Meta Officially Discontinues Messenger Desktop App on Mac and Windows
Meta has officially discontinued the Facebook Messenger desktop application on both Mac and Windows as of December 15, 2025, ending support for the native desktop experience. Existing users can no longer access Messenger as a standalone app and are now being redirected to use Messenger through Facebook’s web platform, signaling a clear shift in Meta’s long-term product strategy.
The Messenger desktop app originally launched during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote communication surged worldwide. However, the app struggled to compete with enterprise-focused platforms such as Zoom, especially in areas like participant capacity, screen sharing, and meeting link management. As work patterns normalized and competition intensified, Messenger’s role as a standalone desktop communication tool gradually diminished.
Signs of Messenger Desktop’s decline became more evident in 2023, when Meta began reintegrating Messenger directly into the main Facebook mobile app. By October 2025, Meta confirmed plans to fully discontinue the desktop app before the end of the year, choosing instead to prioritize its core platforms and web-based services.
From a technical perspective, Meta had already scaled back its commitment to native desktop development. The Mac version of Messenger was rebuilt using Apple’s Catalyst framework, allowing an iPad app to run on macOS, but it received criticism for lacking a true native experience. Meanwhile, the Windows version was downgraded to a Progressive Web App (PWA) last year, further signaling reduced investment in standalone desktop functionality.
Meta stated that the decision aligns with its broader strategy to centralize user engagement on Facebook’s main platform and web ecosystem, which is easier to maintain and update. Users who previously relied on Messenger Desktop were advised to set up a PIN to preserve their chat history before transitioning to web access.
Going forward, Messenger users will need to access the service via Facebook.com or Messenger.com for those without a Facebook account. Meta has published platform-specific transition guides in its Help Center to assist Mac and Windows users during the shift and ensure continued access to their conversations.
Origin: Techcrunch
