Meta Confirms Facebook Messenger Shutdown on Desktop Platforms

Meta is officially discontinuing its standalone Facebook Messenger app for Windows and macOS. The shutdown is scheduled for December 15. This move ends nearly a decade of the app’s availability on desktop computers.

Users will be directed to access Messenger through a web browser instead. According to Reuters, the company has begun notifying users of the impending change.

Details of the Messenger Desktop App Discontinuation

The native desktop applications will cease to function after the mid-December deadline. The mobile versions of Messenger remain fully operational. They are unaffected by this decision.

Meta has not publicly explained the reasoning behind this shutdown. Industry analysts suggest low user adoption of the desktop app is a likely factor. Maintaining separate codebases for multiple platforms requires significant resources.

The Facebook app for Windows will continue to be supported. It still allows access to Messenger features. However, this is not a native desktop application.

User Impact and Meta’s Shifting Messaging Strategy

This decision reflects a broader consolidation of Meta’s messaging services. The company has been pushing users towards its web platforms for some time. This reduces development overhead.

Users with important conversations should ensure they have backups enabled. The process for downloading chat histories remains available through Facebook’s settings. No data will be lost due to the app’s retirement.

Messenger’s journey has seen several strategic pivots. It was separated from the main Facebook app in 2014. More recent attempts to merge it with Instagram messaging were abandoned after user feedback.

The Facebook Messenger shutdown on desktop marks a significant shift in how users will access the platform. This change streamlines Meta’s development focus while pushing users towards browser-based and mobile experiences. The transition is expected to be seamless for the vast majority of users.

Info at your fingertips

When exactly will the Messenger desktop app stop working?

The app will be fully discontinued on December 15. After this date, it will no longer connect to Messenger services. You must switch to the web or mobile version.

Will I lose my chat history when the app shuts down?

No, your message history is stored on Meta’s servers, not locally on the app. You can access all your past conversations by logging into Messenger on the web or your mobile device.

What is the best alternative for desktop messaging now?

Meta recommends using the Messenger website through any modern web browser. The experience is very similar to the standalone app. All core features like video calls and file sharing are supported.

Is the mobile Messenger app also being shut down?

No, the mobile application for smartphones and tablets is completely unaffected. This change only impacts the native desktop applications for Windows and macOS operating systems.

Why is Meta making this change now?

The company has not given an official reason. It is likely due to cost-saving and a desire to consolidate development efforts on the web and mobile platforms, which have a much larger user base.