Using iMessage in Windows 11: A Guide

iMessage is an exclusive Apple service that allows users to send messages between Apple devices. It features a built-in app that allows iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch users to send blue-bubble texts to friends and family members.

However, there is a way to use iMessage if you use the Windows 11 OS, meaning you’ll be able to receive your iMessages on your PC. Alternatively, you may wish to consider using an iMessage alternative that’ll not only work perfectly on your PC but offers lots of additional tools, features, and functionality. We’ve got the information you need to decide which option is best for you below.

How to Use iMessage in Windows 11

You’ll need to start by downloading Intel Unison, as well as its companion app designed for iOS. Once you’ve followed the steps required to install Intel Unison on your PC, you’ll then be able to pair it with your iPhone.

Now, this process is complete, you can access iMessage for PC. As well as sending and receiving messages from your computer, you’ll be able to look through your phone’s camera roll, make calls through your PC, send files to your phone, and see your phone’s notifications.

Be aware, however, that the app isn’t able to sync all your messages: it will only display the messages received while the app has been open. So while it’s a useful tool, you won’t be able to view or access the beginning of a conversation that started before you opened the app.

There are other ways to use iMessage in Windows 11, including via the Chrome Remote Desktop. To do so, however, you’ll need a MacBook with iMessage installed on it. Once you’ve downloaded the Chrome Remote Desktop, you’ll have the option to Add to Chrome and, when prompted, hit Add Extension. Once this extension has been installed on both your PC and MacBook, click on the icons to launch.

In the Chrome Remote Desktop, head to the Remote Access tab and select Download. You’ll need to do this on both your MacBook and PC. Next, install the downloaded packages on both devices, and then hit the Turn On on the MacBook to start using the Chrome Remote Desktop.

In your MacBook, click on Remote Support and then hit the Generate Code button. Next, on your PC, go to the Remote Support tab. Now navigate to the Give Support section and enter the code that the MacBook just generated. Finally, launch iMessage on your MacBook – and you’re all set up to access your iMessage account via your Windows 11 PC.

iMessage Alternative for PC

Your other option is to consider an alternative iMessage platform for your PC. There are webmail services and email clients available that offer an iMessage experience combined with the advanced tools and features you’d expect from a ‘traditional’ email service.

This option is a lot less hassle than deploying hacks like the ones above to enable you to access your iMessages on your PC – plus, it means you can access all your messages, all the time, no matter when they were sent or received.

If this is the option you prefer, look for an email client that also offers the features you need to make your day-to-day life easier, such as a priority inbox and the ability to hop between messaging, voice calling, and video conferencing in-app for ultimate convenience.

Pros and Cons of iMessaging

The Pros

• Security. Apple uses encrypted servers to route messages sent using this platform.
• Delivery monitoring. You can see when your message has been received and read.
• No charge for international messages. This could be especially handy if you run a business or have family or friends living abroad.
• Low level of data compression. iMessage can be used to send large files, up to an impressive 100 Mbs.

The Cons

• Only compatible with Apple devices. Hacks can be deployed, but they can be inconvenient to deploy and still don’t allow the user to view all messages.
• You need a data connection to use it, and using iMessage will count toward the monthly service data cap.
• If you lose your iCloud account or it’s compromised, it may be extremely difficult to retrieve old messages. If there’s an outage with Apple servers, you’ll also have no access to the service.

The Takeaway: How Best to Use iMessage on Your PC

If you want to use iMessage on your PC, you have two main options. Firstly, there are several hacks, such as the ones we detailed above, that’ll allow you to access your messages and other elements of your account via the Windows 11 OS on your PC. While this is useful, it’s important to bear in mind that you may not be unable to receive, view, or respond to messages sent while the app isn’t open. So while it’s handy for sending a quick, urgent message, sending a file, or looking at your camera roll, it’s not a great solution for those, for example, who want access to their iMessage account for work, or who need to be able to see all their messages, no matter when they were sent.

A better option is likely to be choosing an alternative to iMessage that works in a similar fashion and has an interface that behaves like iMessaging but can be used with Windows 11. This means that you’ll have the best of both worlds: all the functionality of an email client with the ease of use of instant messaging.