SoftNexi

Windows · Communication

Telegram for Windows

Cloud-based messaging app with large groups and channels; regular chats are cloud-stored, while Secret Chats add optional end-to-end encryption.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Telegram is a cloud-first messaging app: regular chats, groups, and channels are stored on Telegram's servers using Telegram's own MTProto encryption, which keeps message history synced across every device you sign into without a manual backup. That is convenient, but it also means those regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default — Telegram's servers can technically access them.

Telegram's Secret Chats are a separate, opt-in chat type that is end-to-end encrypted, available device-to-device rather than synced to the cloud, and support self-destructing messages. They must be started deliberately from a contact's profile; the default 'Chat' option a user sees is not a Secret Chat.

The app's other identity is scale: channels can broadcast to unlimited subscribers, and groups can hold very large numbers of members, which is why Telegram is widely used for public communities, news distribution, and file sharing rather than only private conversation.

An account tied to a phone number is required. The core app is free; Telegram Premium is an optional paid subscription that raises upload and download limits and adds extra customization, without which the app remains fully usable for messaging.

Key features

  • Cloud-synced chat history across unlimited devices
  • Secret Chats with end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages
  • Channels supporting unlimited subscribers for broadcasting
  • Large group chats with extensive admin and moderation tools
  • Large file sharing without the size limits common in other chat apps
  • Bots and a public bot API for building custom integrations

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Account
Telegram account tied to a phone number
Connection
Internet connection required; no offline mode

How to install Telegram

  1. 1. Download the installer

    Get the Windows client from desktop.telegram.org.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    Installation completes without requiring administrator rights.

  3. 3. Sign in with a phone number

    Enter your phone number and confirm the code sent via SMS or another logged-in Telegram device.

  4. 4. Enable a passcode lock (optional)

    In Settings > Privacy and Security, add a local passcode to lock the desktop app.

How to use it

  1. 1. Start a Secret Chat

    Open a contact's profile, tap the menu, and choose Start Secret Chat — this is a separate chat from your regular one with that contact.

  2. 2. Set a self-destruct timer

    Inside a Secret Chat, set a timer so messages automatically delete after being read.

  3. 3. Manage your public channels

    Use admin tools to control who can post and to review channel statistics if you run a channel.

  4. 4. Enable two-step verification

    In Privacy and Security settings, add a password on top of the SMS code for stronger account protection.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from telegram.org or desktop.telegram.org; unofficial 'Telegram' builds have been used to distribute malware.
  • Regular cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted; use Secret Chats specifically when you need that protection.
  • Public groups and channels are exactly that — public — and are indexed and searchable within Telegram.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle third-party offers.
Privacy
An account requires a phone number. Regular chat content is stored on Telegram's servers under Telegram's own encryption; Secret Chats are end-to-end encrypted and not stored in the cloud.

Known risks

  • Because most chats are cloud-based rather than end-to-end encrypted, Telegram should not be treated as a private messenger by default the way Signal is.
  • Large public groups and channels are a common vector for scams and phishing links — verify before clicking.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Cloud sync makes multi-device chat history seamless
    • Secret Chats offer genuine end-to-end encryption when you need it
    • Handles very large groups and public channels well
    • Generous file-sharing limits compared to most chat apps

    Cons

    • Regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default
    • Requires a phone number to create an account
    • Secret Chats must be started manually and aren't the default chat type
    • Public groups and channels attract spam and scam activity

    Verdict

    Telegram is well suited to large communities, channels, and multi-device convenience thanks to cloud sync, but that convenience comes from regular chats not being end-to-end encrypted. Use Secret Chats deliberately whenever a conversation needs to stay confidential.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Telegram end-to-end encrypted?

    Regular cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted; they use Telegram's own server-side encryption. Only Secret Chats, which must be started manually, are end-to-end encrypted.

    Is Telegram free?

    Yes, the core app is free. Telegram Premium is an optional paid subscription for higher limits and extra features.

    Do I need a phone number to use Telegram?

    Yes, an account is tied to a phone number, though you can hide that number from other users in privacy settings.

    How is Telegram different from Signal?

    Signal encrypts all chats end-to-end by default; Telegram only end-to-end encrypts Secret Chats, with regular chats stored on its servers for cloud sync.