How to Use Net Send

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Net Send is a command line tool used in Windows XP for sending messages to other users and computers on a local network. With Windows Vista, Net Send was replaced with msg.exe, a command line tool that has very similar functionality and syntax. Net Send cannot send messages from a Windows XP machine to a machine using a later version of Windows.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Windows XP

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Use-Net-Send-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Use-Net-Send-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the Command Prompt . You can use the net send command to send messages to other computers on your network . [1] The command is used through the Command Prompt. You can open the Command Prompt from the Start menu or by pressing ⊞ Win + R and typing "cmd".
    • If you are using Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10, see the next section. The net send command was discontinued starting with Windows Vista, and replaced with a similar msg command.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Use-Net-Send-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Use-Net-Send-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Type net send and press space . You'll be adding information to the end of the command to specify where the message goes and what it says. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Use-Net-Send-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Use-Net-Send-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are several different ways you can address the message to someone specific or to an entire group: [3]
    • net send name - You can enter a username or computer name on your network to send the message to someone specific. If there is a space in the name, surround the name in quotes (e.g. net send "John Doe" ).
    • net send * - This will send the message to all of the users on your current domain or workgroup.
    • net send /domain: name - This will send the message to everyone in the specified domain or workgroup.
    • net send /users - This will send the message to all of the users currently connected to the server.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Use-Net-Send-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Use-Net-Send-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Type out the message that you want to send after you've specified the recipient(s). [4] Your message can be up to 128 characters.
    • For example - net send "John Doe" Let's meet up in 10 minutes .
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Use-Net-Send-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Use-Net-Send-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you're finished typing the message, press ↵ Enter to send it. [5] The recipient will receive the message in a Windows dialog box, as long as they are logged in and connected to the network.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Windows Vista and Later

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Use-Net-Send-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Use-Net-Send-Step-6.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The msg command replaces a lot of the functionality of the discontinued net send command. Unfortunately, the msg command is limited to the Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows. If you are using a Home edition, you'll need to upgrade to Professional or Enterprise in order to use the msg command. [6]
    • You can see what version of Windows you're running by pressing ⊞ Win + Pause , or by right-clicking "Computer" and selecting "Properties". Your version of Windows will be listed under the "Windows edition" section.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Use-Net-Send-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Use-Net-Send-Step-7.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the Command Prompt . Like net send , the msg command is run from the Command Prompt. There are several ways you can open it, depending on the version of Windows you are using, or you can press ⊞ Win and type "cmd".
    • Windows Vista and 7 - Open the Command Prompt from the Start menu.
    • Windows 8.1, and 10 - Right-click the Start button and select "Command Prompt".
    • Windows 8 - Press ⊞ Win + X and select "Command Prompt".
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Use-Net-Send-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Use-Net-Send-Step-8.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Type msg and press Space . You'll be adding routing information as well as the message itself to the end of the command.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Use-Net-Send-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Use-Net-Send-Step-9.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The msg command has some different routing options than the old net send command: [7]
    • msg username - Enter a username on your network to send a message to that user.
    • msg session - Enter the name of a specific session that you want to send the message to.
    • msg sessionID - Enter the number of the specific session that you want to send the message to.
    • msg @ filename - Enter the name of the file that contains a list of usernames, sessions, and/or session IDs that you want to send the message to. Useful for department lists.
    • msg * - This will send the message to everyone on the server.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Use-Net-Send-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Use-Net-Send-Step-10.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you want to send the message to someone on a different server, enter the server information after the recipient information. If you don't specify a server, the message will be sent on the current server.
    • msg * /server: servername
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Use-Net-Send-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Use-Net-Send-Step-11.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can add a time limit to your message if it is time sensitive. The time is indicated in seconds. The time limit modifier comes after the server information (if present).
    • msg * /time: seconds (e.g. 300 seconds for a five minute time limit)
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Use-Net-Send-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Use-Net-Send-Step-12.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you've set all of your options, you can add your message to the end of the command. You can also press ↵ Enter without entering a message, and you'll be prompted to type it on a separate line.
    • For example msg @salesteam /server:EASTBRANCH /time:600 Congrats everyone on exceeding your sales goal this quarter!
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Use-Net-Send-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Use-Net-Send-Step-13.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press ↵ Enter to send the message. The other users should receive it immediately.
    • The msg command is designed to send messages to terminal users, not necessarily to different Windows computers on the same network.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Use-Net-Send-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Net-Send-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Use-Net-Send-Step-14.jpg\/aid1331305-v4-728px-Use-Net-Send-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are a couple of different errors you may encounter when using the msg command: [8]
    • 'msg' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. - If you receive this message, you are not running a version of Windows that supports msg . You'll need to upgrade to the Professional edition to access the command.
    • Error 5 getting session names or Error 1825 getting session names - There was a problem communicating with the recipient. Some users have fixed this problem by opening the Registry Editor on the recipient's computer (Run "regedit" to open it), navigating to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server", and changing "AllowRemoteRPC" from "0" to "1".
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    It says access denied. Why?
    Community Answer
    The reason that access denied is showing is because either the device you are trying to connect to has rejected your connection or you are not running CMD under administrator.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 32
  • Question
    How do I send messages using windows 10?
    Community Answer
    Net Send is not supported on Windows 10. However, there are other messaging services on the internet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 77 Helpful 172
  • Question
    How do I change the value of "AllowRemoteRPC" from 0 to 1?
    Community Answer
    Hold WINDOWS + R. Type in "regedit" (without quotation marks). Using the file tree on the left, navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" and find "AllowRemoteRPC". Right-click and click Modify, then change the current value to 1 if it isn't already.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 23 Helpful 31
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to Navigate to a Different Folder in the Command Prompt
      How to Change a Windows Password Using Command Prompt
      How to Format a USB Using CMD (Command Prompt)
      How to
      Add Users from CMD
      How to Run a Windows Batch File from the Command Line (CMD)
      How to
      Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows
      How to
      Use Windows Command Prompt to Run a Python File
      How to Open a Folder in Command Prompt (CMD)
      How to
      Copy Files in Command Prompt
      How to Run an EXE File at the Windows Command Prompt
      How to
      Watch Star Wars on Command Prompt
      3 Ways to Open Command Prompt with Keyboard on Windows
      5 Simple Ways to Open the Command Prompt in Windows
      How to Merge Multiple Text Files in Command Prompt, Notepad, & More
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      2. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rurs7cdT5cc
      4. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      5. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8vqg2KmzCs
      7. ↑ https://commons.apache.org/proper/commons-net/javadocs/api-3.6/org/apache/commons/net/ftp/FTP.html
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZeUQ3gJbfU

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Right-click the Start menu.
      2. Click Command prompt .
      3. Type "msg USERNAME /server: SERVERNAME " and press Enter .
      4. Type your message.
      5. Press Enter to send.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,096,033 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jun 17, 2016

        "The pictures helped a lot and made it easier to understand. "
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement