X (Twitter) 7.0.1.0 for Windows

X (Twitter) 7.0.1.0 for Windows is the desktop app of the microblogging service that most people still call Twitter, and you can download it free through the Microsoft Store. It gives you the timeline, notifications, direct messages and posting in a window of its own.

Overview

Twitter was founded on 21 March 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, and the service took the name X in July 2023 under its current owner, X Corp. The idea has stayed recognisable through every redesign: short public posts that anyone can read, reply to and repost. People use it to follow news as it breaks, keep up with journalists, companies and public figures, argue about sport and share jokes. Businesses answer customer questions there, and many organisations post updates on X before anywhere else. The Windows app does not change any of that; it simply moves the experience from a browser tab to a desktop program with its own taskbar icon and system notifications. That suits anyone who keeps X open throughout the day and wants to find it without hunting through tabs.

Version details

Installing X on Windows

1. Open the Microsoft Store and search for X.
2. Check that the publisher is X Corp. and click Get.
3. Launch the app and sign in, or create an account.
4. Allow notifications if you want mentions and messages to pop up.

You can also use the service in any browser at x.com; the older address twitter.com leads to the same place.

Making the timeline manageable

A fresh account shows a lot of suggested posts. Following a handful of accounts you actually care about, muting words and topics you are tired of, and switching to the Following tab instead of the algorithmic feed make the app far calmer. Lists are useful too: group news outlets, colleagues or sports accounts and open just that list when you need it.

Security and privacy

Stick with the Store listing or the official website. Programs sold as unofficial X clients or follower boosters often ask for your password and may lock you out of your account. Once you are in, turn on two-factor authentication, review who can reply to your posts and decide whether your account should be protected so that only approved followers see it.

Price

The app is free to install and use. X also offers optional paid subscriptions with extra features, but reading, posting and messaging work without one.

Pros and cons

• Pro: fast way to follow live events and breaking news.
• Pro: separate window with native notifications.
• Con: the timeline can be noisy without careful muting.
• Con: features differ between free and paid accounts.

Alternatives

If you want something similar, Threads offers short public posts, Reddit is built around topic communities and LinkedIn focuses on professional networking. All three are in the same social category.