Meta has officially ceased support for the Facebook Messenger desktop application, marking a significant shift in its communication strategy. Users of macOS and Windows will no longer find native versions of the app available; instead, they will be redirected to the web-based service through Facebook or Messenger.com.
Evolution of Messenger
The desktop version of Messenger was introduced at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to provide an alternative for communication and video conferencing. Despite its launch, the application struggled to establish itself as a formidable competitor against business-centric platforms like Zoom. Limitations such as a capped number of participants in video calls, the absence of a screen-sharing feature, and a lack of convenient connection links hindered its growth.
Signs of the desktop Messenger’s impending closure had been apparent for some time prior to the official announcement. In 2023, Meta began integrating Messenger more closely with the main Facebook application, gradually diminishing the significance of the standalone desktop client. Concurrently, the company underwent multiple changes to the application’s technological foundation. Initially built on Electron for Mac, Messenger transitioned to React Native Desktop and subsequently to Catalyst, a framework that allows iPad applications to run on macOS. This series of transitions drew criticism from both developers and users, who cited challenges in support and stability. By 2024, the Windows version of Messenger had effectively transformed into a web application.
In the fall, Meta issued a warning regarding the impending closure of the desktop Messenger, advising users to back up their chat histories by setting a PIN. Following the discontinuation of support, users without a Facebook account will still have access to Messenger through Messenger.com, allowing them to continue their conversations without needing to register on the social network.
