The legacy net send command is a classic Windows command-line utility used to send instant pop-up notifications to other users, computers, or the entire network over a Local Area Network (LAN).
However, because Microsoft disabled the Messenger Service backend due to security vulnerabilities, the original net send command only works out-of-the-box on legacy systems like Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. To achieve instant LAN messaging on modern versions of Windows, you must either use the built-in native replacement utility (msg.exe) or leverage dedicated third-party GUI software designed to replicate the workflow. Option 1: The Modern Windows Replacement (msg Command)
If you are on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, or 11 (Professional or Enterprise editions), the net send functionality is entirely replaced by the msg tool. Step 1: Configure the Windows Registry (Prerequisite)
By default, modern Windows blocks remote messages. You must enable Remote RPC on the recipient’s computer for the message to pop up: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server
Find the value AllowRemoteRPC and change its data from 0 to 1. Restart the computer. Step 2: Open Command Prompt Press the Windows Key. Type cmd and press Enter. Step 3: Run the Command
Use one of the following syntax structures based on your target recipient:
To a specific computer name or IP address:msg/server:ComputerName “Your message here”
To a specific user on your local domain:msg Username “Your message here”
To everyone on your local network server:msg * “Your message here”
Option 2: The Legacy net send Method (Windows XP / Server 2003)
If you are operating legacy machines, you can explicitly use the old command structure after enabling its core framework. Step 1: Turn on the Messenger Service Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Locate Messenger in the alphabetical list.
Right-click it, select Properties, and set the Startup type to Automatic. Click Apply, then click Start to run the service. Step 2: Send the Message via CMD Open Command Prompt (cmd).
Execute the command using this syntax:net send IP_or_ComputerName Your message here(Example: net send 192.168.1.55 Meeting in 5 minutes)
To blast the notification to every active screen in your entire network domain, type:net send * Your message here Option 3: Graphical Third-Party Utilities Send message over the lan on Windows-7 – Server Fault
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