Riot Chat for Windows

Product snapshot

Riot.im is a messaging and collaboration client built on the Matrix ecosystem. It lets you bring multiple chat and groupware services together in one place while protecting conversations with end-to-end encryption. The app works well out of the box for casual users but also supports self-hosting and deep customization for teams that want more control.

Security highlights

• End-to-end encryption protects messages, files, and other shared content so only participants can read them.
• The project includes advanced cryptographic ratchet technology to continually refresh keys and improve forward secrecy.
• Running your own server is simple to support a fully private deployment under your control.

Host your own server

Matrix is a federated protocol, so you can operate an independent server and connect it with the wider network. That lets teams:

• build a private, organization-controlled messaging environment, and
• diagnose and fix issues in their own installations quickly.

You don’t have to be a developer to use Riot, but administrators can tweak server settings and code as needed.

Build and extend

Riot.im is open source and distributed under the Apache License 2.0. Developers can extend the platform using common tools:

• Create integrations and plugins with React-based SDKs.
• Use the Electron framework to package desktop clients or add specialized chat apps.

Much of the protocol and core code is already integrated, making it easier to build on top of the existing platform.

Features overview

• Cross-account integration: communicate with contacts on many different chat services from a single client.
• File and media sharing with delivery indicators so you can see who has received or read your messages.
• Built-in VoIP for voice and video calls, with available features depending on which server or groupware components you use.
• Support for an unlimited number of contacts and federated platforms when configured for decentralized operation.

Who it fits

Riot.im is a good match for:

• Teams that need a single interface to manage conversations across multiple private chat systems.
• Users who appreciate open-source projects and may want to add or change features.
• Beginners who want a turnkey messaging app—no coding required to get started.

Getting started

1. Install the Riot client for your platform or use the web version.
2. Create an account or connect to an existing Matrix server; consider self-hosting if you require full privacy control.
3. Invite teammates, connect other groupware accounts if needed, and start sharing messages, files, and calls.

If you want customization later, explore the React SDKs and the Electron tooling to add integrations or new client builds.