Meta has confirmed to TechCrunch that the Messenger desktop applications for both Windows and macOS will cease operations on December 15, 2025. Following this date, users attempting to access the app will be redirected to the Facebook website, where they can continue their messaging experience through a browser interface.
Transitioning to Web Technologies
In a notice on the Messenger support page, the company indicated that users will receive notifications about the impending shutdown directly within the app, starting 60 days prior to its closure. After this notification period, the application will become entirely inaccessible, prompting Meta to recommend users uninstall it from their computers.
Despite the discontinuation of the desktop apps, Meta assures users that communication will remain uninterrupted via the web version of Messenger or through the Facebook Desktop App available for Windows. To safeguard correspondence history, users are encouraged to activate the “secure storage” feature and establish a PIN code. This will facilitate the transfer of encrypted chats when transitioning to the web interface.
The decision to retire the desktop versions of Messenger aligns with Meta’s broader strategy of embracing web technologies. Notably, in September 2024, the company transitioned from the native Messenger program for Windows to a Progressive Web App (PWA) version. This move to eliminate standalone desktop clients likely stems from overlapping functionalities and a decline in user interest.
Nevertheless, feedback from a segment of the user base has surfaced on social media, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. Many users have voiced that the desktop application provided a more efficient messaging experience compared to its browser counterpart.
