Meta will officially discontinue its stand-alone Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac on 2024-12-15. After this date, users attempting to log into Messenger on a computer will be redirected to the Facebook website to access Messenger in-browser.
Transition to Web-Based Messaging
The discontinuation of the desktop apps means users need to shift to using Messenger via the web. Meta has been notifying users in-app about this change and encouraging them to delete the native app icons before they become obsolete. Users have 60 days from the announcement to continue using the app, particularly on Mac, before it becomes fully deprecated.
The stand-alone apps are being replaced by a Progressive Web App (PWA), which Meta implemented in September 2024. However, the PWA has been noted for being unreliable. Meta hasn't provided a direct reason for the shutdown, but it reflects the trend of users messaging more frequently from phones or browsers, reducing the need to maintain separate desktop applications.
Preserving Chat History
Meta advised users to enable secure storage and set up a PIN to ensure chat history is preserved during the transition to the web version of Messenger. Messages are expected to carry over to Facebook.com unaffected.
For users desiring a more native desktop experience, alternatives include using the Facebook desktop app, which functions similarly to the website in a new window, or exploring third-party wrapper projects. Some may prefer switching to other messaging platforms altogether for a more integrated experience.
