
Ignoring the User Account Control prompt: If you click “No” on the UAC prompt, the installer won’t run. You must allow it.
Closing the installer before it finishes: Wait for the progress bar to complete; interrupting it can leave a broken installation.
Not checking the download location: If you can’t find the installer, check your browser’s download settings—it might be saved somewhere else.

Tips

Use the Microsoft Store version if you prefer: Open the Microsoft Store, search for “Telegram Desktop”, and click “Install”. It updates automatically and is slightly more sandboxed.
Pin Telegram to your taskbar: Right-click the Telegram icon in the Start menu or taskbar and select “Pin to taskbar” for quick access.
Set up two-step verification: After logging in, go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Two-Step Verification to add an extra password layer.
Customize notifications: You can mute specific chats or set custom notification sounds in Settings → Notifications.
Use the portable version: If you want to run Telegram without installing, download the “Portable” version from the same official page—it runs from a single folder.

Troubleshooting

Installer won’t run or shows an error: Right-click the installer and select “Run as administrator”. If that fails, your download may be corrupted—delete it and download again. Also check that your Windows 11 is up to date (Settings → Windows Update).

“Windows protected your PC” warning (SmartScreen): This can appear because the installer is not widely known yet. Click “More info” then “Run anyway”—this is safe if you downloaded from the official site.

Login says “Invalid phone number”: Double-check the country code and the number format. Remove any leading zero or spaces. If you’re using a VoIP number, Telegram may reject it.

Verification code never arrives: Wait a few minutes, then request a new code. If you have Telegram on your phone, check the “Telegram” chat for the login code. Also ensure your phone has signal and SMS capability.

App opens but is blank or freezes: Close Telegram completely (right-click the tray icon and select “Exit”), then reopen it. If it persists, uninstall and reinstall. To uninstall, go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find Telegram, and click Uninstall.

Can’t install because of disk space: Free up space by deleting temporary files or uninstalling unused apps. Telegram needs roughly 100 MB, but the installer may require a bit more during setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Telegram for Windows free?

Yes, the desktop app is completely free with no ads or subscription fees.

Can I use Telegram on Windows 11 without a phone?

No, you need a phone number to create an account. However, after the first login, you can use the desktop app independently—your phone doesn’t need to stay on.

Will my chats sync between my phone and PC?

Yes, Telegram syncs all messages, media, and contacts in real time across all your devices.

Can I install Telegram from the Microsoft Store instead of the website?

Yes, the Microsoft Store version is official and works the same way. It also auto-updates through the Store.

How do I update Telegram on Windows?

The desktop app usually updates automatically. You can also check for updates manually by clicking the three-line menu (hamburger) → Settings → “Check for Updates”.

Is Telegram safe to use on a shared computer?

Yes, but you should enable two-step verification and log out when done. You can also set a local passcode in Settings → Privacy and Security.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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