In a significant shift towards a more streamlined user experience, Meta has announced the discontinuation of its Messenger desktop applications for both Windows and macOS. The apps have been removed from the Microsoft Store and the Mac App Store, with users receiving in-app notifications detailing the transition timeline.
Transition Details
- For Windows users, the Messenger desktop app will cease functionality on December 14, 2025. Those with the app installed will receive a notification to this effect.
- macOS users will experience a 60-day deprecation period, after which the app will be blocked, redirecting users to Facebook in their web browser, as outlined in a support page.
- Despite the discontinuation of the desktop apps, Messenger remains accessible via web browsers, and Meta is expected to implement a similar web-focused approach for WhatsApp on Windows.
- As users transition to browser-based messaging on macOS, it may be beneficial to explore which browser best suits individual needs.
This strategic move is noteworthy as it signifies Meta’s intention to consolidate desktop messaging into a web-centric model, allowing for a single codebase to manage. This approach promises quicker updates and a more cohesive experience across both Windows and macOS platforms without the need for separate app updates.
- Windows users can continue messaging through the Facebook app or the browser version of Messenger, while macOS users will shift entirely to the browser.
- WhatsApp on Windows is also set to function as a WebView, loading web.whatsapp.com, mirroring this simplification.
Implications for Users
As the deadlines approach, users who depend on the native app for notifications or quick responses should prepare for a shift in their workflow. It is advisable to plan the transition now to ensure that message history and access are preserved when the cutoff occurs.
- The Messenger app listings have already been removed from both the Microsoft and Mac app stores.
- On macOS, after the 60-day deprecation window, users will be redirected to Facebook in the browser.
- Windows users will see the desktop app shut down on December 14, 2025, with the Facebook app or browser as alternatives.
Next Steps for Users
To ensure a smooth transition, users should take the following steps:
- Enable secure storage and set a PIN by navigating to Settings, then Privacy and safety, followed by End-to-end encrypted chats, and finally Message storage. This will allow message history to appear when accessing Facebook.com.
- Select your preferred access point: Windows users can utilize either the Facebook app or Messenger in the browser, while macOS users will exclusively use the browser.
- If you use Messenger without a Facebook account, simply log in at Messenger.com to continue your conversations.
