Meta Platforms has officially announced that it will discontinue its standalone Messenger desktop applications for macOS and Windows by December 15, 2025. After this date, users will no longer be able to access their messages through the desktop apps, marking the end of Meta’s native messaging clients for computers.
According to reports from TechCrunch and AppleInsider, users who attempt to open the Messenger desktop apps after the deadline will be redirected to either Messenger.com or the Facebook website to continue their conversations. Meta confirmed that this move is part of its ongoing effort to streamline services and focus on web and mobile platforms, where the majority of its users are active.
For Mac users, the Messenger app has already been removed from the App Store, while Windows users will lose access once the shutdown takes effect. A 60-day notice period has been implemented for existing users, during which in-app notifications will appear before the apps become fully inactive. Meta also advised users to enable “secure storage” and set up a PIN within the current app to preserve their chat history before the shutdown.
The company did not provide a specific reason for discontinuing the apps, but industry observers point to low usage rates and the challenges of maintaining separate native applications for different operating systems. Many tech analysts suggest that Meta’s decision aligns with its broader push toward simplifying product maintenance and focusing on platforms that generate the most engagement.
The removal of the desktop versions has sparked mixed reactions among users. Some expressed frustration, saying that the desktop app provided a convenient way to message without opening Facebook. Others, however, noted that the browser-based version offers nearly identical functionality and may be a more efficient alternative.
Despite the shutdown, Messenger will remain fully accessible on iOS, Android, and web browsers, ensuring that communication remains uninterrupted for the platform’s billions of users. The change also reflects Meta’s growing emphasis on integrating its messaging ecosystem, potentially paving the way for a more unified experience across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Meta’s decision to retire the desktop apps highlights how tech companies continue to adapt to evolving user behaviors and the shift toward mobile and cloud-based communication tools. As more people rely on web browsers and mobile devices for daily interactions, the need for standalone desktop messaging apps continues to decline.
