Meta has announced that it will discontinue its standalone Messenger desktop applications for both Windows and Mac platforms, effective December 15, 2025. This decision was confirmed by the company to TechCrunch, indicating that after this date, users will no longer be able to log into the apps. Instead, they will be redirected to the Facebook website to access Messenger.
Transitioning to New Platforms
As part of the transition process, Meta has assured users that those currently utilizing the Messenger desktop apps will receive an in-app notification when the deprecation process begins. Users will have a grace period of 60 days to utilize the Mac Messenger app before it is fully phased out. Following this period, access to the app will be blocked.
In an effort to facilitate a smooth transition, Meta has proactively informed users about the upcoming changes. Windows users have the option to switch to the Facebook desktop app, while both Windows and Mac users can continue to access Messenger through a web browser.
Additionally, Meta has strongly advised users to enable secure storage and set up a PIN to preserve their chat history prior to making the switch. Once users transition to Facebook, their messages will begin syncing across devices, ensuring continuity in communication.
This announcement follows Meta’s earlier decision to replace the native desktop app with a Progressive Web App (PWA) in September 2024. While web access remains available, this shift may leave some users feeling disappointed, particularly those who preferred the convenience of standalone applications.
