desktop app Archives

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

The Messenger app for Windows and Mac will shut down on December 15, here is what to expect

Meta will discontinue its Messenger app for Windows and macOS on December 15. After this date, Mac users will be redirected to Facebook.com for messaging, while Windows users will be encouraged to use the Facebook desktop app. Access to the Messenger desktop app will be blocked, and users will need to uninstall it. The mobile version of Messenger will remain operational. Users should enable secure storage for encrypted chats to ensure successful transfer of chat history. They are also advised to back up important files and photos, check Messenger-only accounts, and prepare for workflow changes.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Microsoft: Windows bug blocks Microsoft 365 desktop app installs

Microsoft is addressing an issue preventing users from installing Microsoft 365 desktop applications on Windows devices due to misconfigured authentication components. The affected versions are Microsoft 365 desktop apps version 2508 (Build 19127.20358) and version 2507 (Build 19029.20294). Microsoft is working on reconfiguring the authentication components, with a resolution expected to be deployed soon. The issue has been classified as incident OP1186186, indicating a critical service disruption. Additionally, another problem, tracked as MO1176905, is affecting some admins and users by restricting access to various Microsoft 365 services due to a misconfiguration related to Microsoft 365 Group SecurityEnabled settings. Recently, Microsoft resolved a bug related to Microsoft Intune and mitigated a DNS outage that affected global customers.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 users just got a more convenient way to store passkeys – here’s how it works

The technology behind passkeys involves cryptographic keys and standards like FIDO2 and WebAuthn, but users can enhance their security by creating passkeys whenever offered by websites or apps, using face recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Users can accumulate multiple passkeys for easier sign-in across services. 1Password is set to integrate a new native passkeys plugin API with Windows 11, allowing users to manage passkeys through 1Password while using Windows Hello for authentication. This integration requires the latest version of Windows 11 and the MSIX version of the 1Password app. Users can enable the passkey feature in 1Password and designate it as the system authenticator in Windows settings. Other password managers may also adopt this integration, and Windows is introducing its own passkey sync mechanism through the Microsoft Password Manager in Edge. Passkeys do not replace existing credentials but serve as a secure alternative to usernames and passwords, with some services offering fully passwordless options.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

The 7 apps I always install first on a Windows 11 PC — and they’re all FREE

PowerToys is an open-source collection of utilities that enhances productivity for Windows 11 users, featuring tools like FancyZones for window management and Image Resizer. Google Chrome is a popular web browser known for its synchronization across devices. Steam is a primary gaming platform with a robust library and the ability to stream games to a Steam Deck. The Heroic Games Launcher is a third-party alternative to the Epic Games Launcher, offering customizable features and support for GOG and Amazon Games libraries. GIMP is a powerful open-source photo editing tool that provides advanced features without the cost of commercial software. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows seamless integration between Windows and Linux, supporting applications like Docker Desktop and Visual Studio Code. Spotify is used for audio entertainment, helping users maintain focus during work. Tools like Ninite, the Microsoft Store, and winget streamline the installation of applications on Windows 11, with winstall.app providing a user-friendly interface for generating installation scripts.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Microsoft Store trying 16-at-once app installer

A new feature in the web version of the Microsoft Store allows Windows users to install multiple applications simultaneously. Users can select up to 16 apps from 48 options categorized into six groups: Productivity, Creativity, Social, Entertainment, Tools & Utilities, and Personalization. After selecting the desired apps, users can click "Install Selected" to download a single executable file that initiates the installation of all chosen applications. This feature is currently not available in the desktop app for Windows 11. The available app categories include well-known names such as Teams, Canva, Instagram, Netflix, and Speedtest. The feature is similar to Ninite, a third-party tool that offers a broader range of applications. Microsoft has been contacted for further information on potential enhancements to this feature.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Meta to shut down messenger apps for Mac and Windows in December

Meta will cease operations of its desktop Messenger applications for Mac and Windows on December 15. After this date, users must access Messenger through Facebook.com or Messenger.com and will receive in-app notifications during the discontinuation process. Users have a 60-day grace period to continue using the app before it is permanently disabled and are advised to secure their chat histories as unbacked chats will be lost. The Messenger desktop app has already been removed from Apple’s App Store, but the mobile Messenger app will remain available for smartphones and tablets.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Meta Is Shutting Down Its Mac and Windows Messenger Apps. What You Need to Know

Meta will discontinue its Messenger applications for Windows and Mac starting December 15. Users will need to switch to Facebook's web platform for messaging on computers. In-app notifications will inform users of the shutdown, with a 60-day grace period before the app is permanently retired. The mobile Messenger app will remain available. Users are advised to enable secure storage to preserve chat history before the closure, as failure to do so will lead to loss of past conversations. The Messenger desktop app has already been removed from the Apple App Store, and after December 15, accessing Messenger on a desktop will redirect users to Facebook.com or Messenger.com for those without a Facebook account.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

Meta Will Close Down Its Messenger Apps on Mac and Windows

Meta is discontinuing its desktop Messenger applications for Windows and Mac users, effective December 15. Users will receive in-app notifications about the closure, followed by a 60-day grace period during which the app will remain functional. After this period, the app will be permanently deactivated, but the mobile version will continue to operate. Users are advised to enable secure storage to preserve their chat history before the shutdown. The Messenger desktop app has already been removed from the Apple App Store, and after December 15, attempts to access Messenger on a desktop will redirect users to Facebook.com or Messenger.com for those without a Facebook account.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Britons Furious as Meta Axes Messenger Desktop App From 15 December

Meta will discontinue the standalone Facebook Messenger desktop app for Windows and Mac, effective 15 December. Users will need to transition to the browser version, which has led to frustration among those who preferred the app for its focused messaging experience. Meta referred to the app as 'deprecated' but provided little explanation for its removal. Industry analysts suggest the decision is part of a cost-saving initiative, while UK users feel it diminishes their choices. Meta has urged users to back up their encrypted chat history, noting that conversations may not transfer automatically to the browser version. The decision comes as Facebook faces declining relevance in the UK, amid regulatory challenges and public skepticism. Earlier this year, Meta introduced a paid subscription model for Facebook and Instagram in Britain, allowing users to opt out of personalized advertising. Reports indicate that over 700 employees have been laid off in the UK, intensifying perceptions of the company retreating from the market. Concerns have also emerged regarding Meta's use of user data and AI, with reports revealing that posts could be used to train AI systems without explicit consent. The discontinuation of the Messenger app symbolizes a loss of user control and has prompted some users to reconsider their engagement with the platform.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Facebook Messenger desktop version for Windows and MacOS will shut down in December 2025

Meta has confirmed that the Messenger desktop applications for Windows and macOS will cease operations on December 15, 2025. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website for messaging after this date. Notifications about the shutdown will be sent within the app starting 60 days prior to the closure, after which the app will be inaccessible. Users are encouraged to uninstall the app and can continue using Messenger via the web version or the Facebook Desktop App for Windows. To safeguard correspondence history, users should activate the “secure storage” feature and set a PIN code. This decision aligns with Meta's strategy to embrace web technologies, transitioning to a Progressive Web App (PWA) version in September 2024. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring the desktop application over the browser interface.