Today marks a significant transition for users of Facebook Messenger, as the desktop versions for both Mac and Windows have officially ceased operations. This change, announced by Meta back in October, signals the end of an era for those who relied on the desktop app for their messaging needs.
Transitioning to New Platforms
For regular users of the desktop app, the recent notifications should have served as a clear indication of the impending discontinuation. As of now, anyone attempting to access the app will be seamlessly redirected to either the Facebook website or the Facebook desktop app, depending on their operating system.
For Mac users, the guidance is straightforward: “The Messenger app for Mac is being deprecated. After deprecation, you won’t be able to log into this app and will be automatically redirected to use the Facebook website for messaging.” This means that Mac users will need to adapt to using the web interface for their messaging needs.
Windows users, however, have a slightly different experience. Meta has provided the following information:
The Messenger app for Windows is being deprecated. After deprecation, you won’t be able to log into the app and will be automatically redirected to use the Facebook desktop app for messaging. You can continue all your conversations directly from the Facebook desktop app, with all the same features you had on the Messenger app, like desktop calling.
For Messenger-Only Users
Meta acknowledges that not all Messenger users are deeply integrated into the Facebook ecosystem. For those who utilize Messenger without a Facebook account, the company has outlined the following:
What should I do if I have a Messenger-only account?
If you currently use Messenger without a Facebook account, you will be redirected to Messenger.com, where you can still log in without creating a Facebook account.
Chat History Considerations
As users transition to new platforms, concerns about chat history may arise. Unfortunately, for those who have not yet migrated their data, it is now too late. Prior to the cutoff, Meta had recommended the following steps to ensure chat history was preserved:
Will my chat history be saved?
Yes, as long as you take the necessary steps.To check if you already have secure storage turned on:
- Click above your profile photo.
- Click Privacy & safety, then click End-to-end encrypted chats.
- Click Message storage, then check if Turn on secure storage is turned on.
With the desktop version of Facebook Messenger now a thing of the past, users are left to ponder their next steps. Will they embrace the web-based version, or have they already discovered alternative tools that better suit their messaging requirements?
Image credit: MMollaretti / depositphotos
