Meta Reports Desktop Messenger App Shutdown: Meta Platforms has announced that its independent Messenger apps on Windows and macOS will shut down later in the year. The apps have already been pulled from the Windows and Mac app stores, and users will be notified through in-app notices before full blocking, according to the company.

Cut-Off Date Set for Desktop App Access

Based on the company’s schedule, Windows users will no longer be able to use the Messenger desktop app on December 14, 2025, while Mac users will receive a 60-day grace period before complete deprecation. Once those dates arrive, the apps will no longer allow login and will redirect users to the web version.

What Happens to Your Chats and Continuity

Meta indicates that message and chat history will still be available through the browser-based client (Messenger.com) or through the desktop Facebook app, for those who continue to use Messenger. Users are encouraged to turn on “Secure Storage” in app settings in order to maintain encrypted chats across devices.

Why Meta Is Phasing Out Desktop Versions

Though Meta did not give a complete rationale, industry insiders attribute the move to poor user interaction with natively developed desktop applications, coupled with the cost of maintaining the work of developing and keeping multiple platform-specific clients. The changeover rides in tandem with an overarching trend toward web-based applications.

How Users Should Prepare for The Changeover

If you already have Messenger installed on Windows or Mac, now is the right time to shift your workflow. Make sure you:

• Log in to the web version to check for access to chats.
• Export or archive critical chats or media if necessary.
• Update browser preferences (notifications, running in the background) to mimic app-like behavior.
  These steps before the shutdown date will ensure that there is no disruption in your messaging experience.

Impact On Desktop Messaging and Alternatives

With native Messenger apps eliminated, desktop messaging fans might have to adapt. There’s a renewed focus on alternative platforms that provide desktop clients (e.g., Telegram, Signal) or on just using the web-based version of Messenger. The shift also indicates how big tech companies are doubling down on browser-first solutions versus numerous native clients. Windows Central

The shuttering of Messenger’s desktop apps signals a significant shift in how Meta delivers its messaging services. For desktop users, the change is more than an update—it’s a transition away from dedicated software toward browser-based communication. If you’re a Windows or Mac user of Messenger, now is the moment to adapt and ensure your chats don’t disappear when the app turns off.

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News Source: PCmag.com