Mark your calendars, folks! Meta’s pulling the plug on its standalone Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac on December 15. After that date, trying to log in on your computer will redirect you to the Facebook website, where you’ll chat in-browser, whether you’re ready or not.
Meta’s not leaving you in the dark, though. They’re sending in-app notifications to warn users. “You’ve got 60 days to use the Mac Messenger app before it’s fully deprecated,” says the official help page, encouraging users to delete the app before it turns into a useless icon on your dock or taskbar.
This move was spotted by AppleInsider back in September 2024 when Meta swapped the native app for a Progressive Web App (PWA). That switch didn’t go down too well, and now it seems like the final nail in the coffin for Messenger as a true desktop application.
So, why’s Meta doing this? Well, most users are already messaging from their phones or browsers, so maintaining separate desktop apps just isn’t a priority. But don’t worry, Meta’s given some final tips: activate secure storage and set up a PIN to preserve your chat history before switching to the web version.
If you’re not ready to let go of the desktop experience, here are your options:
– Windows users can try the Facebook desktop app, which is essentially the website in a new window.
– Both Mac and Windows users can head to Messenger.com.
– For a real app feel, check out independent projects like Caprine.
– Or, consider jumping to alternative messaging platforms like Signal, Telegram, or Discord for a more native experience.
The bottom line? Meta’s pushing everyone to the web, so if you’ve been holding onto the Messenger desktop apps, it’s time to start preparing for the switch.
