Facebook Messenger Archives

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

Facebook Messenger’s Desktop App Is Officially Dead

As of December 15, 2025, Meta has retired its native Messenger applications for Mac and Windows, directing users to the Facebook website for conversations. The desktop app was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic but struggled to compete with platforms like Zoom. In 2023, Meta began integrating Messenger into the main Facebook app, indicating a decline in the app's standalone importance. The desktop version faced criticism for its technical evolution and was downgraded to a progressive web app on Windows. Users were advised to set up a PIN to preserve chat history before the transition, with Facebook account holders directed to Facebook.com and non-Facebook users to Messenger.com.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

What replaced secret conversations? Is Messenger encrypted?

Facebook Messenger has discontinued its “secret conversations” feature as part of its transition to default end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for eligible one-on-one chats. E2EE now protects personal messages and media shared within those conversations, including audio and video calls, while standard encryption is still used for business chats, Marketplace messages, and community chats. E2EE on Messenger utilizes the Signal Protocol for message encryption and the Labyrinth Protocol for encrypting messaging history across devices. Users can verify E2EE status by checking chat settings and can manage their E2EE conversations through the app's privacy settings. Disappearing messages remain available, and while Messenger shares E2EE features with WhatsApp and Signal, it currently applies this encryption solely to personal, one-on-one chats.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Meta removes Facebook Messenger app for Windows and Mac

Meta has ceased support for the Facebook Messenger desktop application for macOS and Windows, redirecting users to the web-based service at Messenger.com. The desktop version was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic but struggled against competitors like Zoom due to limitations such as participant caps and lack of screen-sharing. Signs of its closure appeared in 2023 with increased integration into the main Facebook app and changes to its technological foundation. By 2024, the Windows version had become a web application. Meta warned users to back up their chat histories, and those without a Facebook account can still access Messenger through Messenger.com.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Facebook Messenger is no longer available as a desktop app

Facebook Messenger's desktop versions for Mac and Windows have officially ceased operations. Users attempting to access the app will be redirected to the Facebook website or the Facebook desktop app, depending on their operating system. Mac users will be directed to the Facebook website, while Windows users will be directed to the Facebook desktop app, where they can continue their conversations with the same features. Messenger users without a Facebook account will be redirected to Messenger.com to log in. Concerns about chat history are addressed, with Meta stating that chat history can be saved if users took the necessary steps to ensure secure storage was enabled before the cutoff.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Messenger Desktop App on Windows and macOS

As of December 15, 2025, Meta has ceased operations of the Facebook Messenger desktop client for Windows and macOS. Users are redirected to Facebook.com or Messenger.com based on their account type. The shutdown follows a decline that began in 2023 when Meta started reintegrating Messenger into the main Facebook app, which led to a deterioration of the desktop experience. The app transitioned to less effective platforms, and key functionalities such as screen sharing and support for large video calls were lacking, making it less competitive against platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Users are advised to activate Secure Storage on the web version to preserve end-to-end encryption keys and avoid losing encrypted chat histories stored on the desktop application.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

You can’t use Facebook Messenger’s desktop app anymore

Meta has officially discontinued the Facebook Messenger desktop application for Mac and Windows. Users are encouraged to transition to the web-based Messenger.com and the main Facebook website. Notifications will inform users of the app's shutdown, providing a 60-day window before access is blocked. The Messenger app for Mac is being deprecated due to its inability to compete with business-oriented alternatives like Zoom and its lack of essential features such as screen sharing. Meta's focus is shifting towards merging Messenger functionalities back into the Facebook app. Despite the app's discontinuation, core features like encrypted messaging and media sharing will continue to be available on the web version.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Facebook Messenger Desktop App Ends – Innovation Village | Technology, Product Reviews, Business

Meta is discontinuing the Facebook Messenger desktop application for Mac and Windows, effective December 15, 2025. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website or Messenger.com for messaging. The desktop app, launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, struggled against competitors like Zoom due to a lack of essential features. In 2023, Meta began reintegrating Messenger into the primary Facebook application. The Mac version used Catalyst, which faced criticism for not providing a native experience, while the Windows version transitioned to a progressive web app. Meta recommends users establish a PIN to safeguard their chat history and offers transition guidance for both operating systems.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Meta shutting down Facebook Messenger app on these devices today

Meta will discontinue the Messenger app for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac starting Monday, December 15. Users will be redirected to the Facebook desktop app or the Messenger website for messaging. Chat history will be preserved if 'secure storage' is activated, and users are advised to enable it and set up a PIN before transitioning to the web version.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Why Facebook Messenger says “this chat is no longer active”

A recent update to Facebook Messenger has caused users to lose access to long-standing conversations, displaying a warning that states, “This chat is no longer active,” and redirecting them to a different encrypted thread. Users have reported that they can still view past messages but cannot reply, react, or forward content, effectively turning conversations into archives. This change is part of Meta's initiative to make end-to-end encryption the default for Messenger, which was announced in 2023. When two chats exist with the same contact—one regular and one encrypted—users must choose which chat remains active, archiving the other. Users have expressed confusion and concern over this abrupt transition, despite the privacy benefits of default encryption.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Signal’s president warns AI agents are an existential threat to secure messaging apps

Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, expresses strong concerns about the rise of AI agents, describing them as an “existential threat” to secure messaging platforms and app developers. AI agents require access to sensitive information, creating new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Whittaker points out the risk of prompt injection attacks, which can manipulate AI to execute harmful actions, leading to data breaches. She argues that unrestricted access to user communications by AI agents poses a significant risk to privacy and security, undermining the foundational security of the internet. Whittaker criticizes the reckless implementation of AI by Big Tech companies, suggesting it compromises cybersecurity in favor of rapid deployment and financial pressures.