messenger applications 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

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 23, 2025

Meta Is Shutting Down Messenger Apps on Windows and macOS—Here’s When

Meta will phase out the standalone Messenger applications for Windows and macOS by December 2025. Mac users will have a 60-day grace period before the app becomes inaccessible, while Windows users will have access until December 14, 2025. Both applications have already been removed from the Microsoft Store and the Mac App Store. After the shutdown, Windows users can use the Facebook app or Messenger web version, while Mac users will need to use their browsers. Users can preserve their chat history by enabling secure storage and setting a PIN. Users without a Facebook account can access Messenger via messenger.com. Meta plans to replace the native WhatsApp Windows app with a web-based version in the future.

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 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 20, 2025

Meta to End Desktop Messenger Apps by December 2025

Meta Platforms Inc. will discontinue its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and macOS effective December 15, 2025, with the apps already removed from app stores. Users will be redirected to the web versions of Facebook and Messenger, although native app features will be lost. This shift is part of a broader strategy focusing on web-based access, potentially impacting businesses and remote workers who rely on desktop communication. Users are advised to back up chat histories and explore third-party alternatives before the deadline. The decision reflects Meta's strategic refocus towards mobile and web experiences, as well as emerging technologies.

AppWizard

October 19, 2025

Facebook is shutting down one of its popular messaging apps, but WhatsApp fans don’t need to panic

Meta will retire its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and Mac desktops on December 15, 2025. Users will still be able to access Messenger via web browsers at Facebook.com or Messenger.com. After receiving an in-app notification, users will have 60 days to continue using the desktop app before being blocked from it. Meta recommends users delete the app after this period. WhatsApp's desktop app will remain available. Users can preserve their chat history by enabling secure storage and setting up a PIN before transitioning to the web version. After the transition, conversations will remain accessible across all platforms. Users without a Facebook account will be directed to Messenger.com for messaging.

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.