Meta is phasing out its standalone Messenger desktop applications for macOS and Windows, transitioning fully to web and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). This change will take effect within a 60-day period after users receive an in-app notification.
Transition Details
Once the transition begins, users will no longer be able to install the desktop app. Existing applications will become unusable after the 60-day window, and any attempt to open the app will redirect users to the Facebook or Messenger web interface. Users must enable secure storage and set a PIN to preserve their local chat histories before the deadline.
Impacts on Desktop Users
The elimination of native desktop apps will affect functionality such as persistent notifications, multi-window layouts, and offline capabilities. Users must adapt to increased distractions from browser tabs and feeds during their interactions on Messenger. Students, remote workers, and power users relying on desktop environments are the most impacted by this shift.
Industry Context
This move aligns with a broader industry trend towards web-based solutions. Competing services like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram have embraced web-first models, whereas Slack and Microsoft Teams maintain native desktop clients with deeper system integration. For Indian users especially, this shift underscores the balance between data usage and device compatibility.
