HexChat

HexChat 2.16.2

HexChat: A Free and Open Source IRC Client

  • By HexChat
  • Open Source
  • Updated Feb 7, 2024
Download for Windows

About HexChat

HexChat is an open source, feature-rich, multi-network IRC client based on XChat. It offers a wide range of features, including Python/Perl scripting, spellcheck, proxies, SASL, DCC support. With an easy to use interface, it offers a great method of chatting online.

What's new in 2.16.2

  • change /server to use TLS by default, use -insecure or the - prefix on the port to disable
  • change preferences dialog to be modal
  • add support for the extended-monitor capability
  • add support for SCRAM SASL mechanisms
  • add option to hide nick from window title
  • increase max server password length to 1024
  • fix some detecting some URLs causing a crash
  • fix long SASL auth strings not being split
  • fix PROTOCOL_NAMESX support and only use it when not using multi-prefix
  • fix dialog topic not being updated with CHGHOST
  • fix notify.conf being reversed when saved
  • lua: fix crash when using pluginprefs
  • python: fix API break in hook_timer()
  • python: fix timers that unhook themselves
  • checksum: Various improvements including not blocking the UI
  • win32: Add installer options to control start menu, desktop, and quick launch shortcuts
  • win32: Update python3 to 3.8
  • win32: Remove python2

Full release notes »

Technical details

PublisherHexChat
AuthorPatrick Griffis
Version2.16.2
Release date2024-02-07
LicenseGPL-2.0
Installer typeinno
Architecturex86, x64
Package IDHexChat.HexChat
Install scopeAll users

Install HexChat from the command line

Install with Windows Package Manager
winget install --id=HexChat.HexChat -e
Update to the latest version
winget upgrade --id=HexChat.HexChat -e
Uninstall
winget uninstall --id=HexChat.HexChat -e
Silent install with the offline installer
"HexChat.2.16.2.x64.exe" /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NORESTART /SP-

Silent install switches for more Windows programs »

Install HexChat together with other apps in one command »

chatircxchatxchat-wdk

HexChat version history

2.16.1 Feb 12, 2022
2.16.0
2.14.3

Frequently asked questions

Is HexChat free?

Yes. HexChat is free and open-source software released under the GPL-2.0 license.

What is the latest version of HexChat?

The latest version is 2.16.2, released on Feb 7, 2024.

Is it safe to download HexChat?

The download button links to the official installer published on github.com, the same file Windows Package Manager installs. You can verify the downloaded file by comparing its SHA-256 checksum with 39da96a323ba98583e716a7ee5af1a02a34935dbe3b0865b54c65ce7784e0828.

Which Windows versions does HexChat support?

HexChat runs on Windows and is available for 32-bit (x86), 64-bit (x64) systems.

How do I install HexChat silently?

Run the offline installer with "HexChat.2.16.2.x64.exe" /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NORESTART /SP-, or install it with Windows Package Manager: winget install --id=HexChat.HexChat -e --silent.

How do I uninstall HexChat?

Open Settings › Apps › Installed apps, find HexChat and select Uninstall. From the command line, run winget uninstall --id=HexChat.HexChat -e.

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