MSN Dial-Up Internet Access

{{Short description|Internet service provider operated by Microsoft}} {{About|the Internet service provider|the website and apps|MSN}} {{Use American English|date=January 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} {{Infobox company | name = MSN Dial-Up Internet Access | logo = MSN logos historic.png | logo_caption = The [[MSN]] logo changed several times as the service evolved throughout its history (top row from left: 1995, 1996, 1998; and bottom row from left: 2000, 2009, 2014) | company_slogan = | type = [[division (business)|Division]] of [[Microsoft]] | foundation = {{start date and age|1995|8|24}} | location = | key_people = | area_served = United States (MSN Dial-Up)<br/>Worldwide (MSN Premium) | industry = [[Internet]] | products = [[Dial-up Internet access]] | owner = [[Microsoft]] | caption = | homepage = [https://membercenter.msn.com/ membercenter.msn.com]<br/>[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/msn-dial-up-internet-access/CFQ7TTC0KGVG/ www.microsoft.com] }}

'''MSN Dial-Up Internet Access'''<ref name="msn-dial-up-store">{{cite web | url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/msn-dial-up-internet-access/CFQ7TTC0KGVG/ | title=MSN Dial-Up Internet Access | website=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=June 18, 2025 }}</ref> is an [[Internet service provider]] operated by [[Microsoft]] in the [[United States]] and formerly also in several other countries. Originally named '''The Microsoft Network''', it debuted as a proprietary [[online service]] on August 24, 1995, to coincide with the release of [[Windows 95]].<ref name="about-timeline">{{cite web|url=http://webtrends.about.com/od/profi3/p/Microsoft-bio.htm |title=Microsoft timeline and profile |publisher=[[About.com]] Web Trends |access-date=May 1, 2012 |first=Daniel |last=Nations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619222134/http://webtrends.about.com/od/profi3/p/Microsoft-bio.htm |archive-date=June 19, 2008}}</ref> In 1996 and 1997, a revised [[World Wide Web|web-based]] version of the [[Internet service provider|ISP]] was an early experiment at interactive [[multimedia]] content on the [[Internet]].

Microsoft renamed the service '''MSN Internet Access''' in 1998, focusing its main "[[MSN]]" brand on its [[web portal]] of the same name, [[MSN]].com. As of 2025, the company still provides [[dial-up Internet access]] under the name "MSN Dial-Up Internet Access" for those who cannot access high-speed [[Broadband Internet access|broadband]].<ref name="msn-dial-up-store" /> For several years, MSN was the second largest dial-up ISP in the United States behind longtime leader [[AOL]], but very few people in the U.S. still rely on dial-up.<ref>{{cite web|first=Linda|last=Rosencrance |url=http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9046103&intsrc=news_ts_head |title=AOL revenue, subscribers plummet |work=[[Computerworld]] |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=November 8, 2007 |access-date=May 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410030150/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9046103&intsrc=news_ts_head|archive-date=April 10, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://qz.com/245585/aol-still-has-2-3-million-dialup-subscribers-and-theyre-very-profitable/ |title=AOL still has 2.3 million dialup subscribers—and they're very profitable |publisher=Quartz |date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=April 11, 2015}}</ref>

Along with dial-up service, MSN provides its subscribers with its [[#MSN Explorer|MSN Explorer]] software and an @msn.com [[email account]] to use with [[Outlook.com]].<ref name="dialup2008">{{cite web|url=https://get.msn.com/|title=MSN Dial-Up: A better way to connect: faster, safer, and smarter.|access-date=October 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025074852/http://get.msn.com/|archive-date=October 25, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Microsoft also still offers that software as part of a standalone [[subscription service]] for users with [[broadband]] Internet access worldwide named '''MSN Premium''',<ref name="premium-store">{{cite web | url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/msn-premium/cfq7ttc0kgvf | title=MSN Premium | website=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=June 18, 2025 }}</ref> but as of 2025, it is [[Legacy system|outdated by modern standards]] and no longer offers any other features exclusive to members.<ref name="premium-youtube">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56oXdEEnKrY |title=MSN Premium Is Still a Thing in 2021 – Is It a Ripoff? |website=[[YouTube]] |date=2021-02-02 |access-date=2025-06-19}}</ref>

== Early history ==

The concept for MSN was created by the Advanced Technology Group at Microsoft, headed by [[Nathan Myhrvold]]. MSN was originally conceived as a subscription-based [[Dial-up internet access|dial-up]] [[online service]] and proprietary content provider like [[America Online]] or [[CompuServe]]. Then officially known as '''The Microsoft Network''', version 1.0 of the service launched to the public (after an initial [[beta test]] period) along with [[Windows 95]] on August 24, 1995.<ref name="about-timeline" />

The Microsoft Network was originally presented through a [[Windows shell#Desktop|Windows desktop]] icon and [[login|sign-in screen]] that, upon dial-up connection and member authentication, launched an artificial folder-like [[graphical user interface]] integrated into the [[Windows Explorer]] [[file management]] program, with a [[home page]] named "MSN Central". Categories on MSN appeared like folders in the file system. The interface was designed by [[Clement Mok]] and employed [[high color]] graphics.<ref name="msn95legaline">{{cite web | url=http://www.legaline.com/column7.htm | title=First Look: The Microsoft Network|author= Robert J. Ambrogi | access-date=August 7, 2009 | year = 1995}}</ref>

MSN was included with Windows 95 installations and promoted through Windows and other Microsoft software released at the time. Product support and discussion was offered through the MSN service, as well as information such as news and weather, basic [[email]] capabilities, [[chat rooms]], and [[message board]]s similar to [[newsgroups]]. It also offered [[Internet access|access to the Internet]] and the [[World Wide Web]] via [[Internet Explorer]].

There was debate in the media as to whether MSN might be an "Internet killer" or "web killer", and some companies hedged their bets for the first year, creating content both on MSN and the web. However, MSN launched too late to be a real threat to the web.<ref name="classic-shutdown">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.pcmag.com/articles/microsoft-50th-anniversary-missteps-you-may-have-forgotten | title=9 Microsoft Missteps You May Have Forgotten | access-date=June 20, 2025 | date = April 4, 2025 | magazine=[[PCMag]] | publisher = [[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> Following [[Bill Gates]]' internal [[History of Microsoft#1995–2007: Foray into the Web, Windows 95, Windows XP, and Xbox|"Internet Tidal Wave" memo]], which refocused Microsoft to be Internet-centric, MSN began to move its content to the web and promote itself more actively as an [[Internet service provider]].<ref name="tidalwavememo">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.wired.com/2010/05/0526bill-gates-internet-memo/ | title=May 26, 1995: Gates, Microsoft Jump on 'Internet Tidal Wave' | access-date=April 10, 2015 | date = May 26, 2010 | magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | publisher = [[Condé Nast]]}}</ref>

Following the release of the web-based MSN 2.0 in 1996, Microsoft renamed its original proprietary online service "MSN Classic". Microsoft eventually shut down any remaining access to the MSN Classic service in 1998.<ref name="classic-shutdown"/>

In 1996, in response to the increasing relevancy and rapid growth of the [[World Wide Web]], Microsoft created a new version of MSN, called "MSN 2.0", which combined [[internet access|access to the Internet]] with web-based multimedia content in a new [[web browser]] known as the '''MSN Program Viewer'''.<ref name="msn96ecom">{{cite web | url=http://ecommerce.hostip.info/pages/734/Microsoft-Network-MSN-MSN-WORKS-FIND-ITS-FOCUS.html | title=MSN works to find its focus | access-date=August 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070606060442/http://ecommerce.hostip.info/pages/734/Microsoft-Network-MSN-MSN-WORKS-FIND-ITS-FOCUS.html |archive-date=June 6, 2007}}</ref> The service was promoted to existing MSN subscribers beginning October 10, 1996; the general release followed on December 10, 1996.<ref name="press-oct96-2">{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/1996/10/10/new-web-based-version-of-the-microsoft-network-debuts/ |title=New Web-Based Version of The Microsoft Network Debuts |work=News Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=October 10, 1996 |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref><ref name="press-dec96">{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/1996/12/10/microsoft-announces-general-availability-of-the-microsoft-network/ |title=Microsoft Announces General Availability of The Microsoft Network |work=News Center|publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=December 10, 1996|access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref>

Microsoft promoted MSN 2.0 with a series of advertisements and promotional materials describing the service with the phrase, "Every new universe begins with a big bang." The company offered the initial release of the new MSN 2.0 service on a [[CD-ROM]] that it sent to MSN subscribers in the fall of 1996. When inserted, the CD-ROM opened to the ambitious and flashy '''MSN Preview''', an interactive video-based experience that introduced current and prospective subscribers to the new version of MSN and described the features of the MSN 2.0 software.<ref name="preview">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZRJCeJhjLw | title=First Look: MSN Preview video from 1996 |date=July 13, 2006| access-date=August 7, 2009 |publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

The MSN Preview was filmed at the [[Paramount Theatre (Seattle)|Paramount Theatre]] in [[Seattle]] and was formatted as a guided tour of a [[wiktionary:mock|mock]] [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]]-style [[premiere]] event for the new MSN.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tylerc.com/2006/07/msn-preview-video-1996/ |title=MSN's early Internet experiment |publisher=tylerc.com |date=July 13, 2006 |access-date=September 25, 2016 |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510094246/http://tylerc.com/2006/07/msn-preview-video-1996/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was hosted by a witty and sarcastic character named "Michael", played by actor [[Michael Shapiro (actor)|Michael Shapiro]],<ref name="preview"/> who welcomed viewers outside of the [[Theater (structure)|theater]] and then guided them through the theater to meet several other characters, each of whom represented one of the six numbered [[Television channel|television-like channels]] of MSN 2.0's "On Stage" area, the main platform for interactive multimedia content in MSN 2.0.<ref name="preview" />

A handful of uncredited [[actors]] appeared in the MSN Preview, including then-unknown actress [[Anna Faris]],<ref name="backrow">{{cite web|last=Warder|first=Robin|url=https://www.the-back-row.com/blog/2012/07/30/before-they-were-stars-anna-faris-in-an-msn-2-0-cd-rom-demo/|title=Before They Were Stars: Anna Faris in an MSN 2.0 CD-ROM Demo|date=July 30, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301125536/https://www.the-back-row.com/blog/2012/07/30/before-they-were-stars-anna-faris-in-an-msn-2-0-cd-rom-demo/|archive-date=March 1, 2021|publisher=The Back Row}}</ref><ref name="annafarismsn">{{cite web|url=http://www.annafaris.com/multimedia/commercials/index.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510062613/http://www.annafaris.com/multimedia/commercials/index.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 10, 2011 |title=The Ultimate Anna Faris Experience: MSN 2.0 Preview |publisher=Annafaris.com |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref> who represented "Channel 5", which the software described as "[[mass media|media]], [[zine]]s, [[Attitude (psychology)|attitude]]"; it was a "hip and edgy" content hub targeted at the young adults of [[Generation X]] and [[college]]-age members.<ref name="spumco">{{cite web|url=http://www.davecurry.net/2006/11/06/spumcos-weekend-pussy-fur-hunt/|title=Dave Curry – Blog Archive – Spümco's Weekend Fur Hunt|date=November 6, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513150937/http://www.davecurry.net/2006/11/06/spumcos-weekend-pussy-fur-hunt/ |archive-date=May 13, 2008}}</ref> The preview also included its own [[jazz]] and [[pop music]] loop that played during the installation process.<ref name="msnot">{{cite web|author=the DDJ staff |url=http://www.ddj.com/184410144 |title=Dr. Dobb's News & Views 2/1/97: MSN2 Alienates MSN Members |publisher=Ddj.com |date=February 1, 1997 |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref>

Once installed, members accessed MSN content through the MSN Program Viewer, which was essentially an animated, stylized and streamlined [[Internet Explorer shell]] interface on top of an [[Internet Explorer 3]].0 [[web browser]]. When members signed in, they would be presented with the several different "Channels", which were categories for the various types of content available on MSN.

These channels included new services that launched in 1996 such as [[msnbc.com]], a news website now known as [[NBCNews.com]] that began as a partnership between Microsoft and [[NBC]]; and [[Slate magazine|Slate]], an online magazine focused on politics and current events. Both websites were available to all Internet users, and they have continued to exist decades later, although they are no longer owned by Microsoft.<ref name="press-oct96-2" /> Also integrated into MSN 2.0 shortly after its launch was Microsoft's popular [[Internet Gaming Zone]], which later became [[MSN Games]].

Interactive multimedia content was presented in a TV-like format, dubbed MSN shows, as part of the "On Stage" section. The many shows and sites included an interactive online nightly game show called "Netwits", a [[wiktionary:snarky|snarky]] website addressing women's issues called "UnderWire", and a regular celebrity interview and web-surfing session called "One Click Away".<ref name="ew96">{{cite web |url=https://ew.com/article/1996/11/29/website-review-microsoft-network/ |title=Website Review: 'The Microsoft Network' |publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=November 29, 1996 |access-date=July 21, 2014}}</ref>

These new destinations supplemented other Microsoft web-based services such as CarPoint and [[Expedia]], which were branded within MSN as "Essentials". An additional "Communicate" section was based around [[email]], [[chat rooms]] (which were branded [[MSN Chat]] and moved to the standard [[IRC]] protocol), and [[newsgroups]] (which were moved to [[Usenet]] from a proprietary architecture), while a "Find" section was dedicated to searching MSN content and the rest of the Internet; it also provided a calendar of upcoming events and new shows on MSN.<ref name="press-oct96-2" />

The new content made extensive use of multimedia and interactive features, including [[VBScript]] and early implementations of [[Adobe Flash|Macromedia Shockwave Flash]] (originally called "FutureSplash") for animations.<ref name="msj">{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/msj/0497/msn20/msn20.aspx |title=Behind the Scenes at MSN 2.0: Architecting an Internet-Based Online Service |publisher=Microsoft.com |year=1997 |access-date=May 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030727082725/http://www.microsoft.com/msj/0497/msn20/msn20.aspx|archive-date=July 27, 2003}}</ref>

While the MSN shows approach was unique and innovative, the content was not easily accessible by members with low-end computers and slower dial-up connections. [[Broadband Internet access|High-speed Internet access]] was not widely available at the time, and some users subscribed to monthly dial-up plans that limited the number of hours during which they were allowed to access the service. The MSN 2.0 software was also unstable and would often quit unexpectedly.<ref name="msnot" />

In addition to MSN 2.0's speed and stability issues, existing MSN subscribers were concerned the transition to MSN 2.0 would break up communities that were established via the MSN Classic message boards and chat rooms.<ref name="cnet-96">{{cite web|url=//www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,5620,00.html |title=CNET News.com: Mixed bag for MSN – November 20, 1996 |date=November 20, 1996 |access-date=May 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961230193301/http://www.news.com/News/Item/0%2C4%2C5620%2C00.html |archive-date=December 30, 1996 }}</ref> Their concerns were confirmed when Microsoft announced plans to close the entire MSN Classic service. As a result of all these issues, a website called "The Official msNOT Hate Site"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/9120/ |title=The Official msNOT Hate Site |date=December 21, 1996 |access-date=May 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961221010429/http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/9120/ |archive-date=December 21, 1996 }}</ref> originated as a negative response to the new MSN 2.0 software. The website claimed Microsoft patently ignored feedback from concerned members and censored anyone who spoke out against the upgrade; it further charged the company's handling of the transition to MSN 2.0 was "insensitive and ethically questionable."<ref name="msnot" /> Microsoft denied it attempted to silence those who expressed concern about the upgrade.<ref name="msnot-nytimes">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/week/1123msn.html |title=New York Times: Disgruntled MSN Members Launch Site to Air Grievances |work=[[New York Times]] |date=November 23, 1996 |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref> The website also mocked the music loop that played during the MSN 2.0 installation process because it repeated the phrase "too stupid to stop."<ref name="msnot" />

Ultimately, the ambitious use of web-based and interactive multimedia content on the Internet during 1996 and 1997 proved to be ahead of its time, and the MSN 2.0 service was not as successful as Microsoft initially hoped. The company returned to the drawing board for its next MSN release.<ref name="msn96ecom" /><ref name="press-jul97">{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/1997/07/21/the-microsoft-network-previews-service-upgrade/ |title=The Microsoft Network Previews Service Upgrade |work=News Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=July 21, 1997 |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref><ref name="ew">{{cite web|last=Burr |first=Ty |url=https://ew.com/article/1998/03/20/msn-dropping-entertainment-shows-and-focusing-advertising/ |title=MSN dropping entertainment "shows" and focusing on advertising |publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=March 20, 1998 |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref>

=== MSN 2.5 === In 1997, after abandoning the interactive multimedia format, the MSN service was again refocused, this time as a more traditional [[Internet access]] service. With the release of MSN 2.5 (which was [[code name]]d "Metro" and sometimes referred to in marketing materials as "MSN Premier") in late 1997, some exclusive MSN branded content was still offered through the MSN Program Viewer, but the service primarily directed members to traditional text-based websites that anyone on the Internet could access, instead of interactive shows.<ref name="press-oct97">{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/1997/10/13/the-microsoft-network-announces-significant-service-upgrade-backed-by-million-dollar-madness-sweepstakes/ |title=The Microsoft Network Announces Significant Service Upgrade Backed by "Million Dollar Madness" Sweepstakes |work=News Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=October 13, 1997 |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref>

Beginning with MSN 2.5, [[email]] service for MSN members was moved from a proprietary [[Microsoft Exchange Client|Microsoft Exchange]] environment that powered email for both MSN Classic and MSN 2.0, to standard [[POP3]] and [[SMTP]] protocols that could be accessed via any Internet email program, including Microsoft's own [[Internet Mail and News]], which became [[Outlook Express]] with the introduction of [[Internet Explorer 4.0]]. MSN also launched "Friends Online", a predecessor to the [[Microsoft Messenger service|MSN Messenger Service]] that allowed members to add each other as friends, see each other's [[presence information|online presence]] and send [[instant messages]] to one another.<ref name="thurrott-msn25">{{cite web|url=http://windowsitpro.com/windows-server/microsoft-upgrades-msn-version-25 |title=Microsoft upgrades MSN to version 2.5 |author=Paul Thurrott |date=July 30, 1997 |access-date=July 21, 2014 |publisher=ITPro Windows}}</ref>

Accompanying the MSN Program Viewer in MSN 2.5 was "MSN Quick Launch", an [[computer icon|icon]] inside the Windows [[Taskbar|notification area]]. Like the MSN Program Viewer in MSN 2.0, the menu in MSN Quick Launch could be dynamically updated to guide members to updated MSN content and services.

=== MSN 2.6 and 5.0 ===

With the release of MSN 2.6 in 1998, Microsoft renamed the service '''MSN Internet Access''', and the MSN Program Viewer was abandoned entirely in favor of the more familiar Internet Explorer. Another new version of the service, MSN Internet Access 5.0, was released along with [[Internet Explorer 5.0]] in 1999. MSN 5.0 was largely identical to MSN 2.6, aside from offering the newer version of the browser.

Also in 1998, Microsoft relaunched its [[MSN|Microsoft Internet Start]] [[web portal]] as [[MSN]].com and began to focus on offering services under the "MSN" brand name to users of other Internet service providers. Building on the success of MSN's [[webmail|web-based email]] service, [[Hotmail]] (which was acquired by Microsoft in December 1997), the [[Microsoft Messenger service|MSN Messenger Service]] for [[instant messaging]] was launched in 1999. Unlike the "Friends Online" service bundled with MSN 2.5 that required an MSN membership, anyone with a free [[Microsoft account|Microsoft Passport]] or Hotmail account could use MSN Messenger.

== MSN Explorer == {{Infobox software | name = MSN Explorer | logo = 2015 MSN logo.svg  | screenshot = MSN Explorer screenshot.png | caption = MSN Explorer 11.65 on [[Windows 10]] | author = | developer = [[Microsoft]] | released = | latest release version = 11.80.0015.0100 | latest release date = March 15, 2021<ref name=msnversionhistorypage /> | latest preview version = | latest preview date = | programming language = | operating system = [[Windows 7]], [[Windows 8]], [[Windows 8.1]], [[Windows 10]], [[Windows 11]] | platform = [[Microsoft Windows]] | language = | genre = | license = | website = [https://membercenter.msn.com/download.aspx membercenter.msn.com] }}

With the release of [[Windows XP]] in 2001 (which also brought with it [[Internet Explorer 6.0|Internet Explorer 6]]), Microsoft began to offer content for MSN Internet Access subscribers through a program called '''MSN Explorer'''. This program is similar to the early MSN Program Viewer in that it provides access to MSN websites, [[Outlook.com|email]], [[Microsoft Messenger service|instant messaging]], and other content on top of a [[web browser]] (an [[Internet Explorer shell]]) based on the [[Trident (layout engine)|Trident]] [[Web browser engine|layout engine]]. MSN Explorer is similar to [[AOL Desktop]], which also has a built-in [[email client]] and provides access to content for [[AOL]] members.

Upon the transition to MSN Explorer, [[email]] for MSN members was integrated into Microsoft's [[Hotmail]] architecture and could be accessed from the web the same way as any other Hotmail account. MSN Explorer provided a user interface for navigating one's @msn.com email inbox and folders, also known as "MSN Mail", until the migration of Hotmail to the [[Windows Live]] brand. MSN subscribers were upgraded to the standard version of Hotmail in 2008, but with additional storage capacity compared to free Hotmail users. Microsoft phased out Hotmail and replaced it with Outlook.com in 2013, but MSN subscribers still receive @msn.com email addresses to use with the service ad-free. Former members can continue to use those addresses with Outlook.com after ending their subscriptions.<ref name=outlookreplace>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/outlookcom-gets-official-will-replace-hotmail/2013/02/19/92133f68-7a90-11e2-82e8-61a46c2cde3d_story.html | newspaper=[[Washington Post]]| title=Outlook.com gets official, will replace Hotmail|first=Hayley|last=Tsukayama|date=February 19, 2013|access-date=July 21, 2014}}</ref>

=== Version history ===

==== MSN 6 and 7 ==== An early [[beta software|pre-release version]] of MSN Explorer, labeled version 1.1, was originally included with a development build of [[Windows XP]]. The public release, MSN Explorer version 6.0 (officially numbered to follow the last release of the older MSN 5.0 software), was built into Windows XP with its release in October 2001. Anyone who used Windows XP could choose to use MSN Explorer to browse the web and access MSN-branded services regardless of their MSN membership status. The [[user interface]] for MSN Explorer matched the visual style of Windows XP and utilized relatively responsive animations that would not become commonplace in web browsers until [[HTML5]] came along several years later.

Microsoft began referring to the MSN Explorer software as simply "MSN" beginning with version 7, an update that was rolled out shortly after the initial release of Windows XP. Microsoft halted development of the free edition of the software in 2002 in favor of a version only available with MSN Dial-Up and Premium subscriptions. Versions of MSN Explorer later than 7.5 require a paid subscription, but it is possible to use another Internet service provider while accessing content provided through the MSN Explorer software. The last free version of the MSN software also remained available for download for some time.

==== MSN 8 and 9 ==== MSN versions 8 and 9 were released in 2002 and 2004 respectively. As of MSN version 9, the software began requiring a user to have a [[Microsoft account]], though depending on the version, it may or may not require an active subscription to other MSN services. The interface also includes many [[Adobe Flash|Flash]] animations. Version 9.5 added compatibility with [[Windows Vista]]. Version 9.6 was released in June 2008 and included revisions necessary for a newer mailbox synchronization technology and to replace the MSN Parental Controls menu options with links to the newer [[Windows Live Family Safety]] feature.

==== MSN 10 ==== Microsoft began rolling out MSN version 10 in November 2009, following the release of [[Windows 7]]. Features included full compatibility with [[Internet Explorer 8]], an integrated spell checker, and the ability to exclude MSN Messenger from the installation. Version 10.2 was released in 2011, including photo email integration with SkyDrive (now [[OneDrive]]), the ability to include photos or a photo slideshow with a link so others can download a copy for themselves, and customizable [[toolbar]] button groups. Version 10.5 added minor improvements to the MSN software; most notably Microsoft changed its [[user agent]] to disguise it as a newer web browser in order to bypass "outdated browser" warning messages from some websites.

==== MSN 11 ==== MSN Explorer 11 is the current version, which was released in April 2014 and offers compatibility with [[Windows 8]] and [[Internet Explorer 11]], adds [[tabbed browsing]], and brings back a "remember me" feature. At the time, the software still included an [[instant messaging]] client based on Microsoft's [[Microsoft Messenger service|Messenger]] service, even though it had been phased out in favor of [[Skype]] since 2013. Subsequent releases of MSN 11 included updated email functionality to maintain compatibility with [[Outlook.com]] in version 11.5, updated logos to match MSN's [[MSN#Website redesign|2014 website redesign]] branding in 11.6, and recovery of previously open web pages after a [[Crash (computing)|crash]] in 11.7. As of 2025, the latest version of MSN Explorer is 11.8, with no further updates to the software since 2021, stagnating at a time when other mainstream [[web browsers]] including Microsoft's own [[Microsoft Edge|Edge]] have since moved to a [[Release early, release often|rapid release model]] to better handle modern [[web apps]].<ref name=msnversionhistorypage>{{cite web| url=https://membercenter.msn.com/featurehistory.aspx?pa=updatehistory| publisher=[[MSN]]| title=MSN Explorer Update History| access-date=June 18, 2025| archive-date=September 27, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927053003/https://membercenter.msn.com/featurehistory.aspx?pa=updatehistory| url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== MSN for Mac OS X === MSN for [[macOS|Mac OS X]] was a dial-up client interface to Microsoft's pay-for-access online services for [[Macintosh|Mac]] users available from 2002 to 2005. The software was, in some respects, comparable to the [[AOL]] dial-up client given its channel-based interface, built-in chat and instant messaging capabilities, parental controls, and ability to accommodate multiple screen names. It used the [[Tasman (layout engine)|Tasman]] layout engine made for the Mac edition of [[Internet Explorer 5]]. The software was discontinued in March 2005.<ref name="zdnet-msnmac">{{cite web|url=http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-141751.html |title= Microsoft to kill MSN for the Mac |publisher=[[ZDNet]]|date=March 1, 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002040502/http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-141751.html|archive-date=October 2, 2008}}</ref> After the discontinuation of MSN for Mac OS X, Microsoft continued offering its [[Microsoft Messenger for Mac]] software, an [[instant messaging]]-only client that required only a free [[Microsoft account]] for use, until it was replaced by [[Skype]] in 2013.

== International == Microsoft extended its MSN Dial-Up Internet Access service to several other countries beyond the [[United States]] since 1995, partnering with various telecommunications companies to provide service in numerous areas around the world.

In [[Canada]], MSN partnered with [[Bell Sympatico]] (the [[Internet service provider|ISP]] division of [[Bell Canada]]) creating "Sympatico / MSN".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sympatico.msn.ca |title=sympatico.msn.ca |publisher=sympatico.msn.ca |date=January 1, 1970 |access-date=May 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930175538/http://sympatico.msn.ca/|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> In [[Australia]], Microsoft originally partnered with [[Telstra]] in 1995 with MSN branded locally as "OnAustralia"; when Microsoft withdrew from the joint venture the following year, Telstra went on to assume 100% ownership and rebrand the service as [[BigPond]]. In [[Mexico]], MSN partnered with [[Telmex]] [[Prodigy (online service)|Prodigy]] creating "Prodigy / MSN".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prodigy.msn.com/ |title=prodigy.msn.com |publisher=prodigy.msn.com |date=December 31, 1999 |access-date=May 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312133025/http://prodigy.msn.com/|archive-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> An affiliation with [[Xtra (ISP)|Xtra]], [[Telecom New Zealand]]'s Internet provider, known as [[XtraMSN]] ended in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/worldwide.aspx |title=MSN Worldwide |publisher=Msn.com |date=December 31, 1999 |access-date=May 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127061555/http://www.msn.com/worldwide.aspx|archive-date=November 27, 2007}}</ref>

MSN maintained many offices worldwide for national customer support. It utilized the service of call centers around the world. Among the countries were the [[Philippines]] (technical and customer service), [[El Salvador]] (technical and customer support for [[Spanish language|Spanish]]-speaking customers), and [[India]] (customer service). In 2007, Microsoft set up a research and development center for [[MSN China]], based in [[Shanghai]]'s [[Zizhu Hi-tech Park station|Zizhu Science Park]], which hosted technical support for MSN services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gadget4boys.com/index.php?page=articles&catid=3&id=21 |title=Microsoft's Research and Development Center in China |publisher=Gadget4boys.com |date=February 1, 2007 |access-date=May 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125191207/http://www.gadget4boys.com/index.php?page=articles&catid=3&id=21|archive-date=January 25, 2009}}</ref>

== MSN Premium == For customers with high-speed [[broadband Internet access]], '''MSN Premium''' is a [[subscription service]] provided by Microsoft that combines [[Internet services]] into a premium version of MSN Explorer. It also once offered [[Firewall (computing)|firewall]] and [[Antivirus software|anti-virus]] software provided by [[McAfee]] and [[Spy Sweeper]]. In order to use MSN Premium, users subscribe to the service through the [[Microsoft Store]].<ref name="premium-store"/> Alternatively, MSN Premium can be purchased directly from the [[Microsoft Store]] and, as of 2025, costs $99 for a year in the U.S., also costing 99 [[euros]] in European countries like Germany and France.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/p/msn-premium/cfq7ttc0kgvf | title=MSN Premium kaufen – Microsoft Store de-DE | website=[[Microsoft]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/p/msn-premium/cfq7ttc0kgvf | title=Acheter MSN Premium - Microsoft Store fr-FR | website=[[Microsoft]] }}</ref>

In the past, MSN Premium could be obtained by American customers by acquiring [[DSL]] through one of MSN's partners, such as [[Verizon Communications|Verizon]] or [[Qwest]] (now merged with [[CenturyLink]]) in the [[United States]] or [[Bell Internet]] in [[Canada]]. Microsoft also offered premium services with Verizon through the [[Windows Live]] brand name beginning in 2006.<ref name="press-verizon">{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/2006/08/29/verizon-and-microsoft-expand-alliance-to-provide-windows-live-services-for-high-speed-internet-subscribers/ |title=Verizon and Microsoft Expand Alliance to Provide Windows Live Services for High-Speed Internet Subscribers |work=News Center|publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=August 29, 2006 |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref> MSN Premium provided through Verizon was disbanded on March 1, 2012, and users could no longer use MSN Premium with [[Verizon Communications|Verizon]] after that date.<ref>{{cite web|title=Verizon Transition: FAQ|url=https://membercenter.msn.com/verizonfaq.aspx#_A001|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=March 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327204052/https://membercenter.msn.com/verizonfaq.aspx#_A001|archive-date=March 27, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The value of MSN Premium as a paid subscription service for people who have already separately subscribed to broadband Internet access has long been questioned, with a [[CNET]] article in 2008 criticizing the service for offering very few features that aren't already available for free elsewhere, as well as a popular [[YouTube]] video in 2021 expressing surprise that Microsoft still offers the paid service, that its MSN Explorer software has [[Legacy system|not been meaningfully updated]] since the era of [[Windows XP]] in the 2000s, and that most of its "premium" features are simply links to freely-accessible public websites.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liveside.net/blogs/main/archive/2008/01/03/msn-premium-a-ripoff-maybe-but-maybe-not.aspx |title=MSN Premium a ripoff? |website=LiveSide |date=2008-01-03 |access-date=June 19, 2025 |archive-date=January 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105002307/http://www.liveside.net/blogs/main/archive/2008/01/03/msn-premium-a-ripoff-maybe-but-maybe-not.aspx |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref name="premium-youtube"/>

== See also == * [[MSN]] * [[List of services by MSN]] * [[Microsoft]] * [[Microsoft Windows]] * [[Windows 95]] * [[Internet Explorer]]

== References == {{reflist|2}}

== External links == * [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/msn-dial-up-internet-access/CFQ7TTC0KGVG/ MSN Dial-Up Internet Access] * [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/msn-premium/cfq7ttc0kgvf MSN Premium] * [https://membercenter.msn.com/download.aspx MSN Explorer Software Download] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427022426/https://membercenter.msn.com/download.aspx |date=April 27, 2025 }}  * [https://membercenter.msn.com/featurehistory.aspx MSN Explorer Update History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902023655/https://membercenter.msn.com/featurehistory.aspx |date=September 2, 2021 }}  * [https://membercenter.msn.com/ MSN Member Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905210844/http://membercenter.msn.com/ |date=September 5, 2008 }}  * [https://membercenter.msn.com/worldwide.aspx MSN Worldwide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709181826/https://membercenter.msn.com/worldwide.aspx |date=July 9, 2025 }}

[[Category:Internet properties established in 1995]] [[Category:Internet service providers of the United States]] [[Category:MSN]] [[Category:Microsoft software]] [[Category:Microsoft divisions]]