Slack organizes team communication into channels, typically split by topic, project or team, rather than one continuous group chat. Alongside channels it offers direct messages, file sharing, searchable message history and voice/video calls called Huddles. It integrates with a large ecosystem of third-party apps and services, letting notifications and workflows from other tools appear directly inside Slack. The free plan covers small teams with limited message history; paid plans remove that limit and add administrative and security features.
Slack vs Email for Team Communication
Slack replaces a lot of internal email with real-time, searchable channels, so a conversation about a specific project stays in one place instead of scattered across inboxes and reply chains. Its app integrations also let updates from tools like calendars, code repositories or project trackers post directly into the relevant channel, cutting down on manual status updates.
Slack Features
- Channels — organize conversations by team, project or topic, public or private
- Direct and group messaging — one-to-one and small-group chats outside of channels
- Huddles — lightweight audio and video calls launched directly from a channel or DM
- File sharing — share and preview documents, images and other files inline
- Searchable history — search across messages and files, with history limits depending on plan
- App integrations — connect tools like Google Drive, GitHub and calendar apps to post updates into Slack
- Workflow Builder — automate simple recurring tasks like intake forms or reminders without code
How to Install Slack on Windows
- Download the installer from the official download page or the button on this page.
- Run the setup file and follow the installation prompts.
- Sign in to an existing workspace or create a new one.
- Join relevant channels for your team or project.
- Set your notification preferences so alerts fit how you work.
Is Slack really free?
Freemium. Slack's free plan supports unlimited users with a limited searchable message history; paid plans remove the history limit and add administrative, security and integration features.
How to download Slack safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for slack.com — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering Slack. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to Slack
Other free communication software worth comparing before you decide:
Microsoft Teams
Team chat, video meetings and collaboration platform.
Discord
Free voice, video and text chat app built around communities.
Skype
Free video calling and instant messaging app.
Frequently asked questions
Is Slack free to use?
Yes, Slack offers a free plan with core messaging features, though message history and some integrations are limited compared to paid plans.
What is a Slack workspace?
A workspace is a Slack account for a specific team or organization, containing its own channels, members and message history.
Can I use Slack without a company account?
Yes, anyone can create a free Slack workspace for personal projects, communities or small teams.
What are Slack Huddles?
Huddles are lightweight, quick-to-start audio or video calls launched directly from a channel or direct message.
Does Slack work on mobile devices?
Yes, Slack has apps for Android and iOS in addition to Windows, Mac and Linux desktop apps.
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People also search for
The terms visitors use to find this page. Each one lands here because it describes the same program.
Searches from India
Slack is identical worldwide — these are search phrasings, not different downloads. Every one of them gets the same official build from slack.com.
