If you’ve always wanted to upload images to Instagram directly from your desktop or laptop computer, it’s now possible thanks to a free software program called Windowed. By creating a mobile browser with the sole purpose of accessing Instagram, Windowed essentially tricks Instagram into thinking you’re using a mobile device rather than a computer allowing you to upload. And the great thing is, the software is free to use.
Windowed was created by Canadian photographer and computer engineering student Felix Sun. He was frustrated that he couldn’t upload images to Instagram directly from his desktop pc. While computer users can view Instagram, comment, like and follow other accounts with the browser version of Instagram, there’s no way to upload images. Until now of course.
Felix wrote on his website: “I created this initially to improve my workflow but I realised that many others had the same problem as me. I’m releasing Windowed as a free application to help other photographers like myself, happy shooting folks.”
If you’re worried about safety he added: “All of your interactions including login are done directly with Instagram, Windowed is simply a tool that lets you access the Instagram mobile website. We don’t have access to your account so you don’t have to worry about giving a 3rd party your account information.”
Instagram is one of the most popular social networks for photographers and this new software allows you to enjoy all the functionality you’d get on your smart device. Navigating is a little strange at first because you’re using a mouse rather than your finger, but it doesn’t take long to get used to the small windowed browser.
How to upload images using Windowed
Uploading images couldn’t be simpler – all you need to do is click on the camera icon at the bottom of the window and you’ll be taken through the same process as with the Instagram app or using a browser on a smart device.
Installing Windowed
Installing the software on a Mac is trouble free, but when installing on a PC your antivirus software may flag up a virus. I use Bitdefender on my PC and the software wouldn’t accept that Windowed was safe, even when it was whitelisted. To double check Windowed I uploaded the EXE to VirusTotal, which confirmed the software is virus free and safe.
To download the free and open source Windowed software click here
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