Meta has announced the impending closure of its Messenger app for both macOS and Windows, directing users towards web-based alternatives. In a recent communication with Engadget, the company confirmed that the Messenger app will cease operations on December 15. Following this date, users will find it most convenient to access their Messenger chats via the Facebook app on Windows or through the Messenger and Facebook websites.
While Meta has not elaborated on the rationale behind this decision, their support documentation indicates that users will receive notifications regarding the shutdown. After December 15, access to the app will be restricted, effectively rendering it unusable.
For those concerned about preserving their chat history, Meta advises enabling secure storage and setting a pin code for their accounts. To ensure that conversations are archived, users should follow these steps:
Steps to Archive Chats
- Click on the gear icon located above your profile picture.
- Select Privacy & Safety, followed by End-to-end encrypted chats.
- Choose Message storage, and ensure that Turn on secure storage is activated.
This move marks a significant shift in Meta’s approach to messaging, as the company previously separated Messenger from Facebook in 2014 to streamline the messaging experience. Although there were attempts to unify Messenger with Instagram Direct Messaging, those plans were abandoned earlier this year. The decision to discontinue desktop applications likely aligns with user preferences, as the majority lean towards utilizing mobile applications or web platforms for their messaging needs.
