In addition to the mobile version, the social network Instagram has been released as an official application for personal computers, but with a number of limitations in functionality. Nevertheless, the Windows program also needs to be updated to avoid crashes and have access to new features. It is recommended to use only the latest version of the software and periodically check for updates. We will explain why it is necessary to update Instagram on your computer, as well as describe in detail the installation procedure for the official application and the mobile version in the Android emulator.
Why update Instagram version and what is the essence of it?
Since its first appearance, the social network Instagram has undergone numerous changes not only in its interface but also in its functional capabilities. Over time, a version for personal computers running Windows 8 and 10 was released. With each new innovation, interesting features are introduced, graphic effects are implemented, and content editing tools are added.
In previous versions, users could not view stories or post personal publications in the news feed, nor could they communicate in private chat. All of this comes with time. Now, Instagram has become a platform for commercial and advertising activities.
To always use the latest features, developers recommend timely downloading and installing the current version of the application.
Let’s look at the bonuses and advantages of working with the latest updates:
- First and foremost, programmers increase the level of security and confidentiality of their clients’ personal information.
- The standard set of graphic elements, effects, and built-in editing and design tools is expanding.
- New interesting features are being added.
- The stability of the service is improving. Developers strive to reduce the likelihood of bugs and errors when using the social network.
- An important factor is the speed of updating information and loading digital content. With each new update, it increases, which improves the platform’s efficiency.
A useful tip is to enable the automatic update search function on your computer so that the system can track the appearance of new features and activate them without your intervention.
How to find out the installed version of the application
If you are using the official utility for a computer with Windows 8 or 10 operating system, you can easily find out which version of the social network is currently installed and whether an update is required in just a few clicks. To do this, follow these steps:
- Start your computer and find the Instagram shortcut on your desktop. It may be located in the Start menu, which is located at the bottom of the screen.
- Right-click on the social network icon and select “Properties”.
- After that, you will enter the section of settings for installed applications on your PC. The current version of the software will be displayed on the top panel, and below it will be the permissions to use system elements such as camera, microphone, etc.
You can also take a different path:
- In the Start menu, find the settings button.
- A menu will open, in which you need to click on the section of active applications.
- In the list, find the computer version of Instagram and click on it.
- The next page will display the number of the installed version of the social network.
To check the platform version using an emulator, you will need to:
- Open the settings icon on the Android emulator desktop.
- Find the tab of installed applications and select Instagram from the list.
- After that, the description of the utility will open, where the current version will be indicated.
Updating Instagram to the latest version on Windows 7 and 10
It should be noted that the official Instagram utility on a computer is only available for Windows 8 or 10 operating systems. To log in to the service, additional programs are required – Android emulators or browser extensions and third-party resources. Below we will go through the steps for installing updates for the utility on Windows 10 and for the Instagram application in an emulator.
Through the official Windows application
On the Windows 8 or 10 operating system, there is a software store where you can find any PC application and install it without any problems. Here, you need to keep track of the latest updates and install them. To do this, follow these instructions:
- On the desktop, find the Microsoft Store software icon and launch it.
- After that, you will be in the main menu of the service. Click on the button with three dots on the top panel.
- In the list, select “My Library”.
- A list of all installed utilities will be displayed on the page. Find Instagram. If the application needs an update, a corresponding sign will appear next to the icon.
- Click on the installation button.
- Done.
To save time searching for and checking for updates, it is recommended to activate automatic scanning.
To do this, launch the store and click on the button with three dots on the top panel. Open the settings section. On the next page, you will see the option for automatic installation of updates, toggle the switch to the active state. After that, the system will automatically search for new updates and install them on the device without your intervention.
Through Android emulator
If you have an outdated operating system installed on your computer, such as Windows 7 or earlier versions, you can still use social networks with the help of an Android operating system emulator. These utilities allow you to install and work with mobile applications on your PC. In this case, it is also necessary to install updates in a timely manner. To do this:
- For example, we will use the popular Bluestacks emulator.
- Download the application from the official website.
- Launch the emulator on your PC.
- In the main menu, find the Play Market software store icon and launch it.
- In the window that appears, type the name of the social network in the search bar.
- Click on the Instagram icon. If an update is available, a corresponding button will appear. Click on it and the installation process will start.
- You can open the right panel on the main store page and go to the active utilities tab. The list will display applications that need to be updated. Find the social network and activate the latest version.
Here, as on a mobile device, you can activate automatic search for the latest version. To do this, open the right panel in the Play Market software store. Find the settings tab and in the list you will see the parameter for automatic installation of updates. Turn it on.
Through a page in the browser
In addition to the official application, the social network is also available in the form of a web version. You can log in to Instagram using any browser. To refresh the page, you will need to:
- Launch your browser and search for the official Instagram website in the search bar.
- Authenticate yourself by entering your login and password.
- To refresh the page, simply press the “F5” key or click on the circular arrow button on the top panel next to the search bar of your browser.
In this case, you don’t need to download or install anything, the page on the internet is processed and activated automatically without your participation.
This article has covered ways to update Instagram on your computer. This procedure is important because the functionality of the official application depends on it. If you don’t follow the recommendations, you risk missing out on new interesting features and design elements, and in the worst case scenario, you may not be able to access the social network at all.