Google Chat for Windows

Get Google Chat on your Windows PC

Google Chat (the successor to Google Hangouts) is a unified communication app for instant messaging, voice and video conversations, and virtual meetings. Built with business collaboration in mind, it supports screen sharing, group conversations, and large online meetings — making it a solid option for distributed teams and individual users who need to stay connected.

Main capabilities

• Host meetings with large participant counts (up to 250 people) for webinars and team gatherings.
• Share your screen to review documents, present slides, or troubleshoot together in real time.
• Create threaded spaces for organized conversations and focused project rooms.
• Place one-to-one and group audio/video calls for quick syncs or scheduled sessions.
• Exchange direct messages for fast, informal communication across the organization.
• Link files and docs from Google Drive to keep work accessible within chats and meetings.

How teams typically use it

• Track task progress and get visibility into ongoing work from a central location.
• Generate follow-up tasks and assign action items directly from conversations.
• Centralize project communication so chat history, files, and meeting notes are easy to find.
• Set up themed chat rooms or threads to keep topics and projects separated.
• Schedule meetings and join straight from calendar invites, with file attachments available in the same space.
• Collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and slides with colleagues without leaving the chat window.

Improvements since Hangouts

Google Chat introduces a cleaner interface and deeper integrations with Google Workspace apps. Enhancements aim to speed up collaboration, simplify navigation between conversations and files, and provide more control for administrators. Additional features such as smarter search, bots, and improved notification controls help teams stay organized and responsive.

System requirements and installation notes

• Benefits: frequent updates, strong Google Workspace integration, and a feature set geared toward remote collaboration for both small teams and larger organizations.
• Basic requirements: runs on Windows 10 or newer; requires an up-to-date Google Chrome installation for the best experience.

Other free options to consider

• Slack (Free tier) — popular for channel-based messaging and third-party app integrations.
• Microsoft Teams (Free) — integrates tightly with Microsoft 365 services and offers chat, calls, and meetings.