Meta has announced the sunset of its standalone Messenger desktop applications for both Windows and macOS, with the official discontinuation set for December 15, 2025. Following this date, users who attempt to access the Messenger apps will be seamlessly redirected to the Facebook website to continue their conversations.
The company has initiated a user notification process, employing in-app alerts to inform individuals about the forthcoming changes. According to Meta’s support documentation, users will receive a 60-day notice once the deprecation process commences. During this transitional phase, the apps will remain operational; however, access will be completely blocked after the deadline. Meta is encouraging users to uninstall the desktop applications once they become non-functional.
Alternative access and security measures
As the shutdown date approaches, Meta is directing users to alternative avenues for accessing Messenger. Windows users can transition to the Facebook desktop app, while both Mac and Windows users can continue their messaging experience through the Facebook website. Notably, chat functionality is also preserved via the web version of Messenger, allowing even those with Messenger-only accounts to engage without a Facebook account.
To facilitate a seamless transition, Meta recommends that users activate secure storage and establish a PIN to safeguard their chat history. This feature, integral to Messenger’s end-to-end encrypted chats, guarantees that conversations are securely synced across devices. Users can verify their secure storage status by navigating through Settings > Privacy & Safety > End-to-End Encrypted Chats > Message Storage.
Part of a larger shift toward web-based messaging
The decision to discontinue the desktop applications aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to streamline its messaging platforms. In September 2024, the company unveiled a Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Messenger, marking a significant pivot toward browser-based services. While the full retirement of the native desktop apps may come as a surprise to some, it is a move that reflects a growing trend in user preferences for integrated, web-based communication solutions.
Meta’s restructuring efforts aim to consolidate messaging under fewer platforms while simultaneously enhancing privacy and syncing features across devices, ensuring a more cohesive user experience moving forward.
