Meta Decides to Deprecate Messenger Desktop Apps
Meta has announced the discontinuation of its standalone Messenger apps for macOS and Windows, with a full deprecation date set for December 15, 2025. After that date, users will no longer be able to log into the desktop applications and will be redirected to web-based messaging experiences on Messenger.com or Facebook.com. The move signals Meta’s continuing shift toward consolidated, browser-first access across its messaging ecosystem.
How the Transition Will Unfold
According to updates in the Facebook Help Center and statements given to the media, the shutdown will be gradual. Messenger desktop users will receive an in-app notification once the deprecation process begins. From that moment, a 60-day window will allow continued access before permanent lockout from the native apps occurs. Meta aims to give users time to adapt by encouraging them to utilize web-based messaging portals.
There is no official direct replacement announced for the native desktop clients. Instead, Meta points users toward Messenger on the web, accessible via Facebook.com or Messenger.com. For Windows users, the Facebook desktop app remains available but does not include a dedicated Messenger interface, meaning users have to switch between apps or use a browser-based Messenger session.
Why Meta Is Making the Change
Messenger began as a standalone desktop app to offer a lighter, chat-focused experience compared with the full Facebook experience. Over time, Meta has deprioritized the desktop variant in favor of unified, web-first and mobile-centric approaches. The September 2024 shift to a Progressive Web App (PWA) on Mac signaled the broader transition away from native desktop apps, and many users reported performance and reliability concerns with the newer PWA version. The current deprecation is consistent with Meta’s broader strategy to consolidate services and emphasize web-based delivery across platforms.
Preparing for the Shutdown
Meta recommends Messenger users back up important conversations before December 15, 2025. One key safety feature, Secure Storage, safeguards end-to-end encrypted chats and must be enabled from within the app’s settings (Settings > Privacy & Safety > End-to-End Encrypted Chats > Message Storage). Users will also be prompted to create a PIN to secure and preserve chat histories when migrating to web platforms. Anyone using Messenger without a linked Facebook account will still be able to log in via Messenger.com, ensuring that standalone messaging accounts retain access to the service.
Impact on the Messenger Experience
While the desktop experience is being retired, Meta’s mobile Messenger apps for iOS and Android remain unaffected and will continue to function normally. The shift away from native desktop apps may be inconvenient for users who rely on a lightweight, desktop-first workflow, but it aligns with Meta’s goal of reducing fragmentation and delivering a cohesive experience across devices through the web. For those who prefer a desktop-like feel, a web-based Messenger session through Messenger.com offers a familiar chat interface without the need for a separate app.
What This Means for Users
In practical terms, users should plan to rely on Messenger.com or Facebook.com for continued messaging after December 15, 2025. Backups and secure storage settings should be configured now to ensure chat histories remain accessible once the desktop apps are retired. Meta’s decision highlights the ongoing shift toward browser-based, cross-platform experiences and marks another step in unifying its messaging services across platforms.
