Meta has officially deprecated the Messenger desktop app for both Mac and Windows, redirecting users to alternative platforms. This change occurred today, marking a shift for users who relied on the app for messaging on macOS and Windows.
Redirects and Alternatives
Users attempting to log into Messenger on desktop will be redirected to the Facebook website on macOS or the Facebook desktop app on Windows. Meta advises that users accustomed to Messenger without a Facebook account can still access messaging through web login without creating an account. This redirection maintains all chat functionalities, including desktop calling features.
Chat History and Secure Storage
Meta has provided guidance on preserving chat history. Users with secure storage enabled will retain their conversation records seamlessly. Users who have not activated secure storage are advised to save their chat history manually before transitioning. To check secure storage, users can click above their profile photo, proceed to Privacy & safety, select End-to-end encrypted chats, navigate to Message storage, and ensure 'Turn on secure storage' is active.
Implications for Users
The retirement of the Messenger desktop app pressures users to adapt to the web-based platform or explore alternative messaging tools. This change signifies a modest yet impactful shift in Meta's strategy, likely aiming to consolidate its services under the main Facebook app ecosystem.
