Meta has announced its decision to sunset the dedicated Messenger desktop applications for both Mac and Windows operating systems. The standalone apps are slated for official discontinuation on December 15, 2025, marking a significant shift in how users will access the popular messaging service from their computers.
The move, confirmed by Meta, is part of a broader effort to streamline its product offerings and consolidate user experiences onto web-based platforms. While many users have grown accustomed to the convenience of a dedicated desktop application, Meta is now encouraging a transition to accessing Messenger through its official websites.
Starting soon, users of the Messenger desktop apps will begin receiving in-app notifications regarding the impending shutdown. This notification will initiate a 60-day window during which the app will remain functional before users are fully blocked from accessing it.
Following the discontinuation, users will be directed to utilize Messenger via the Facebook website (Facebook.com) or the dedicated Messenger.com platform for those who prefer to use the service without a full Facebook account. Windows users will also have the option to use the separate Facebook desktop application, which includes Messenger functionality.
A key concern for many users is the preservation of their chat history. Meta is proactively advising all desktop app users to enable Secure Storage and set up a PIN within the application before the December 15, 2025 cutoff date. This crucial step will ensure that their chat history is securely saved and can be accessed seamlessly through the web versions of Messenger.
This strategic shift by Meta underscores a growing trend in the tech industry to prioritize web and mobile interfaces, potentially reducing maintenance overheads for multiple native desktop applications. While some users may find the transition an adjustment, Meta aims to ensure a smooth migration with ample notice and clear instructions for maintaining access to their communications.
Users are encouraged to look out for the in-app notifications and follow Meta’s guidance to prepare for the change.
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