Meta To Shut Down Messenger Desktop Apps For Mac And Windows
Meta has officially announced that it will shut down Messenger desktop apps for Mac and Windows on December 15, 2025. The company confirmed the news, signaling the end of the standalone Messenger experience for desktop users.
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Starting December 15, users won’t be able to log into the Messenger desktop apps. Instead, they’ll be automatically redirected to Facebook.com to continue chatting.
Users Will Be Redirected To Facebook.com
Meta is already alerting users through in-app notifications. “You’ll have 60 days to use the Mac Messenger app before it is fully deprecated,” a Messenger help page explains. Once that grace period ends, users will be blocked from accessing the app. Meta also recommends deleting the old desktop app since it will no longer function.
The move was first spotted by AppleInsider, and Meta has since confirmed it’s part of a broader shift toward web-based and integrated experiences across its platforms.
Why Meta Is Ending Desktop Messenger Apps
The decision to shut down Messenger desktop apps for Mac and Windows aligns with Meta’s ongoing strategy to streamline its ecosystem. Instead of maintaining multiple standalone applications, the company is focusing on improving its web-based version of Messenger and integrating features directly into Facebook’s main platform.
This change also comes after Meta transitioned the native Messenger app into a Progressive Web App (PWA) in September 2024, allowing users to access Messenger via browsers with app-like performance.
What Users Should Do Before The Shutdown
Meta is advising users to activate secure storage and set up a PIN before the shutdown to preserve chat history. Here’s how:
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Open Messenger on desktop.
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Click the Settings icon above your profile picture.
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Go to Privacy & safety > End-to-end encrypted chats.
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Select Message storage, then toggle “Turn on secure storage.”
Once users move to Facebook.com, their chat history will automatically sync across devices, ensuring a smooth transition.
What This Means For Messenger Users
For many, this marks the end of an era. The Messenger desktop apps provided quick access and convenience for professionals and multitaskers. However, with Meta doubling down on web and mobile optimization, it’s clear the company wants a more unified and secure messaging experience.
Windows users can continue chatting via the Facebook desktop app, while both Mac and Windows users can seamlessly use Messenger’s web version.
The Bigger Picture For Meta
Meta’s decision to shut down Messenger desktop apps for Mac and Windows reflects a wider industry trend: simplifying platforms and reducing redundant software. As Meta continues to enhance cross-platform integration, users can expect a faster, more cohesive Messenger experience tied closely to their Facebook accounts.
While some desktop loyalists may be disappointed, this move is part of Meta’s broader effort to modernize and streamline its product lineup.
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