Love posting your photos on Instagram and also want to do so using your computer? Since the service focuses on mobile, uploading to Instagram from your computer isn't the primary use case. But it's certainly possible to post to Instagram from a Mac, Chromebook, or any other desktop device.

Below, we show you several ways to post to Instagram from your PC or Mac.

How to Post to Instagram From Any Desktop Browser

In late 2021, Instagram finally added an official solution for uploading images from a laptop or desktop. You can now visit Instagram.com in any browser, sign into your account, and post images as you do on your phone.

Click the Plus button at the top-right to start this process, then see our full guide to Instagram's desktop upload feature for more help if you need it. This is the best and fastest way to post to Instagram from any computer, but we also include other methods below so you're aware of other ways.

instagram upload from computer button

How to Post on Instagram From a Windows PC

Aside from the primary option above, Windows users can also use the following methods to post to Instagram. They will work whether you're posting from a Windows laptop or desktop.

Use the Instagram Windows Store App

Instagram doesn't offer a traditional Windows desktop program, but Windows 10 and 11 users can use the Instagram Microsoft Store app. It's essentially just a port of the mobile apps, so while it's nothing special, it gets the job done.

After installing the app, sign in and you'll see your feed like normal. To post on Instagram, click the Plus icon in the upper-right corner, just like on the website. From there, drag and drop images onto the box, or click the Select from computer button to choose some.

Instagram Post From Windows Store App

From here, you can use the familiar Instagram interface to edit the image, apply a filter, and add a caption. If you prefer an app instead of visiting a website to post every time, this method is great.

Use the Mobile Instagram Website in Chrome

Before native support for posting to Instagram using the website, the best method was using a trick where you post to Instagram from Chrome. This involves swapping your browser's user agent to fool the Instagram website into thinking you're using a mobile device.

For the uninitiated, the user agent is a small piece of information your browser sends to websites so they know a few details about your computer. You can override the automatic user agent and tell the website you're using something else without much trouble.

This method is more tedious than either of the above, so we don't recommend it now. We include this here to preserve the steps, but it's thankfully no longer necessary.

To try the user agent workaround in Chrome, open Instagram's website and log in. Then press F12 (or right-click and choose Inspect) to open the Developer Console. Press the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + M or click the Toggle device toolbar button (highlighted below) to swap to the mobile website for Instagram.

You'll see an interface just like the mobile app, complete with click-and-drag functionality. Click the Plus icon at the bottom-center and you can add a photo from your PC. If you don't see this icon, refresh the page with F5 or navigate to a different page, and it should show up.

Instagram Chrome Mobile Workaround

On the resulting screen, use Edit to tweak the photo and Filter to change its look. Click Next for the final steps of adding a location, tagging others, including hashtags, and posting a caption. Once you click Share, you're good to go.

Emulate Android on Your PC

If you enjoy methods that aren't convenient, you can go further and emulate Android on your computer for free. This allows you to access the true Instagram app and do everything with it as you would on your phone.

The easiest way to do this is using BlueStacks, though you have plenty of other ways to emulate Android on Windows. All you need to do is download BlueStacks, sign in with a Google account, download the Instagram app, and log into your Instagram account. Watch the video below for more details.

How to Post on Instagram From a Mac

The methods for posting to Instagram from your Mac are similar to the Windows steps, but we'll share Mac-specific tips here. Remember that by using the main Instagram site, you don't have to worry about any of these workarounds.

Use the Mobile Instagram Website With Safari

We detailed how to change your user agent in Chrome above, which will also work on a Mac. If you'd prefer to use Safari, follow these instructions.

Open Safari's Preferences window using Safari > Preferences or the shortcut Cmd + Comma. Switch to the Advanced tab and check the box at the bottom to Show Develop menu in menu bar.

Safari Enable Developer Options

Next, open the Instagram website and sign in. Open the new Develop tab on the menu bar and choose User Agent > Safari — iOS xx — iPhone.

Safari-Change-User-Agent

The page will refresh, and you'll see the bar of icons along the bottom just like on the mobile app. Click the Plus icon in the center, and you'll get a prompt to upload an image from your computer.

From there, just follow the steps to edit, add a filter if you wish, and post.

Post to Instagram Mac Finder

Emulate Android on Your Mac

You can emulate Android apps on macOS as easily as you can on Windows. It's far easier to emulate Android than iOS, so you should give it a try even if you're a newcomer to the platform.

Just like Windows, BlueStacks is the easiest way to emulate Android on your Mac. It's as simple as downloading and installing BlueStacks, then searching for the Instagram app. If you don't want to use BlueStacks, check out some other ways to run Android apps on macOS.

How to Post on Instagram From a Chromebook

If you use Chrome OS, the instructions are exactly the same as above with the Instagram desktop site. If you need an alternate method for whatever reason, you can follow the instructions in the "Use the Mobile Instagram Website in Chrome" section above. It works exactly the same way, allowing you to post a picture from your Chromebook's storage.

Most modern Chromebooks have the ability to download and use Android apps as well. If you prefer, you can download the Android Instagram app and use that to post, similar to the Microsoft Store app on Windows.

Just open the Play Store and search for it like you would on your phone. From there, you can log into the mobile app and share your photos.

A Warning About Third-Party Instagram Apps

On both Windows and Mac, you'll find several third-party apps that offer the ability to upload images to Instagram, among other features. Flume is one example of many. We recommend you avoid using these apps for two reasons.

First, if they don't redirect you to the official Instagram login page, then you have no guarantee that they're keeping your password secure. Entering your credentials into third-party apps could lead to your account being compromised. Apple has kicked several third-party Instagram apps off the App Store for violating this policy.

Second, most of these apps require you to pay for the premium version to upload pictures (or more than a few in the free trial). This is a waste of money for something you can do for free.

Additionally, some apps include questionable features like "free likes," which are spammy and against Instagram's Community Guidelines. Even if you don't abuse these features, Instagram could disable your account for using unauthorized apps like this.

Stick to one of the genuine methods above, and you shouldn't experience any of these issues.

Easily Post on Instagram From Your Mac or PC

Now, you should know how to post on Instagram from a Windows computer or a Mac. This is much easier than it once was, so sharing on Instagram is now just as easy no matter what device you use. Whether you want to share art you've created or selfies you took with your webcam, you're all set.

Before you post, you should know the top tips that will help get you noticed on Instagram.