Meta will discontinue its standalone Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac on December 15, 2025, transitioning users to the web-based platform for accessing Messenger. This move is part of Meta's ongoing strategy to consolidate its messaging services.
Transition to Web Platform
After the December deadline, users attempting to log into the desktop apps will be directed to Facebook's website to continue using Messenger. To ease the transition, Meta plans to notify users via in-app alerts and recommends preparing by enabling secure storage and setting up a PIN for chat history preservation.
Windows users can shift to the official Facebook desktop app, while both Mac and Windows users can access their messages through the web-based interface. Synchronization of messages across devices will happen after switching to the web version.
Background and Implications
The discontinuation follows Meta's earlier replacement of native desktop apps with a Progressive Web App (PWA) in September 2024. The decision might dishearten users who favor standalone apps for their convenience. Meta's move aims to streamline messaging services while maintaining data security and accessibility through web access.
- Meta will stop supporting Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac on 2025-12-15.
- Users must switch to the Messenger web version post-deprecation.
- Meta advises enabling secure storage for chat history before transition.
- The change follows the September 2024 shift to a Progressive Web App.
- Messenger users will receive notifications prior to the change.
