Meta to End Support for Messenger Desktop Apps on December 15, 2025
Meta has confirmed it will discontinue its standalone Messenger desktop applications for both Windows and Mac platforms effective December 15, 2025. Following this date, users will no longer be able to log into these apps and will be automatically redirected to the Facebook website to access Messenger services. An official Messenger help page advises users that an in-app notification will signal the start of the deprecation process. Users will have a 60-day grace period to continue using the Mac Messenger app before it is fully disabled, after which access will be blocked and users are encouraged to uninstall the app.Transition Guidance and Alternatives for Users
To facilitate a smooth transition, Meta is notifying users in advance and recommending alternative options. Windows users can switch to the Facebook desktop app, while both Mac and Windows users have the option to access Messenger through their web browsers at Facebook.com. Meta strongly encourages users to activate the secure storage feature and establish a PIN to safeguard their chat histories prior to transitioning to the web-based platform. This ensures chat data remains accessible across all devices after migration.- Navigate to the settings icon above the profile picture.
- Select Privacy & safety > End-to-end encrypted chats.
- Click Message storage and confirm that Turn on secure storage is enabled.
Context: Shift to Progressive Web App and User Impact
This decision follows Meta’s transition in September 2024, when the company replaced the native Messenger app with a Progressive Web App (PWA). The current shutdown marks a further step in consolidating Messenger’s platform strategy toward web-based solutions. The discontinuation of the desktop apps may prompt dissatisfaction among dedicated users who preferred the standalone applications for their performance and convenience.About the Reporter
Aisha Malik is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch, with a background in telecommunications journalism. She holds an honours bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University. Contact: aisha@techcrunch.com or via Signal at aisha_malik.01.FinOracleAI — Market View
Meta’s decision to retire the Messenger desktop apps aligns with broader industry trends favoring web-based applications over native software, aiming to streamline user experience and reduce maintenance overhead.- Opportunities: Simplification of platform maintenance and faster feature rollouts through web technologies.
- Risks: Potential user dissatisfaction and churn among power users who prefer native app performance.
- Security: Encouragement to enable secure storage and PINs strengthens user data protection during transition.
- Market Impact: Could drive increased engagement on Facebook.com and the Facebook desktop app.
Impact: The shift to web-based Messenger access is a calculated move to optimize Meta’s messaging ecosystem, though it requires effective user communication to mitigate backlash from desktop app users.
