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Instagram's PWA appears to be on its way to Windows 10

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Instagram PWA Microsoft Store
Instagram PWA Microsoft Store (Image credit: Aggiornamenti Lumia)

What you need to know

  • The Instagram PWA will be in the Microsoft Store soon, according to a report.
  • The current Instagram app on Windows 10 hasn't received an update since 2018.
  • Facebook recently launched a refreshed Messenger app on Windows 10.

The progressive web app (PWA) of Instagram appears to be on its way to the Microsoft Store. Aggiornamenti Lumia reports that it will be available in the Microsoft Store "very soon."

This news comes as a mixed bag for many Instagram users on Windows 10. On the one hand, progressive web apps allow companies to update apps more frequently because a single update can push across several platforms. This would be welcomed by Windows 10 users since the Instagram app on Windows 10 hasn't been updated since July 2018. On the other hand, PWAs don't always have feature parity with native applications. In the case of Instagram, the PWA does not have access to direct messaging (nor photo uploading, but that's expected).

Since we don't have confirmation from Instagram on the PWA's availability, we can't say what features will ship with the new version of the app. Facebook seems committed to refreshing its apps. Facebook Messenger beta largely closes the feature gap between the Windows 10 version and iOS and Android versions of Messenger. There's a chance that a similar tactic with Instagram could lead to a better app that's updated more often than the current version.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 930, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.