Meta is set to discontinue its Messenger app for macOS and Windows on December 15, 2023. After this date, users will need to rely on the Facebook app on Windows or the Messenger and Facebook websites for desktop communication.
Shutdown Details
The shutdown of Messenger's desktop versions follows an email confirmation sent by Meta to Engadget. Users will receive notifications before December 15, when access to desktop apps will be fully blocked. Meta hasn't offered a detailed explanation for this decision, but it aligns with a broader trend favoring mobile and web-based platforms.
Preservation of Chats
To ensure that chats are preserved, users should enable secure storage by following these steps: click the gear icon near your profile picture, navigate to Privacy & Safety, then select End-to-end encrypted chats > Message storage, and toggle on 'Turn on secure storage'. A PIN is also required for added security.
Background and Context
Meta initially separated Messenger from its primary platform in 2014 to deliver a more focused messaging service. Despite later attempts to integrate its communication services, this strategy was abandoned in 2023. The current shutdown may indicate a shift to streamline user experience across fewer platforms.
