desktop apps Archives

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.

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 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.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Messenger Is Discontinuing Its Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Meta is phasing out the native Messenger applications for Windows and macOS, directing users to the web version. The apps are no longer available for download, and they will cease to function after a winding-down period. Users are receiving notifications about the change, which will leave Messenger accessible only through web browsers. Enhancements such as end-to-end encryption and improved calling features are part of this web-focused evolution. Users can still access core functionality on Messenger.com but will lose some app-specific features, including a persistent menu bar icon and offline access. Meta encourages users to enable secure storage for end-to-end encrypted chats and offers a tool to download messages and media for local archiving. Messenger remains one of the largest chat platforms globally, with active user counts similar to Telegram. Competitors like Telegram, Discord, and Slack have different approaches to desktop messaging. Users can transition smoothly by utilizing the web version and configuring desktop notifications and shortcuts.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Meta is killing Messenger on desktop, here’s what you need to do

Meta has announced the discontinuation of its Messenger desktop applications for Windows and macOS, removing them from the Microsoft Store and the Mac App Store. The Messenger desktop app for Windows will cease functionality on December 14, 2025, while macOS users will go through a 60-day deprecation period before being redirected to Facebook in their web browser. Users are encouraged to transition to browser-based messaging, which remains accessible. Windows users can continue to use either the Facebook app or the browser version of Messenger, while macOS users will exclusively use the browser. The Messenger app listings have been removed from both app stores, and users should prepare for the transition to preserve message history. To ensure a smooth transition, users should enable secure storage for message history, select their preferred access point, and log in to Messenger.com if they do not have a Facebook account.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Meta is removing its Messenger apps for Windows and macOS

Meta will discontinue support for its desktop Messenger applications on Windows and macOS. The applications have been removed from the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store, and users are receiving notifications about the full discontinuation in December. Mac users have a 60-day grace period to use the Messenger app, while the Windows Messenger app will be fully discontinued on December 14th. After this date, Windows users will need to use the Facebook app or the web version of Messenger, and macOS users will only have access to the web interface. Meta is also retiring its native WhatsApp application for Windows in favor of a web-based version.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Meta to shut down Messenger desktop app for Windows

Meta is discontinuing its standalone Messenger desktop applications for Windows and macOS, effective December 15, 2025. After this date, users will be redirected to the Facebook website for messaging. Users will receive a 60-day notice before the apps are fully deprecated. During the transition, the apps will remain functional but access will be blocked after the deadline. Meta suggests uninstalling the applications once they are non-functional. Users can access Messenger through the Facebook desktop app or website, and chat functionality is available for Messenger-only accounts via the web version. Meta recommends enabling secure storage and a PIN to protect chat history. This decision is part of a broader strategy to shift towards web-based messaging, following the introduction of a Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Messenger in September 2024.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta is discontinuing Windows and Mac Messenger apps

Meta has announced the discontinuation of its Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac. Users will be notified upon logging in that the apps will become inoperable in 60 days, requiring them to transition to the Messenger feature on the Facebook website. Users are encouraged to delete the app after it is fully deprecated, as it will no longer be usable. Chat history can be saved if users enable secure storage. Users with a Messenger-only account will be redirected to Messenger.com.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta to shut down Messenger apps on Windows and Mac

Meta will phase out its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and Mac computers, with functionality expected to cease around December 15, 2025. After this date, users will be redirected to Messenger.com or Facebook.com. Users are advised to back up their messages and media, and utilize secure storage features for a smooth transition to web-based Messenger or mobile applications. In 2024, Meta launched a Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Messenger, which operates within a browser and offers similar functionalities to the desktop applications. The Messenger desktop app has also been removed from the Mac App Store. Meta is enhancing its Threads app with new features, including private messaging, to compete with other platforms. The company faces lawsuits related to youth mental health concerns and has faced backlash for using user AI chat data for ad personalization without an opt-out option.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Messenger App Is Out—And Your Chats Need a Safety Plan

Meta has confirmed the discontinuation of the Messenger desktop applications for Windows and macOS, effective December 15, 2025. After this date, users will no longer have access to the app or unsecured chats, and they are advised to uninstall the app. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website for messaging. Meta encourages a transition to the web or mobile versions of Messenger, and for Windows users, the standalone Facebook app is available as an alternative. To save conversations, users should enable secure storage and establish a PIN to archive or migrate chats to the web or mobile versions. The reasons for the shutdown have not been specified, but it may relate to a declining user base or limited development resources.