In a significant move, Meta Platforms Inc. has officially pulled the plug on its dedicated Facebook Messenger desktop applications for both Mac and Windows operating systems. The apps, which were launched during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, are now redirecting users to the Facebook website and Messenger.com for accessing the messaging service.
The Official Shutdown Timeline and User Guidance
The company had initially informed users about the impending shutdown in October this year. According to reports from AppleInsider, the process began in earnest from December 15. Users started receiving in-app notifications about the deprecation, granting them a 60-day window to transition before being completely blocked from using the apps.
Meta's support page clearly states, "The Messenger app for Mac is being deprecated. After deprecation, you won’t be able to log into this app and will be automatically redirected to use Facebook website for messaging." The tech giant is actively urging users to delete the desktop apps from their systems once they become unusable.
Why Did Meta Retire the Messenger Desktop App?
Several key factors contributed to the demise of the standalone desktop application. Primarily, the app lacked critical features that became standard in a remote-working world, such as robust screen-sharing capabilities and support for large video call groups. This limited its appeal against fiercely competitive, business-focused rivals like Zoom.
The strategic decision also aligns with Meta's broader product consolidation. The company had already begun merging Messenger back into the main Facebook app in 2023, signaling a reduced priority for standalone desktop experiences. On the technical front, the Mac version, built using Apple's Catalyst framework, faced developer criticism for requiring extra work and often resulting in apps that didn't feel fully native. For Windows, the app had already transitioned to a Progressive Web App (PWA) last year, which diminished the need for a dedicated desktop version.
Shifting to a Web-Based Future and User Transition
This discontinuation follows Meta's earlier shift to a Progressive Web App (PWA) model in September 2024, underscoring a company-wide pivot towards browser-based experiences. While Windows users retain the option of the Facebook desktop app, the primary access point for all users on both platforms is now Facebook.com.
To ensure a smooth transition, Meta has advised users to take specific steps to safeguard their chat history. These include activating secure storage for chats, setting up a PIN to protect encrypted messages, and confirming settings under Privacy and safety > End-to-End Encrypted Chats > Message Storage. Once enabled, chat history will remain accessible across different devices and platforms.
This move is likely to disappoint a segment of users who valued the convenience and dedicated interface of a native desktop app for multitasking and work communication. However, Meta assures that the web version will continue to support core functionalities like encrypted messaging and media sharing.
