Meta is officially bidding farewell to its standalone Messenger desktop applications for both Windows and macOS, marking a significant shift in its platform strategy. This move, which culminates in full deprecation by December 2025, signals Meta’s broader push to streamline its offerings and centralize its desktop chat experience within the main Facebook app or the dedicated web version, messenger.com.
The phase-out is already underway, with the apps being removed from the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store. Users on macOS have a slightly longer grace period, with a 60-day window to continue using the app before access is completely blocked. However, the timeline is more immediate for Windows users, who are being informed that the app will no longer function starting December 14.
This change means users must adjust their chatting habits. Windows users will need to transition to using the Messenger feature directly within the main Facebook application or switch to the web version. macOS users will be more restricted, relying solely on access to Messenger through their web browser. This strategy mirrors a similar streamlining effort, as Meta also plans to replace the native WhatsApp Windows app with a web-based version, as reported by The Verge, indicating a clear direction toward web-centric desktop services.
A crucial concern for users is the preservation of their chat history. Meta has addressed this by confirming that messages will remain accessible, provided users take a key preparatory step: enabling secure storage and setting up a PIN before migrating to the web version. This essential configuration ensures that all messages are properly synced and encrypted across platforms. Users can verify these settings by navigating to Privacy & Safety > End-to-end encrypted chats > Message storage within the app.
The change also accommodates those who use Messenger without a traditional Facebook account. These users will simply be redirected to messenger.com, where they can continue to log in and communicate as before, without the requirement of creating a Facebook profile.
In essence, Meta is trading native desktop convenience for a more unified and presumably easier-to-maintain web experience. While it eliminates a dedicated app, the company’s focus is clearly on integrating its communication tools more seamlessly across its ecosystem, pushing users towards its primary platforms and the universal accessibility of the web. This strategic consolidation aims to create a leaner, more consistent user journey across its family of products.