This wikiHow teaches you how to view and manage your Instagram account via PC using the Instagram website and the Instagram app for Windows 10. Both the Instagram website and app allow you to view feed pages, watch “Stories” content, read and reply to messages, liking and commenting on posts, and accessing the “Explore” tab. However, the limitation is that you can't upload photos and videos from your computer. Because of this limitation, you can also learn how to install Bluestacks, a popular Android emulator program for sharing content from your desktop or laptop computer.
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Method 1 of 2: Using Instagram Website or PC App
Step 1. Visit https://www.instagram.com via a web browser
The official Instagram website will load. You can use this site to browse feed pages, view “Stories” content, read and reply to messages, manage account settings, and follow new users. However, you cannot use the site to upload new posts or “Story”.
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If you want to use the Instagram app, you can download and install it for free from the Microsoft Store. This app works the same way as Instagram.com. To download and install the app:
- Open the "Start" menu and select " Microsoft Store ”.
- Click the "Search" text field.
- Type on instagram
- Click " Instagram ” in the search results.
- Click " Get ”.
- After the application is installed, click " Launch ” to open Instagram or select “ Instagram ” on the “Start” menu.
Step 2. Enter Instagram account information and click Log In
You will be logged into your Instagram account and will be able to view the feed page.
- If you use a Facebook account to log into Instagram, click “ Log in with Facebook ” and follow the instructions shown on the screen.
- If you don't have an Instagram account yet, click the link “ Sign up ” below the login field and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 3. Browse the feed page
Use the browser scroll bar to browse the Instagram feed page. You can also search for a specific user or bookmark by typing a search entry in the " Search " field at the top of the page.
You can return to the feed page from anywhere on the site or app by clicking the home icon in the top-right corner of the page
Step 4. Click the heart icon below the upload to like it
With this button, you tell the photo or video uploader that you like the content they share.
Step 5. Click the speech bubble icon below the post to leave a comment
You can see this icon next to the heart icon, below the post to comment on the photo/video, unless the user has disabled the comment field on the upload. You can also click the column “ Add a comment… ” below an existing comment to type a comment. When finished, press the Enter ” to upload a comment.
Step 6. Click the paper airplane icon below the upload to share it
A list of sharing options will appear after that. You can share your post with other people on or off Instagram, depending on the privacy settings of the user who uploaded the photo or video.
- Click " Share to Direct ” to share the post with other Instagram users.
- Click " Copy Link ” to copy the upload link to your computer's clipboard and paste it wherever you want.
- Select an available social media icon (e.g. Facebook or Twitter) to share the post via that platform.
Step 7. Click the compass icon to access the “Explore” page
It's in the row of buttons, in the top-right corner of the page. The “Explore” segment allows you to see popular and suggested Instagram posts from people you don't follow.
Step 8. View account notifications
The notification segment is indicated by one of the icons in the top right corner of the feed page. Click the heart icon on the left side of your profile photo for likes and comments from other users, and notifications of your new followers.
Step 9. Click the paper airplane icon to view and send a direct message
It's also in the row of buttons in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- To read the message, click the sender's name in the left pane.
- To respond to a message, type a reply in the field below the thread, then press the “ Enter ”.
- To reply to a message with a photo, click the photo icon in the typing area below the message thread, select an image from your computer, and click “ Open ”.
- To send a new message, click the pencil and paper icon at the top of the left pane (“Direct”), select a user, click “ Next, and write a message.
Step 10. Review your “Stories”
The “Stories” section is at the top of the main feed page and can be accessed by clicking the home icon in the top-right corner of the page. Click on the circles with your friends' profile photos in them to see which photos or videos of their “Stories” are still active or available.
Step 11. Review and manage profiles
To view private posts, click on the profile photo in the top right corner of the page and select “ Profile ”.
- To edit a profile, click “ Edit Profile ” at the top of the page.
- To adjust the settings, click the gear icon at the top of the profile. In this menu, you can also find the option “ Log Out ”.
Method 2 of 2: Using BlueStacks to Upload Photos and Videos
Step 1. Visit
If you want to share “Stories” posts and content directly from your computer, you will need to install an Android emulator program that will allow you to install Instagram. Bluestacks is an easy and free option that you can take advantage of, as long as you have a Google/Gmail account.
Step 2. Click the green DOWNLOAD BLUESTACKS button
This green button appears in the middle of the page. You may have to scroll the page to see it.
If the installation file does not download automatically, click “ Download " or " Save ” when prompted.
Step 3. Install BlueStacks
Double-click the Bluestacks installation file (with the EXE extension) and follow the on-screen instructions to install the program on your PC.
- If BlueStacks doesn't open automatically, you can find it in the “Start” menu.
- BlueStacks takes about a minute or so to run, especially if your computer has a slower than average performance.
- If you are prompted to do some setup steps, follow the on-screen prompts until you arrive at the BlueStacks home screen.
Step 4. Sign in to your Google account
Just like when you set up your Android phone or tablet, you'll need to enter your Google account username and password to sign in. Read this wikiHow to learn how to create a Google account.
Step 5. Select the My Apps tab
This tab appears on the top left side of the BlueStacks window.
As a reminder, BlueStacks occasionally shows ads when you open a new app, tab, or folder. If you see an ad pop-up window, wait for the timer in the upper-right corner of the window to stop. After that, click the button " X ” at the top right of the ad.
Step 6. Open Google Play Store
This app is marked by a suitcase icon with a colorful triangle sideways inside. You can find this icon on the Bluestacks home screen.
Step 7. Type instagram into the search bar (“Search”) and press Enter key
The “Search” bar is in the upper-right corner of the window. A list of search results will be displayed afterwards.
Step 8. Click INSTALL
It's a blue button in the lower-right corner of the Instagram box.
Click " Accept ” when prompted to run the installation.
Step 9. Click OPEN after installation is complete
This green button is displayed in the same position as the “ INSTALL Once the button is selected, Instagram will be opened.
Step 10. Log in to Instagram account
Type in your email address (it can be your username or phone number) and your Instagram account password. After that, the Instagram mobile app will open in BlueStacks and you can use it, just like on a mobile device.
- You may have to click “ Sign In ” below the Instagram page first.
- If you're new to Instagram, read the article on how to upload content to Instagram to learn about Instagram's uploading features.
Step 11. Click + to create a new post
It's in the bottom center of the screen.
Step 12. Select Other from the drop-down menu
It's in the top-left corner of the window. Android "Open from" menu will be opened after that.
Step 13. Click Pick from Windows on the left pane
The Windows file selector window will open.
If prompted, allow the application to access computer files, then click “ OK " or " Allow ”.
Step 14. Select a photo or video and click Open
The selected photo or video will be uploaded to your Google account and added to the Instagram post.
- The upload process may take a few moments, depending on the size of the file.
- If you are not redirected back to Instagram after uploading the media, click the “ Instagram ” at the top of the Bluestacks window. If there is no such tab, click the home button at the bottom of the application window to return to the home screen, reopen Instagram, and click “ + ” to make a post. After that, you can click on the photo or video that has been uploaded to your Google account.
Step 15. Click Next
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Step 16. Edit the post and click Next
You can use the various filter options at the bottom of the screen to define lighting and color effects, or click “ Edit ” to make your own changes as you wish.
Step 17. Enter the details of the post and click Share
Type a description or description into the typing field at the top of the app, then add location information or bookmarks if you'd like. To share the post, select the button “ Share ” in the upper right corner of the screen.
