Also called tencent qq, qq desktop
Tencent's older IM network, still common on Chinese Windows PCs. The process is QQ.exe.
What you need to know
QQ is Tencent's older IM. It is not WeChat.
QQ.exe is the Windows QQ client. WeChat.exe is WeChat. Accounts and QR flows are different. Both can sit on the same PC.
- What is it?
- Chat
- Still current?
- Yes, see Current status
- Official download?
- Use the vendor link in this article
What is QQ?
QQ for Windows is Tencent's long-running IM client. The executable is QQ.exe. WeChat is a different Tencent product.
If you have never used it
If a Chinese Windows PC has QQ, this is Tencent's older IM network, not WeChat. Download it from im.qq.com. The process is QQ.exe. WeChat.exe is the later Tencent messenger. They are separate accounts and separate apps.
What is it used for?
Accounts are QQ numbers, not WeChat IDs. WeChat.exe will not open this buddy list.
Desktop helpers next to the chat window. They are QQ features, not WeChat mini programs.
Some PCs arrive with QQ installed. That does not install WeChat automatically.
Who is it for?
- People whose contacts still use QQ numbers
- Users on Chinese Windows PCs that shipped with QQ
- Anyone who mixed it up with WeChat
Current status
QQ (1999) is a current chat from Tencent. The vendor still points Windows users at https://im.qq.com/.
How old is it?
OICQ/QQ launched in 1999. WeChat launched in 2011. QQ is the older Tencent IM and still common on Chinese PCs. A 2004 QQ screenshot is the same family, not WeChat.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more. |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| QQ.exe | Main Windows executable |
|---|
Startup components
QQ often starts with Windows on PCs that ship with it. Turn that off in QQ settings if you do not use it.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files (x86)\Tencent\QQ\ |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Login UI is QQ-number based
A WeChat QR will not open QQ. Use the QQ login the client shows.
People uninstall WeChat to remove QQ
They are separate Tencent apps. QQ.exe stays.
Getting unstuck
Install from im.qq.com
A QQ international crack is junk. kf.qq.com is Tencent help.
Confirm QQ.exe under Tencent\QQ
WeChat lives in a WeChat folder. Open file location.
Quit QQ.exe from the tray
Closing the window can leave helpers resident. That is QQ, not WeChat.
Alternatives
WeChat if the contact moved there. WhatsApp if the group is outside Tencent networks. LINE or KakaoTalk for other regional defaults.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | im.qq.com/ Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | kf.qq.com/ Vendor support |
| Official site | im.qq.com/ Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
A modest CPU is enough. Extra QQ helpers can add tray noise more than GPU load.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- QQ official site · Vendor product page
- QQ help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
Was this article useful?
A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.
Thanks. That helps us improve this page.