mIRC

Name: mIRC
Availability: InStock
Author: mIRC Co. Ltd.

mIRC is an IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client for Windows that has been actively developed since 1995. It connects you to IRC networks like Libera.Chat, EFnet, and Undernet where you can join public channels, have private conversations, transfer files, and automate tasks with its built-in scripting language.

What it does

Connecting to an IRC network takes a few clicks: File > Select Server, pick a network, and hit Connect. Once connected, type /join #channelname to enter a channel. The interface shows the chat in the center, a user list on the right, and your input field at the bottom. Private messages open in separate tabs when you double-click a username or use /query. File transfers use the DCC protocol, initiated by right-clicking a username and selecting DCC > Send.

The scripting engine is what sets mIRC apart from simpler IRC clients. Through Tools > Scripts Editor, you write event-driven code that responds to messages, joins, kicks, and other IRC events. People build channel bots, trivia games, auto-greet scripts, and moderation tools entirely within mIRC. The alias system lets you create custom shorthand commands, so /j #channel can replace /join #channel.

Channel operators get a full set of management commands: granting operator status (/mode #channel +o nick), kicking users, setting topics, and applying channel modes like moderation or invite-only. Logging is built in through Tools > Options > IRC > Logging, saving conversations as plain text files organized by date and channel.

Advantages

Powerful built-in scripting language for bots and automation
Stable, lightweight client that has been refined over decades
Supports multiple simultaneous server connections in tabs
DCC file transfer works directly between users

Drawbacks

Shareware with a 30-day evaluation period and recurring registration prompts
Windows only, no macOS or Linux support
IRC itself has a much smaller user base than modern chat platforms
Interface has not changed significantly in appearance over the years

Who it is for

I still recommend mIRC to anyone who uses IRC regularly on Windows. The scripting capabilities alone make it worth choosing over free alternatives like HexChat. If you participate in open source communities, technical channels on Libera.Chat, or retro computing groups that still prefer IRC, mIRC remains the most full-featured Windows client available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mIRC free?

mIRC is shareware with a 30 day evaluation period. After 30 days, a registration reminder appears each time you start the program, but it continues to function. The registration license costs a one time fee. HexChat is a free open source alternative.

Is IRC still used?

IRC has a smaller user base than it did in the 2000s, but it remains active in open source communities, tech groups, and retro computing circles. Libera.Chat, the largest network, hosts channels for projects like Ubuntu, Python, and Arch Linux.

Can mIRC run bots?

Yes. mIRC has a built in scripting language accessed through Tools, Scripts Editor. You can write event driven scripts that respond to messages, manage channels, run trivia games, or moderate chat. The scripting engine is powerful enough that some people use mIRC purely as a bot platform.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	IRC chat	File › Select Server › Choose network (e.g. Libera.Chat) › Connect. Type /join #channel-name in text field.
2	Special effects creation	Double-click on user nick on right list or type /query nick message.
3	IRC identification (NickServ)	Type /msg NickServ IDENTIFY password or configure auto-identify: Tools › Options › Connect › Options › Perform › Add command.
4	3D object scaling	Right-click on nick › DCC › Send › Choose file. Recipient accepts transfer in DCC window.
5	Multiple IRC server management	File › Select Server › Check different server › Connect. Each connection opens separate status tab.
6	IRC conversation logging	Tools › Options › IRC › Logging › Check Automatically log › Choose folder for logs. Logs saved as text files.
7	IRC script writing	Tools › Scripts Editor › Remote tab › Write scripts in mIRC Script language. Events: on TEXT, on JOIN, on KICK etc.
8	IRC channel management	As operator: /mode #channel +o nick (give op), /kick #channel nick reason, /topic #channel new topic, /mode #channel +m (moderated).
9	IRC aliases and shortcuts	Tools › Scripts Editor › Aliases tab › Add alias e.g. /j /join $1 (now /j #channel instead of /join #channel).
10	IRC color and appearance configuration	Tools › Options › Display › Colors/Fonts. Change background, text, nicknames colors. Alt+K opens color picker in chat window.