Meta is shutting down its standalone Messenger desktop app for Windows and macOS on 2025-12-15. This decision will affect users who rely on the standalone application for messaging.
Transition to Web and Mobile
With the discontinuation, users are encouraged to transition to the web or mobile versions of Messenger. Alternatively, they may use the standalone Facebook app, available on Windows, which integrates messaging features.
- The desktop app will cease functioning after 2025-12-15.
- Meta advises deleting the desktop app once it is non-functional.
- Users can preserve chats by enabling secure storage and setting a PIN in the Privacy & Safety settings.
Ensuring Data Security
To safeguard conversations, Meta recommends enabling secure storage by navigating to the Privacy & Safety section and setting up a PIN under End-to-End Encryption. This will allow users to access archived chats from the web or mobile platforms post-shutdown.
Rationale Behind the Closure
Meta has not provided an official reason for the shutdown. However, it seemingly aligns with a declining desktop user base and a strategic shift toward web-based platforms. The move follows a similar transition to a web-based version for Windows Messenger last year.
