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Windows Live Messenger

Show Message Timestamps

SUMMARY: Display the times messages were sent / received via Windows Live Messenger.

Depending on your configuration, when you send and receive messages via Windows Live Messenger, the times the messages were sent or received do not appear, cleaning up the display.

However, timestamps may be useful, such as if you are communicating with multiple people simultaneously and want to make sure you don't ignore one of your contacts for too long.


1. From a Windows Live Messenger window, click the "Show Menu" button, selecting "Tools" - "Options" (see the below screenshot).


Accessing Windows Live Messenger options



2. When the "Options" dialog box appears, click "Messages" in the left pane.

3. In the right pane, underneath "General Message Settings", check "Show timestamps on messages".


Enabling instant message timestamps in Windows Live Messenger



4. Click "OK" to close the dialog box.

This tip was written for Windows Live Messenger Version 2009 running on a netbook running Windows XP Home. Features, instructions, and screenshots for other versions / operating systems may vary.

Return to the Windows Live Messenger page.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >