Signal is arguably one of the most secure messaging apps out there. Ever since Whatsapp’s updated privacy policy has made it clear that they share user data with Facebook, apps like Signal and several other alternatives have seen a surge in downloads.

Moxie Marlinspike, an American Cryptographer, originally developed the app. Since then, the app has been transferred to the Signal Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit company based out of California, USA.

It has just about every feature you’d expect from a modern-day messaging app. However, its single-minded focus on user privacy and security makes Signal stand out from the competition. 

Your conversations, calls, media and data are protected by end-to-end encryption, which means that no third-party, not even Signal, can intercept and read what’s going on in your conversations. The app periodically verifies the PIN that you set when you install the app as a security measure.

There are several features to keep its users safe from unwanted attention or prying eyes. The app is also available on just about every platform out there, which means you can use it on any device you have, whether Android, iOS, Windows, Mac or even Linux.

In this article, we’re going to talk about how you can get Signal up and running on your PC. 

Also read: How to find and join Telegram channels and groups?

Installing Signal on a PC

We’re using a Windows machine in this article but the steps should be somewhat same on either a Mac or Linux (Debian-based) machine.

Step 1: Head over to the official Signal download page here and download Signal for your PC.

Step 2: Once the installer has finished downloading, double click it to start Signal. You’ll see a QR code and will be asked to pair it up with your phone.

Step 3: Here’s what you need to do on your phone to scan the QR code you see on your PC. 

• Open up the Signal app and tap on the three vertical dots in the top right.
• Tap on Settings. 
• Head over to Linked devices.
• Tap on the plus icon in the bottom right. 
• Scan the QR code that you see on your desktop screen.
• Tap on Link device.

Step 4: Now set a name for your new device and click the Finish linking phone button.

Step 5: Give Signal a minute to sync your contacts and groups and you’re good to go. 

For security reasons, Signal may not import your previous conversations over to your desktop. Any conversations after the linking, however, will be synced across your devices. 

Also read: How to unblock someone on WhatsApp?