Meta has announced the impending discontinuation of the Messenger desktop app for both Windows 11 and macOS, a decision that comes just five years after its initial launch in 2020. Users will find that the app will cease to function on December 14, 2025, leaving them with a limited window to back up their chat histories.
For those who primarily utilize Messenger through a web browser, the transition may feel seamless. However, for users who have relied on the desktop application, the process of locating and downloading the app has proven to be somewhat cumbersome. A recent search for the app on the Microsoft Store yielded no results, and attempts to access it via a web search were similarly thwarted, with the download button appearing faded and inactive.
Fortunately, a saved copy of the Messenger offline installer for Windows 11 allowed for a brief revival of the app. Yet, upon installation, a notification from Meta promptly informed users of the app’s impending closure. The message, prominently displayed, warns that the “Messenger desktop app is going away” and outlines necessary steps to preserve chat histories. Users are advised to create a PIN to safeguard their conversations, as the app will no longer be available after the specified date.
How to back up Windows 11’s Messenger app data, so you don’t lose anything
While the Messenger service itself will remain operational, the desktop applications are being phased out. Users are encouraged to take proactive measures to back up their chats. The notification suggests creating a six-digit PIN, which, once established, removes the warning message. Additionally, users can enable chat backup through the Message storage option. This can be accessed by clicking on the Profile icon, selecting “Privacy and safety,” and then navigating to the End-to-end encryption settings to configure Message storage for their accounts.
Even after the desktop app is no longer functional, users can continue their conversations by logging into their accounts via the messenger.com website.
After Messenger, Meta also plans to axe WhatsApp’s modern app for Windows
It is noteworthy that Meta’s strategy does not extend to mobile applications, indicating a clear focus on its primary user base, which predominantly engages with the platform on mobile devices. The Messenger web experience offers similar functionality, and users can also access Messenger chats through the Facebook desktop app, provided it is linked to their Facebook account. For those who prefer a standalone account, the Messenger website remains an option for ongoing conversations.
Messenger is not the only application undergoing this transition. Reports from Windows Latest indicate that Meta is also discontinuing the modern version of WhatsApp for Windows, opting instead for a WebView version that simply loads web.whatsapp.com within a container.
