Meta to End Support for Messenger Desktop Apps
Meta has announced the discontinuation of its standalone Messenger apps for macOS and Windows, with the full deprecation date set for December 15, 2025. After this deadline, users will be unable to log into the apps and will be redirected to Facebook.com or Messenger.com to continue messaging. The change was confirmed through updated Help Center pages and subsequent statements to the media. An in-app notification will alert users once the deprecation begins, after which there will be a 60-day grace period before permanent lockout from the desktop applications.
What This Means for Users
Beginning now, Messenger desktop users are being prompted to transition to web-based access. Meta has not released a dedicated replacement app; instead, users can continue messaging by visiting Messenger.com or Facebook.com. For Windows users, the Facebook desktop app remains available but does not include a dedicated Messenger interface. This marks a continued shift toward browser-based experiences and a consolidation of services under Meta’s umbrella.
Why Meta Is Making the Change
Messenger began as a lightweight desktop experience, but in recent years Meta has deprioritized desktop-native apps in favor of integrated, web-driven solutions. A 2024 shift to a Progressive Web App (PWA) on macOS signaled the direction, drawing mixed reactions over performance and reliability. The company’s broader strategy appears to emphasize cross-platform accessibility through web browsers rather than standalone desktop software.
Steps to Prepare
To minimize disruption, Meta encourages users to begin preserving important conversations and plan the migration to web-based messaging. The company advises enabling Secure Storage to back up end-to-end encrypted chats and preserving chat histories as users transition to Messenger.com or Facebook.com.
How to Enable Secure Storage
From the Messenger desktop app, go to Settings > Privacy & Safety > End-to-End Encrypted Chats > Message Storage and ensure that “Secure Storage” is active. You may also be prompted to create a PIN to protect restored chats after migration. This precaution helps retain access to conversations even after the desktop apps are retired.
Accounts Linked to Facebook vs. Standalone Messenger
Users who do not log in with a Facebook account will still be able to use Messenger via Messenger.com, ensuring continuity for standalone messaging profiles not tied to a Facebook login. The transition maintains access to core messaging features, albeit through a web interface rather than a native app.
What Remains Then?
Mobile Messenger apps for iOS and Android remain unaffected and will continue to provide full functionality. Meta’s move aligns with a broader trend toward unified, web-first experiences, while still supporting the company’s core mobile messaging ecosystem.
Implications for the User Experience
For users who prefer a native desktop experience, the shutdown may be disappointing. However, the newer path to web-based Messenger can offer consistent features across devices without the overhead of separate desktop clients. As the December 15 deadline approaches, users should expect periodic reminders and, eventually, a redirection process that will require little more than a browser to stay connected.
