Messenger, a prominent player in the global messaging app arena, is set to undergo a significant transformation this December. While the company has not elaborated extensively on the reasoning behind this shift, users have begun receiving notifications within the app urging them to transition to the web version. For many, this change is disheartening, particularly for those who have relied on the dedicated desktop application for both professional and personal communications over the years.
On December 15, Meta will officially discontinue its Messenger app for both Windows and macOS, marking the end of support for the standalone desktop software. Following this date, Mac users will be directed to Facebook.com for their messaging needs, while Windows users will be encouraged to utilize the Facebook desktop app. After the shutdown, access to the Messenger desktop app will be blocked, and users will be prompted to uninstall it. It is important to note that the mobile version of Messenger will remain unaffected and will continue to operate as usual.
What’s changing?
The impending shutdown will impact both Windows and macOS users of the Messenger desktop app. Mac users will find themselves redirected to Facebook.com for messaging, while Windows users will be guided to the Facebook desktop app, which retains essential Messenger functionalities such as calling, notifications, and desktop alerts. A 60-day notice period has been established, during which users can still access the desktop applications but are encouraged to back up their messages and activate secure storage to ensure the safe transfer of encrypted conversations.
Who is affected by this change?
This transition primarily impacts:
- Individuals who depend on the standalone Messenger desktop app on Windows or macOS.
- Users with Messenger-only accounts, who will now be redirected to Messenger.com.
- Businesses and organizations that utilize the desktop app for daily communication.
Conversely, users accessing Messenger via the mobile app, Facebook.com, or the Facebook desktop app will experience no disruption.
What happens to chat history?
For the majority of users, chat history is linked to their Facebook accounts and should transition smoothly across platforms. However, for those engaged in end-to-end encrypted chats, enabling secure storage is a crucial step. To verify secure storage:
- Open ‘Settings’.
- Select ‘Privacy & safety’.
- Navigate to ‘End-to-end encrypted chats’.
- Click on ‘Message storage’.
- Ensure that ‘Turn on secure storage’ is activated.
Meta has indicated that without this precaution, some encrypted conversations may not transfer successfully when the desktop app is retired.
A brief look back at Messenger
Messenger’s journey began as an integrated chat feature within Facebook before evolving into a standalone mobile app in 2011. By 2014, Meta had completely separated Messenger from the main Facebook app, compelling users to download it to continue their conversations. The subsequent release of the desktop app provided an alternative that eliminated the need to open a browser, streamlining communication for many users during their busy days.
Over the years, Messenger has expanded its capabilities, incorporating business communication tools, customer support features, in-chat payments, group video calls, and encrypted messaging. While the mobile versions remain popular, Meta has increasingly focused on integrating features across its platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
What are people saying about the change?
The announcement of the desktop app’s shutdown has elicited a variety of reactions, particularly from frequent users of the application. One Reddit user expressed, “Facebook is a great example of something that started off ‘decent’ (or interesting at least) and has just continued to get worse and worse at an astonishing rate.” Many users are feeling fatigued by the continuous changes to the platform. For those who have relied on the desktop app to consolidate their messaging, this transition necessitates a reevaluation of their communication habits. Testing the web or Facebook desktop version now may ease the adjustment when the change takes effect.
Another user lamented, “I can’t believe they’re getting rid of it. I use it all day, every day for business, and know multiple others who do as well. Disappointed.” The desktop app has provided a focused environment for communication, free from the distractions of Facebook’s main interface. The shift to a browser or the Facebook desktop app could alter how users manage client conversations, especially for those who have relied on Messenger to keep work-related messages organized.
Some users have drawn parallels to Skype, noting that the latter continues to offer a dedicated desktop app for messaging and calling. If Messenger’s desktop app is discontinued, it is possible that some users may revert to alternatives like Skype, particularly those who depend on Messenger for professional communication.
What can users do now?
In light of the upcoming changes, Meta advises users to take several proactive measures before December 15:
- Turn on secure storage. This ensures that encrypted chat history is safely transferred when switching devices or platforms.
- Download important files or photos. While message history typically carries over, saving critical media locally is a prudent precaution.
- Check Messenger-only accounts. These accounts will now sign in through Messenger.com without requiring a Facebook account.
- Plan for workflow changes. Users who relied on pop-up notifications, separate windows, or desktop calling may want to familiarize themselves with the Facebook desktop app or browser version beforehand.
- Delete the app after shutdown. Once access is blocked, the desktop app will cease to function, and leaving it installed may lead to confusion.
- Continue using the mobile app. The mobile version of Messenger remains fully operational and unchanged.
For those who prefer not to keep Facebook open in a browser, the Facebook desktop app may serve as the closest alternative moving forward.
