Meta has announced the shutdown of its Messenger desktop app for macOS and Windows, effective 2023-12-15. Users will be encouraged to utilize the browser and mobile versions following the shutdown.
Changes and Timelines
Meta plans to stop support for the Messenger desktop app, notifying users when the deprecation begins. Users will have a 60-day grace period to continue using it before being redirected to the Facebook or Messenger websites.
- Meta will shut down Messenger desktop app on 2023-12-15.
- Users will receive notifications about the app's deprecation.
- Meta removed the desktop app download; mobile versions remain available.
Security and Alternative Options
The company has suggested that users delete the desktop app to avoid security risks and has provided steps to store chats securely. These steps include navigating to 'Privacy and safety', selecting 'End-to-end encrypted chats', then 'Message storage', and enabling 'Turn on secure storage'.
Meta has not provided specific reasons for this decision, but emphasizes the continued availability and functionality of browser and mobile versions of Messenger.
