Progressive Web App 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 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

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

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 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 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 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

Meta Messenger desktop apps reach end of life in December

Meta is discontinuing its standalone Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac, with the shutdown scheduled for December 15. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website to access Messenger after this date. In-app notifications will inform users about the transition, and Mac users will have a 60-day grace period to continue using the app post-notification. Meta encourages users to delete the application, as it will no longer be usable after the grace period. For Windows users, the Facebook desktop application is recommended as a substitute, and both platforms can use the web interface on Facebook. To preserve chat history, Meta advises users to enable secure storage and set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta Shutting Down Messenger Desktop Apps—What’s Next?

Meta will close its stand-alone Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac on December 15. After this date, users will be redirected to the Facebook website to continue conversations. Users are being notified through in-app alerts and have 60 days to use the Mac Messenger app before it is fully deprecated. The decision to phase out the desktop apps is part of a shift to a Progressive Web App (PWA) model, as most users have migrated to mobile devices or web browsers for messaging. Meta has not provided a specific reason for this decision. Users can still access Messenger through the Facebook desktop app or Messenger.com and are advised to activate secure storage and set up a PIN for chat history before transitioning. Alternatives like Caprine, Signal, Telegram, or Discord are also available for those seeking a desktop messaging experience.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Messenger Desktop Apps for Mac and Windows

Meta is discontinuing its standalone Messenger desktop applications for Mac and Windows, effective December 15. Mac users will have a 60-day grace period to use the app before it becomes inoperative, after which they are encouraged to uninstall it. Following the shutdown, users will be redirected to Facebook.com for messaging. Windows users can still use the Facebook desktop app, while Mac users will need to rely on the web version of Messenger. This change follows Meta's earlier decision to transition to a Progressive Web App in September 2024.